Got a Nikon? Share your thoughts and photos here or ask a question! (II)

I got my SB600 today! Really happy about it, I will now venture into the world of flash photography

This was the first manual I ever actually read lol, because I had to figure out how to use it as a wireless slave.

Any Tips or pointers on flash photography? Thanks guys

nicksan wrote in post #11799060
Part of it arrived.
I have the 5DMKII, 24L MKII, Sigma 85, and 24-70L. Tomorrow I will receive the 135L, 70-200 f2.8 IS MKII, and the 2x TC MKIII. Wednesday will be the 1DMKIII, 16-35L MKII and 3 580EXII's. Not sure when the Sigma 50 is coming.

I also bought the Lensalign MKII system. Pretty useful I would say. Takes the guess work out of calibration and micro adjustment.

wow!!! looks like a gear reunion of some sort in your house

Clevereddie wrote in post #11799813
I got my SB600 today! Really happy about it, I will now venture into the world of flash photography

This was the first manual I ever actually read lol, because I had to figure out how to use it as a wireless slave.

Any Tips or pointers on flash photography? Thanks guys

Just some basics that I have learned:
1) Setup your exposure first then introduce your flash.
2) Use off camera when possible.
3) Bounce! Bounce! Bounce!

Nick, I agree that trying out a system is the only way to know which works and which doesn't. I miss the 5DMII's resolution and up to this point, nothing in Nikon can replace the 135L (in the same FL range) in terms of sharpness, AF speed & accuracy, rendition of color & bokeh and most importantly the value that goes with it!

That being said, I fell in love with the Nikon D700's overall features, and as I begin to explore further other than shooting portraits, I'm beginning to find out its the best tool for the job. The release of the 24G also made switching a whole lot easier since I absolutely love that FL.

eye2i wrote in post #11800793
Nick, I agree that trying out a system is the only way to know which works and which doesn't. I miss the 5DMII's resolution and up to this point, nothing in Nikon can replace the 135L (in the same FL range) in terms of sharpness, AF speed & accuracy, rendition of color & bokeh and most importantly the value that goes with it!

That being said, I fell in love with the Nikon D700's overall features, and as I begin to explore further other than shooting portraits, I'm beginning to find out its the best tool for the job. The release of the 24G also made switching a whole lot easier since I absolutely love that FL.

I am absolutely delighted to have the 135L back in my lineup. Really missed that lens.

I agree that the D700 is a far more substantial camera. After getting re-acquainted with the 5D2, I can definitely feel/see the differences. The 5D2 looks rather plain and the D700 is definitely built better. I was surprised. Of course going back to a 9 point AF system is rather jolting as well.

nicksan wrote in post #11800846
I am absolutely delighted to have the 135L back in my lineup. Really missed that lens.

I agree that the D700 is a far more substantial camera. After getting re-acquainted with the 5D2, I can definitely feel/see the differences. The 5D2 looks rather plain and the D700 is definitely built better. I was surprised. Of course going back to a 9 point AF system is rather jolting as well.

yeah... just use Manual Focus Nick, I think its quicker

nicksan wrote in post #11799060
I also bought the Lensalign MKII system. Pretty useful I would say. Takes the guess work out of calibration and micro adjustment.

Heck I woulda sold you mine, it hasn't been out of the box since I switched I don't think

nicksan wrote in post #11798659
Yes, you can call me by that name as well. Hardly a waste of time. I shot a whole season with it and had a great time!

The waste of time is all the swapping, not shooting with either system Boxing stuff up, printing labels, selling, buying, shipping, receiving. I'll never do it again.

But it is gearheadedness though isn't it? Truly? The difference is splitting hairs.

You had good pics before, you have good pics now, you will have good pics in the future. The system just doesn't matter, as long as it works as advertised

Mr. Clean wrote in post #11802825
The waste of time is all the swapping, not shooting with either system Boxing stuff up, printing labels, selling, buying, shipping, receiving. I'll never do it again.

But it is gearheadedness though isn't it? Truly? The difference is splitting hairs.

You had good pics before, you have good pics now, you will have good pics in the future. The system just doesn't matter, as long as it works as advertised

It's February in NYC so there's not much happening. I would never do this during the "shooting season". NEVER. But right now, it's a perfect time to do something like this. Whether it's a waste of time or not really depends on the individual. It took me about 2 days to ship everything out. I price my gear to sell so it was pretty painless. It's when you try to milk the last dollar from the the sale is when you spend a long time staring at your ad/auction/whatever. So no, bot a big deal at all.

Is it "gear-headed-ness"? That's mildly insulting for those who have switched. Maybe it was exactly that when you switched. I don't see that to be the case with me, but you guys can say whatever you want.

Yeah. I get that. Whether I use Nikon or canon, I can take "good pics". I don't think that's the point though. It's about consistency. It's about using the best tool for the job, or what you think is the best tool for the job. Of course a part of it is mental. If you think a piece of gear can do a better job, then that certainly helps. Whether that's reality or not is a different story.

I gave Nikon a try for almost a year. I went back to Canon. I don't have to justify that. I needed to find out and again, the best way to do so is to use the stuff. I did and now I am back where I started. I don't see anything wrong with that.

That said, you won't find me bashing Nikon gear. You know, the same way I really never bashed Canon gear. I already know I'll miss the high ISO noise handing of the D3s. That camera is amazing when it comes to that. No competition. Zero. I lose more than 2 stops going back to the 1DMKIII. Yet I am going back. I think that's telling...

Ah Nick don't get too defensive, I think people here are just poking at you. You're an awesome photographer, any system will work for you really. Pick up a Sony and you'll still produce good stuff.

I've always said that people should use whatever works best for them, and I'll always stand by that one!

yeah I agree with James

Thalagyrt wrote in post #11803175
Ah Nick don't get too defensive, I think people here are just poking at you. You're an awesome photographer, any system will work for you really. Pick up a Sony and you'll still produce good stuff.

I've always said that people should use whatever works best for them, and I'll always stand by that one!

that's how I feel as well....


but he's got to know he's gonna take some abuse. It's par for the course, especially when too many people would be thrilled to be in his place to have that option before them


Nick, I'm looking forward to your "switch to Leica" phase

It takes a lot to do what Nick did. Switching and switching again is admitting that something worked better than what you thought. Very few actually have what it takes to do that and speak about it. Its easier to say screw it im not switching back to where i was because its admitting i did a mistake and don't want to deal with the hassle. The hard part is actually going back on your decision. Props to you Nick for having what it takes to do that.

Nicksan, do you mind sharing when you are swithcing back? I have been a Canono user for years, and recently, I love Nikon's concept on their camera bodies. I really want to try the other side. But maybe before I do it, I want to see your thought. What makes you ditch the D3s/D700 if they are 2 stop better than 1DIII and more consistant AF ....

Thalagyrt wrote in post #11803175
Ah Nick don't get too defensive, I think people here are just poking at you. You're an awesome photographer, any system will work for you really. Pick up a Sony and you'll still produce good stuff.

I've always said that people should use whatever works best for them, and I'll always stand by that one!

Not getting defensive at all. Me, an awesome photographer? That's hardly the case, but I'll take any compliment I can get!

I knew there was going to be some backlash, but it's not like I switch gear with every change of the season. But even if I did, I guess it's my money, my choice. Ah well. Honestly, I had a blast shooting Nikon.

Permagrin wrote in post #11803237
that's how I feel as well....

but he's got to know he's gonna take some abuse. It's par for the course, especially when too many people would be thrilled to be in his place to have that option before them

Nick, I'm looking forward to your "switch to Leica" phase

Yeah, I know. I had it coming. I think you always kinda had a feeling I might switch back, especially when I was talking about the Canon primes before Nikon came out with the new G versions. I am happy to get the 135L into the lineup and overall this feels right.

vipergts831 wrote in post #11803258
It takes a lot to do what Nick did. Switching and switching again is admitting that something worked better than what you thought. Very few actually have what it takes to do that and speak about it. Its easier to say screw it im not switching back to where i was because its admitting i did a mistake and don't want to deal with the hassle. The hard part is actually going back on your decision. Props to you Nick for having what it takes to do that.

Thanks man. I'll admit I feel a little embarrassed. But I am comfortable in that I have never bashed either brand. I'm pretty sure I never came off as being a fanboy. I try to assess gear with a level head. I think each brand has a lot to offer so whether you use Nikon or Canon, it's all good. It's just the tiny nuances that sways me towards Canon. Of course it helps that Canon is all I shot before switching so I feel like I am coming home.

That said, you can bet your behind I'll be watching the Nikon Rumors for the D800, D4, etc. These are definitely exciting times for everybody!