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05/25/2007 01:34:19 AM · #1 |
Hi guys,
I bought a Nikon D40 a few months ago, and have been getting some good (and not-so-good) shots with it using the included 18-55mm lens. I have been having some problems getting good shots at night and in low-light (though the built-in sensor on my D40 seems to think that everywhere is low-light).
The first thing that everyone seems to ask me is whether or not I have a tripod (I do), but I often find that carrying around a tripod is just not practical. I've asked about whether I should buy another lens with a wider aperture, but people seem to pretty divided on this, and I personally just don't have the knowledge or experience to know whether this might help.
On the one hand, some people who I've talked to over on Flickr and in the real world think that a new lense might be the best option if I can't use a tripod. Others, though, feel that the lens I have is fine, and I just need to learn how to use it better. And as I said, the opinions are pretty evenly divided.
I've been looking at the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens (//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=293) as a possible supplement to the one I have now. I understand that it won't autofocus on my camera, but that's not such a big deal. It's also not very expensive (around $120), and if it helps my low-light photograhy, I'm willing to make the investment--especially considering I don't really have a lot of money to thow at a new lens, but this wouldn't break the bank.
I'd love to get some feedback, because I really don't know what to do. Thanks in advance, everyone--I really do appreciate it.
Daniel
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05/25/2007 01:43:39 AM · #2 |
| Could you let us know exactly which lens you are currently working with? Especially the max aperture. |
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05/25/2007 01:46:50 AM · #3 |
I would be willing to bet this is the lens op is talking about.
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05/25/2007 01:48:44 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by PaulE:
Could you let us know exactly which lens you are currently working with? Especially the max aperture. |
Most likely the basic kit lens for Nikons lately.
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens |
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05/25/2007 02:28:03 AM · #5 |
Daniel,
I think it definitely depends on what you are wanting to photograph and when.
I know I resisted my tripod for the longest time, but the fact is that unless you can spend a fortune on astonishing lenses - then by far a tripod for will be your best friend.
And EVEN WITH expensive fast lenses, tripods are the answer - GRIN!
The thing is in low light your camera will need much assistance being held still enough to gain a strongly focussed image.
If you can't use a tripod at lest see if you can rest it on a table or something else sturdy and level to give the shot the best chance.
I've got some lovely middle of the range lenses BUT the tripod is what brings out the best in them (and my subjects).
If you absolutely cannot use a tripod, then upping your ISO will help somewhat, but then you will loose out too by added grain.
I think the lens you have will give you good results with patience - there is no denying there ARE better lenses, but often finances prevent us from obtaining them.
Good luck with your decision - my last piece of advice ... buying lenses for me has been a double edge sword - the more I buy the more I feel I need - GRIN! |
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05/25/2007 04:13:42 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by Bugzeye:
I would be willing to bet this is the lens op is talking about. |
Originally posted by aliqui:
Most likely the basic kit lens for Nikons lately.
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens |
That's the one--sorry for the confusion.
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05/25/2007 04:27:53 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by iamwoman:
Daniel,
I think it definitely depends on what you are wanting to photograph and when.
I know I resisted my tripod for the longest time, but the fact is that unless you can spend a fortune on astonishing lenses - then by far a tripod for will be your best friend.
And EVEN WITH expensive fast lenses, tripods are the answer - GRIN!
The thing is in low light your camera will need much assistance being held still enough to gain a strongly focussed image.
If you can't use a tripod at lest see if you can rest it on a table or something else sturdy and level to give the shot the best chance.
I've got some lovely middle of the range lenses BUT the tripod is what brings out the best in them (and my subjects).
If you absolutely cannot use a tripod, then upping your ISO will help somewhat, but then you will loose out too by added grain.
I think the lens you have will give you good results with patience - there is no denying there ARE better lenses, but often finances prevent us from obtaining them.
Good luck with your decision - my last piece of advice ... buying lenses for me has been a double edge sword - the more I buy the more I feel I need - GRIN! |
Thanks, Lisa. I generally take my camera with me everywhere these days--school, the grocery store, on the train, to work, whereever, really. I'm most concerned at the moment by the fact that I'll be doing some archaeological fieldwork for a month or so starting in June AND hiking though the rainforest while I'm there, so this is one of those situations where I'm thinking the tripod may not be practical, especially out in the forest. But obviously I won't be out in the woods all the time, but you know what I mean.
Hmmmm...I should probably go to bed and sleep on it some more. You could be right that I might just need a little more patience with what I have now. What to do, what to do... :D
Thanks again,
Daniel
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05/25/2007 04:59:43 AM · #8 |
what you can try if you need a slow shutter speed to get a shot try leaning against a wall or something to help keep you steady.
also if it is possible set your camera down and use the self timer that works for me |
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05/25/2007 08:20:35 AM · #9 |
Take a beanbag of some sort out with you. These are great since you can use almost anything as a support then. (doesn't help much when you're in a wide open space though)
Also, thePod could be an option.
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05/25/2007 10:43:28 PM · #10 |
Hi everyone, thanks for all the replies today...more stuff to think about. I might just wind up flipping a coin, LOL!
Cheers,
Daniel
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05/25/2007 11:10:58 PM · #11 |
I have that 50mm 1.8 and I take pics inside and at times they are OVEREXPOSED! Inside shots w/o flash...that 1.8 is hip .
Originally posted by dlestarjette:
Hi everyone, thanks for all the replies today...more stuff to think about. I might just wind up flipping a coin, LOL!
Cheers,
Daniel |
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