Testing the D300

[Jay Murakoshi]

Ben,

Great photos. Compare the D50 to the D300. Sorta like night and day.
I was impressed with the clarity in the HUGE viewer and not to mentioned how fast you can shoot continuous.

I've have done a couple weddings but mainly with a miniDV camera. The last wedding I shot was with the digital D70S and my old antique Nikon F100.
Weddings can add years to your life, just hoping every thing comes out.


Keep up the good work

Jay

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I think Bolden could easily have a career as a professional photographer.

[Jay Murakoshi]

You Bet. His photography is above a lot of others who are even in the business. I know years ago when I was big into the game, I was shocked when National Geographic bought a couple of my stock photo's of the Lone Cypress and the Bixby Creek Bridge. I had just finished up an Ansel Adams course in Yosemite.
Ben, have you ever sent sample stock photo's to any of the big companies and also to calendar businesses. I would even have some post cards made up and go talk to a few businesses and see if you can sell them some.

You have a future in those photo's

Jay

[OceanSunfish]

I'm considering getting the 70-300 VR 4.5 since Nikon is offering a $100 instant rebate on the lens when purchased with a qualifying camera body and lens. I picked up the 'eligible body and lens' already, so I just need to decide if I want to jump 'all in' and pick up the big zoom lens.

Any thoughts?

I know it's not the 70-300 2.8 or the venerable Canon 70-300 2.8 that you see on all the cameras on the sidelines at pro sports, etc. Of course, the 'venerable' cost a ton more too.

BTW, I just jumped back into the SLR 'game' by starting out with the D40x. I have to say that photography is once again a ton of fun. I look at a D40x body and it's priced right about or lower what a new Sage Z Axis runs. In one hand, high tech that does everything but press the button.. in the other, essentially a stick that still requires the user to do all the work. Hmmm.....

Thanks for replies.

[Dave Sellers]

Hi Ocean,

The lens you are looking at is considered a good lens by the "pros". In the "lab" it performs very well at the lower focal lengths but not as well at the 300mm range. However, that's not the story. Those guys are geeks and way too into things that you may not care about. Your issue with that lens is going to be capturing action low light. (the classic conundrum with long focal length lenses). The VR is the wildcard there. I simply don't know how well the VR will help in low to moderate light, which is the time you will really want to use the lens for capturing crepuscular images, particularly involving wildlife. The VR suposedly adds a few stops to the speed but I'm not sure if that is hyberbole or reality. However, if this lens IS your budget, then it's a good bet that you'll prefer this lens over NOT this lens. In other words, it's as good or better than any other lens of this speed out there, and certainly better than not having a lens of this capability at all. If you can bring the 300mm f2.8 VR into the realm of reality through a lottery win or a rich uncle, you will be much more satisfied but if you are like me, the choice is as I said, it's between this lens and not this lens. If you can rent one for a day and test it in moderate light for some action shots, then you'll know how good the VR is and if it works for you and your photography goals. And finally, in this over worded opine, the camera body you chose will make a big difference in the performance of this lens for wildlife and action. Here, pixel count matters and shutter speed matters as well as buffer speed. But you probably know this stuff already.

Dave

[OceanSunfish]

Thanks Dave for your insightful reply. I appreciate hearing your opinion as I feel, by reading your various posts, you're very observant, practical and fastidious about 'things' as I am.

There's a reason why the 2.8 70-300 cost what it does. I completely understand. In boating terms, there isn't a boat made/configured that is a versatile as this lens.

I elected not to 'jump' at the promo price of the less venerable 70-300 DX VR 3.4. At this time, it's considered a "nice to have" item. I'm in no hurry and I can use the time to really understand my true needs in a lens of this magnitude. Besides, my kids are a few years from running around a basketball gym. Beside, I haven't gone fishing, let alone caught a fish in quite some time to photograph anyway.

Your suggestion to 'rent' a 300 length lens is sound. I have no idea what it's like to shoot with a focal range beyond 150 in old 35mm. 300 (400) has to be outrageous!

I have so much to learn.

Thanks.

[k.hanley]

Say Hey OS,

I don't know where you live, but if it's anywhere near the San Francisco Bay Area, you may want to contact Keeble & Shuchat in Palo Alto. Here is a link to their rental department... http://www.kspphoto.com/activepages/rental.html

Download the PDF for rental specifics or call the store and see what's available. Excellent resource for top quality gear. Enjoy!
Cheers, Ken