My time to decide between a Canon vs Nikon grows short

[K7SGJ]

You'll love the D7000, Eddie. ;) It's relatively easy to use in the first place and there's not much learning curve if you've already used a digital SLR. The D7000 has about 10 billion settings, but an auto mode that actually works. I've found myself hooked on the "User" settings. Have U1 set for general purpose outdoor use. Aperture priority, ISO 200. U2 is the same thing, but bracketed for HDR (seem to be playing with that a bit). Flip it to U2 and set the shutter to high speed and it takes three shots real fast. Well built camera and it feels good in my fat hands -- it's got a lot of weather sealing that doesn't exist in lower models. Also love the dual memory slots and the fact that the battery lasts forever.

Now, about lenses....

I getting ready to order the D7000, but I'm curious about what lenses you have, what you use the most, and what gets little use? This bundle come with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens. I think there is room for some lens to fill in a few gaps. Suggestions welcome. What accessories to you have that you like?

[kf0rt]

I getting ready to order the D7000, but I'm curious about what lenses you have, what you use the most, and what gets little use? This bundle come with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens. I think there is room for some lens to fill in a few gaps. Suggestions welcome. What accessories to you have that you like?

The 18-200 VR is a great "walk around" lens (don't own one, but have used it).

Price-wise (and if you don't mind changing lenses), you might consider the 18-105 VR (that's the standard kit lens for the D7000) and add the 70-300 VR. This is what I have, and use most. The 70-300 VR will give you a bit more reach than the 18-200 and I've found it to be a great performer. The 18-105 is no slouch and it's a true bargain because they make so many of them. Those two lenses probably cover about 95% of what I do, and the 18-105 gets a lot of use. I usually have the 70-300 on for things like the local Renaissance Faire and the beaches of Cancun. ;)

Been getting a bit more into macro stuff lately and have a 55mm f2.8 AIS (manual) lens, the 60mm f2.8 D (AF, but uses the screw drive) and the king of the Micro-Nikkor line, the 105mm AF-S 2.8 VR ED N. Wouldn't buy any of these unless you're into macro stuff. Probably the least-used lens I have is the 50mm f1.8 D. Great lens, just doesn't get used much. Keeping in mind that the D7000 has an APS-C sensor, all of these focal lengths get multiplied by 1.5 for comparison with 35mm film cameras.

The 18-200 is a fine choice, though. You might try it and see if you even need anything more -- it's the "only" lens for a lot of people and if I was only going to have one lens, that would probably be my choice. With VR and the high ISO capabilities of the D7000, the really fast lenses ($$$) aren't as important as they once were. The D7000 is really quite a lot of fun at ISO 6400 (but that's pushing things, so to speak).

Accessories... You'll want the ML-L3 remote (just get it, it's cheap). Amazed at how much that gets used. I've also got an SB-800 flash (now replaced by the SB-910). No idea why those things are so expensive, but they sure work well. Spare batteries... I'd considered getting the MB-D11 battery pack, but the D7000 is so low-power you don't really need it -- it really will do 1,000 shots on a charge. One spare so you can charge one while using the other is probably more than enough.

I'm not a big fan of the "comes with" camera straps. Don't care for the advertising, and they're just uncomfortable. I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846 Quick-disconnect and it has a pocket that's perfect for the little remote.

Of course, there's the other stuff, too. A decent card reader for the computer, a good tripod, camera bag, etc. I've been using 8Gig Sandisk Extreme memory cards (20 or 30 MB/s - fast enough for HD movies) -- don't shoot much RAW or movies and 8 Gig almost seems too big.

If you want a really good book on the D7000 (User's manual done right!), get Thom Hogan's e-book here: http://www.bythom.com/nikond7000guide.htm The Nikon book explains WHAT. Thom explains WHY. 820 page PDF file with a bunch of other goodies.

Then, there's software... I've become a big fan of Adobe Lightroom over the last couple years. It handles most of my editing, but is also excellent for cataloging everything so you can find stuff easily. The latest version even interfaces to Blurb for making photo books and has a built-in mapping feature for off-line geotagging. For HDR, I use Photomatix Pro and just started looking at Zerene Stacker last weekend for focus stacking (that'll teach me for going to a George Lepp seminar).

Beyond all that, it's like ham radio. Just no end to the ways it can drain your wallet.

D7000 & 70-300 at max zoom:

Four Friends, Cancun Beach by tatanka01b, on Flickr

[K7SGJ]

The 18-200 VR is a great "walk around" lens (don't own one, but have used it).

Price-wise (and if you don't mind changing lenses), you might consider the 18-105 VR (that's the standard kit lens for the D7000) and add the 70-300 VR. This is what I have, and use most. The 70-300 VR will give you a bit more reach than the 18-200 and I've found it to be a great performer. The 18-105 is no slouch and it's a true bargain because they make so many of them. Those two lenses probably cover about 95% of what I do, and the 18-105 gets a lot of use. I usually have the 70-300 on for things like the local Renaissance Faire and the beaches of Cancun. ;)

Been getting a bit more into macro stuff lately and have a 55mm f2.8 AIS (manual) lens, the 60mm f2.8 D (AF, but uses the screw drive) and the king of the Micro-Nikkor line, the 105mm AF-S 2.8 VR ED N. Wouldn't buy any of these unless you're into macro stuff. Probably the least-used lens I have is the 50mm f1.8 D. Great lens, just doesn't get used much. Keeping in mind that the D7000 has an APS-C sensor, all of these focal lengths get multiplied by 1.5 for comparison with 35mm film cameras.

The 18-200 is a fine choice, though. You might try it and see if you even need anything more -- it's the "only" lens for a lot of people and if I was only going to have one lens, that would probably be my choice. With VR and the high ISO capabilities of the D7000, the really fast lenses ($$$) aren't as important as they once were. The D7000 is really quite a lot of fun at ISO 6400 (but that's pushing things, so to speak).

Accessories... You'll want the ML-L3 remote (just get it, it's cheap). Amazed at how much that gets used. I've also got an SB-800 flash (now replaced by the SB-910). No idea why those things are so expensive, but they sure work well. Spare batteries... I'd considered getting the MB-D11 battery pack, but the D7000 is so low-power you don't really need it -- it really will do 1,000 shots on a charge. One spare so you can charge one while using the other is probably more than enough.

I'm not a big fan of the "comes with" camera straps. Don't care for the advertising, and they're just uncomfortable. I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846 Quick-disconnect and it has a pocket that's perfect for the little remote.

Of course, there's the other stuff, too. A decent card reader for the computer, a good tripod, camera bag, etc. I've been using 8Gig Sandisk Extreme memory cards (20 or 30 MB/s - fast enough for HD movies) -- don't shoot much RAW or movies and 8 Gig almost seems too big.

If you want a really good book on the D7000 (User's manual done right!), get Thom Hogan's e-book here: http://www.bythom.com/nikond7000guide.htm The Nikon book explains WHAT. Thom explains WHY. 820 page PDF file with a bunch of other goodies.

Then, there's software... I've become a big fan of Adobe Lightroom over the last couple years. It handles most of my editing, but is also excellent for cataloging everything so you can find stuff easily. The latest version even interfaces to Blurb for making photo books and has a built-in mapping feature for off-line geotagging. For HDR, I use Photomatix Pro and just started looking at Zerene Stacker last weekend for focus stacking (that'll teach me for going to a George Lepp seminar).

Beyond all that, it's like ham radio. Just no end to the ways it can drain your wallet.

D7000 & 70-300 at max zoom:

Four Friends, Cancun Beach by tatanka01b, on Flickr

Thanks for the info. I definitely want to get a 35 or 50, as I do like doing macros. Out here in the desert, there is a cornucopia of opportunities for shooting macro. The small flowers on the cactus, little critters running around, and if I get to Cancun, instead of taking a shot like yours, I would rather put on the 50, get real close, and, you know. Get knocked on my ass and have sand kicked in my Nikon.

I'll look into the lens' you listed, although I don't have much of a choice with the bundle I'm looking at. But they are other bundles from several other place.

[kf0rt]

Thanks for the info. I definitely want to get a 35 or 50, as I do like doing macros. Out here in the desert, there is a cornucopia of opportunities for shooting macro. The small flowers on the cactus, little critters running around, and if I get to Cancun, instead of taking a shot like yours, I would rather put on the 50, get real close, and, you know. Get knocked on my ass and have sand kicked in my Nikon.

I'll look into the lens' you listed, although I don't have much of a choice with the bundle I'm looking at. But they are other bundles from several other place.

50mm for a macro lens almost seems too short to me. You really do have to get "on top of it" at that length. Here's a crop of a shot with the 60mm Micro-Nikkor 2.8 D (bigass Orb spider):
001-006-D7K_2870.jpg

Was also going to mention that there are good deals to be had in used lenses. B&H is selling the 60mm new for $464. KEH has the same thing used in excellent condition for $286.

[K7SGJ]

The 18-200 VR is a great "walk around" lens (don't own one, but have used it).

Price-wise (and if you don't mind changing lenses), you might consider the 18-105 VR (that's the standard kit lens for the D7000) and add the 70-300 VR. This is what I have, and use most. The 70-300 VR will give you a bit more reach than the 18-200 and I've found it to be a great performer. The 18-105 is no slouch and it's a true bargain because they make so many of them. Those two lenses probably cover about 95% of what I do, and the 18-105 gets a lot of use. I usually have the 70-300 on for things like the local Renaissance Faire and the beaches of Cancun. ;)

Been getting a bit more into macro stuff lately and have a 55mm f2.8 AIS (manual) lens, the 60mm f2.8 D (AF, but uses the screw drive) and the king of the Micro-Nikkor line, the 105mm AF-S 2.8 VR ED N. Wouldn't buy any of these unless you're into macro stuff. Probably the least-used lens I have is the 50mm f1.8 D. Great lens, just doesn't get used much. Keeping in mind that the D7000 has an APS-C sensor, all of these focal lengths get multiplied by 1.5 for comparison with 35mm film cameras.

The 18-200 is a fine choice, though. You might try it and see if you even need anything more -- it's the "only" lens for a lot of people and if I was only going to have one lens, that would probably be my choice. With VR and the high ISO capabilities of the D7000, the really fast lenses ($$$) aren't as important as they once were. The D7000 is really quite a lot of fun at ISO 6400 (but that's pushing things, so to speak).

Accessories... You'll want the ML-L3 remote (just get it, it's cheap). Amazed at how much that gets used. I've also got an SB-800 flash (now replaced by the SB-910). No idea why those things are so expensive, but they sure work well. Spare batteries... I'd considered getting the MB-D11 battery pack, but the D7000 is so low-power you don't really need it -- it really will do 1,000 shots on a charge. One spare so you can charge one while using the other is probably more than enough.

I'm not a big fan of the "comes with" camera straps. Don't care for the advertising, and they're just uncomfortable. I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846 Quick-disconnect and it has a pocket that's perfect for the little remote.

Of course, there's the other stuff, too. A decent card reader for the computer, a good tripod, camera bag, etc. I've been using 8Gig Sandisk Extreme memory cards (20 or 30 MB/s - fast enough for HD movies) -- don't shoot much RAW or movies and 8 Gig almost seems too big.

If you want a really good book on the D7000 (User's manual done right!), get Thom Hogan's e-book here: http://www.bythom.com/nikond7000guide.htm The Nikon book explains WHAT. Thom explains WHY. 820 page PDF file with a bunch of other goodies.

Then, there's software... I've become a big fan of Adobe Lightroom over the last couple years. It handles most of my editing, but is also excellent for cataloging everything so you can find stuff easily. The latest version even interfaces to Blurb for making photo books and has a built-in mapping feature for off-line geotagging. For HDR, I use Photomatix Pro and just started looking at Zerene Stacker last weekend for focus stacking (that'll teach me for going to a George Lepp seminar).

Beyond all that, it's like ham radio. Just no end to the ways it can drain your wallet.

D7000 & 70-300 at max zoom:

Four Friends, Cancun Beach by tatanka01b, on Flickr

Well, received the D7000 a few days ago. I took your advice, and went with the 18-105 lens and I really like it. Picked up a couple of other lens, as well. Still have to order a few accessories yet, but will get to that soon, I hope. The used lens I got form KEH is like brand new. Thanks for turning me on to them. Now, I just need to take some time and RTFM and get familiar with some of the advanced features. I'm really looking forward to seeing how well the bracketing works for me with Photomatrix. Unfortunately, I'm in the middle of remodeling the kitchen, and I have walls open, walls down, electrical & plumbing AFU, a hole in the roof for a bigger roof jack to accommodate the new hood venting (rain forecasted tonight), etc. etc. etc. Hope to have this project finished in a couple of weeks, at least most of it. If my wife helps, add a week. I'll tell you one thing, it was a lot easier when I built the place, than it is to reno and try to retrofit the new stuff.

When I get some time and good photo ops, I'll post a few pix if they turn out; if not I'll just lie about it.

Thanks again for your help and advice, Rob; and that from everyone else, too.

[kf0rt]

Well, received the D7000 a few days ago. I took your advice, and went with the 18-105 lens and I really like it. Picked up a couple of other lens, as well. Still have to order a few accessories yet, but will get to that soon, I hope. The used lens I got form KEH is like brand new. Thanks for turning me on to them. Now, I just need to take some time and RTFM and get familiar with some of the advanced features. I'm really looking forward to seeing how well the bracketing works for me with Photomatrix. Unfortunately, I'm in the middle of remodeling the kitchen, and I have walls open, walls down, electrical & plumbing AFU, a hole in the roof for a bigger roof jack to accommodate the new hood venting (rain forecasted tonight), etc. etc. etc. Hope to have this project finished in a couple of weeks, at least most of it. If my wife helps, add a week. I'll tell you one thing, it was a lot easier when I built the place, than it is to reno and try to retrofit the new stuff.

When I get some time and good photo ops, I'll post a few pix if they turn out; if not I'll just lie about it.

Thanks again for your help and advice, Rob; and that from everyone else, too.

Cool deal, Eddie! What lenses did you get? (BTW, you can use the D7K to document your work on the homestead there and learn the camera at the same time -- the "hobbies" aren't mutually exclusive). :stickpoke:

Bit of a hint on the HDR stuff (or what I do). Set the camera up for bracketing and whatever exposure you prefer. I've got mine set for +/- 1.7 stops at ISO 250 in P mode. Save this to one of the user settings (U1 or U2). Then, when you want to shoot HDR, switch the top dial to the U setting you saved and change the shutter selector to Ch (high-speed auto). You're ready to go -- hold the shutter button down and the D7000 will fire off three shots (bracketed) as fast as it can, and it'll stop after the 3rd shot. Hand-held HDR; it works. Nikon did a good job of this, but it needs to be understood. Flipping to a U setting just loads parameters; you can still adjust after the fact.

I use the other U setting as a "reset." A good way to get this complex beast back to a known state.

Hope to have some good pics when we get back from vacation here. Haven't been shooting as much as I'd like (been downright LAZY), but might have some good shots. One more friggin beer, and I might as well stay up all night.

</hic>

[K7SGJ]

Cool deal, Eddie! What lenses did you get? (BTW, you can use the D7K to document your work on the homestead there and learn the camera at the same time -- the "hobbies" aren't mutually exclusive). :stickpoke:

Bit of a hint on the HDR stuff (or what I do). Set the camera up for bracketing and whatever exposure you prefer. I've got mine set for +/- 1.7 stops at ISO 250 in P mode. Save this to one of the user settings (U1 or U2). Then, when you want to shoot HDR, switch the top dial to the U setting you saved and change the shutter selector to Ch (high-speed auto). You're ready to go -- hold the shutter button down and the D7000 will fire off three shots (bracketed) as fast as it can, and it'll stop after the 3rd shot. Hand-held HDR; it works. Nikon did a good job of this, but it needs to be understood. Flipping to a U setting just loads parameters; you can still adjust after the fact.

I use the other U setting as a "reset." A good way to get this complex beast back to a known state.

Hope to have some good pics when we get back from vacation here. Haven't been shooting as much as I'd like (been downright LAZY), but might have some good shots. One more friggin beer, and I might as well stay up all night.

</hic>

Yep, that's what I've been doing. I've been shooting the progress with the remodel. When we built the place, I shot a ton of stills and video as we went along. It makes it nice when I need to see how I put something together, or how I ran the gas and plumbing. I'm still trying to get the rest of the VHS onto DVD before the tape goes bad or the VCR goes TU.

I was planning on using U1 for the HDR settings, but using U2 for a reset to a given starting point is a very good idea. I had no idea what I would use it for anyway. I'm really impressed with the versatility of the camera, but I can see it's going to take awhile to become familiar with all the controls on the body, not to mention all the menus. Way more advanced than thye old Canons.

As far as lens, I got the kit with the 18-105 instead of the 18-200. And since they must make a zillion of the 55-300 VR lenses, making it quite reasonable (plus a $150 instant rebate didn't hurt), I bought one of them for the longer hauls. Although I never used the x-300 lenses I had for previous cameras a whole lot, they are certainly nice when you need it. For the fixed lens, I found a used 60 in super condition. Doesn't even look used. I was debating between a 50, 55, or 60, and since all they had was a couple of 60s, that made the decision quite easy. As far as accessories, I only bought an extra battery, remote, and uv lenses for protection, and polarizers. Since I had several 32 Gb class 10 SDHC memory cards, I didn't have to order any extras. Having two mem slots is really cool for overflow, or storing multiple formats at the same time, too. After I get more use to it, maybe I'll find I need some other stuff, but for now, I have everything I think I need.