Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Digital Photography and What Works for Me


Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only)


Buy new: $739.49
/ Used from: $645.00
I purchased the D80 body only first thinking I was going to borrow a friend's arsenal of Nikkor lenses. Lens compatiblity played a huge part of my decision, although I did like the lesser weight of the D40x.





Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom LensNikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens


Buy new: $114.95
/ Used from: $90.00
I can see why this lens is usually with a DSLR at initial purchase. A great lens to start with. I have been using this lens for about 2 months and enjoy the quality and build. Photos are as sharp as I expected and the zoom range is what most people will use.




Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR CamerasNikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


By far my favorite lens. Very sharp photos and great for landscapes and portraits. I love using this lens in low light, it captures the natural essence of a photo.





Tamrac 5273 Expedition 3 SLR Photo Backpack (Black)Tamrac 5273 Expedition 3 SLR Photo Backpack (Black)


Buy new: $49.95
/ Used from: $140.20
The backpack may seem small at first but can really pack a lot of punch. My DSLR and all my lens fit snug. Trust me you want that. Everything is secure and safe when traveling. It's waterproof and highly durable. Lots of accessories available as well. The only fall back is that you want to travel with a light weight tripod or monopod.




The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1 by Scott Kelby



Buy new: $13.59
/ Used from: $10.90
Scott Kelby really let's you know how to take better photographs. While this shouldn't be the first book you read about photography, it is still a must have in your library. You must know some basics about photography to really apply his advice but his recommendations are the same ones he shares with the pros.




The New Joy of PhotographyThe New Joy of Photography by Kodak


Buy used from: $0.01
I know this was written in the 1970s, but the application of this book is still current with today's photography industry. Most pros have this book in their library, including me.I recommend this to anyone interested in photography at any level with any type of photography equipment.





Sunpak Ezee Pod Floor-Standing MonopodSunpak Ezee Pod Floor-Standing Monopod


Buy new: $29.99
A great monopod. While tripods aren't allowed in gardens, museums and churches, monopods are! Weird huh?




PROMASTER SYSTEMPRO 2N TRIPODPROMASTER SYSTEMPRO 2N TRIPOD


Very sturdy and durable. You may need to carry it by hand, but you won't complain when there are strong winds and you want to go out and take some great photographs.





Sandisk Ultra II SDHC 4GB SD Memory Card (SDSDH-4096, BULK Static Pack, No Reader)Sandisk Ultra II SDHC 4GB SD Memory Card (SDSDH-4096, BULK Static Pack, No Reader)


Buy new: $20.85
/ Used from: $25.00
Probably the only one you'll need. It holds more than 500 at full resolution.




IR Remote Control for Nikon D80 D70 D70s D50 N65 ML-L3IR Remote Control for Nikon D80 D70 D70s D50 N65 ML-L3


Buy used from: $34.99
Amazing remote. A must have for sharp photos.





Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom LensNikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens


Buy new: $500.45
/ Used from: $375.00
A great walk around lens. It's VR and takes remarkably sharp photos. I like the mid range, because it gives me a good reason to pick up a wide angle lens next!