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03/31/2007 04:09:31 AM · #1 |
I've had my D80 a month now. Most of the time when I shoot, I can't get the picture I want because I either can't get in close enough or I can get in close but it will want to use the pop up flash. I'm looking at doing still life stuff with food and table settings (Just something I've been interested in). I know that a nice macro lense would be nice, but a flash would also help with lighting. I'm torn between what to get first as I don't have the cash to get both. Should I get a lens and practice more with ambient lighting? Should I get the flash and learn how to use it before investing in a new lens?
The lens I have now is the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED (3.8x)
The lens I was looking at MACRO 70mm F2.8 EX DG
The flash I was looking at EF-500 DG SUPER
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03/31/2007 05:29:10 AM · #2 |
| In your situation i'd definately go for the macro lens and play with different lighting set ups, rather than a flash. |
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03/31/2007 05:30:42 AM · #3 |
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03/31/2007 09:15:28 AM · #4 |
I agree with the others, Get the lens first. If you are doing alot of close up work you can then add a ringflash or a close up lighting system which I am told both work great for close up shots.
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03/31/2007 09:39:59 AM · #5 |
| Go with the lens first, that way you can practice with whatever lighting is around. By doing so you will learn to look at and use the light to your advantage. Now to address the other problem of the pop-up flash. Inorder for that not to pop up when you don't want, you have to shoot in other modes such as manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, or even program. It sounds like you are useing a setting where the green camera on the dial is the one where its set at. That setting is nothing more than making your camera a fancy point and shoot. |
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03/31/2007 10:23:47 AM · #6 |
Get the lens. Then practice with availible light and import some reflective surfaces to change lighting (ie. foil, white foamboard, etc.) and like the previous respondent said, take camera out of auto mode so your flash won't pop up automatically.
Good luck and happy shooting. |
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03/31/2007 10:39:43 AM · #7 |
| I think the 105mm macro is a better bet and not much more expensive..... |
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03/31/2007 10:41:54 AM · #8 |
| The minimum focusing distance is measured from the sensor, am I right? If that's the case, and the lens extends say, 20cm, you will be only 5 cm from your subject. |
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03/31/2007 10:53:10 AM · #9 |
| Yeah, it's not on auto. I was playing with it in S and A priority. I guess I'll work a bit more with this lens, and some other light and get the macro next pay day. |
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03/31/2007 11:58:31 AM · #10 |
I'm going to play devil's advocate here. Since you don't have any pictures in your portfolio, we can't tell what kinds of things you like to shoot, so any advice any of us gives is based on a lack of information....but...a macro lens is only useful for closeup work. Lighting is useful for a lot of different kinds of shots. You might read the lighting 101 section of the strobist website before you make any decisions about either lighting or lenses.
edit: Personally, if you still think a lens is the way to go, I'd skip the macro, and get a 50mm f/1.8 instead. It's cheaper, faster, very sharp, will work quite well for still life work, *and* for portraits and such. I have both a 50mm f/1.8 and a 60mm macro, and either one works just fine for still lifes, but the 50 is more flexible otherwise.
Message edited by author 2007-03-31 12:15:41. |
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03/31/2007 12:27:25 PM · #11 |
I don't have a portfolio. I'll admit, I haven't devoted as much time to my photography as I would like. One reason is that I can't wait for the cherry blossoms to be out in full bloom at Osaka Castle so that I can dress my wife up in a Kimono and take some nice pictures. Hopefully a challenge that fits that will appear.
I'll check out the other lens. I'll have to try them both out in the shop before making a decision I suppose. |
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03/31/2007 12:33:34 PM · #12 |
I had the very same question today. Tokina 12-24 or the Sigma 500DG Super. I bought the flash couple of hours ago. Late now but I will play tomorrow with the flash see if I have any remorse. God I wanted a flash but lens were also tempting. I will buy the lens in 2 months...
Hey but I already had some lens. You might want the macro stuff!
Message edited by author 2007-03-31 12:36:09.
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