New to all this...

potter

potter

Messages
328
Name
Adam
Edit My Images
Yes
Hello all,

Ive had an SLR camera for a few years now, and only really used it for holidays etc

Ive decided that I want to actually be a bit more serious with it, as a hobby, maybe build a portfolio, just for my own viewing, not trying to get work etc

Anway, whats the main sort of kit to have?

I have a nikon D40, standard lens, Nikon Flashgun and another lens (cant remember the size)

I will be getting a tripod soon to add to it.

I would like to start doing some portraits and macro/close up stuff, and maybe in the future move onto N&G stuff.

Any help would be great
 
First welcome to the forum

I hope someone can help you many Nikon members here.
 
Last edited:
How about buying a 50mm f1.8 prime, pretty cheap and will allow you to play about with shallow DoF?
 
Extra vote here for getting a 50mm 1.8, fantastic for portraits, and at a very reasonable price. I love mine.

As for macro, I'm looking at getting a lens for macro shot, but I'm still undecided as to what to get. So I couldnt advise you there..but Ill be interested to see what others suggest. I have been looking at the nikon 40mm micro..
 
The 50mm 1.8 AFD won't auto focus on the D40. If you fancy a Nikon prime that will auto focus, you probably want to look at the 50mm 1.8 AFS or 35mm 1.8 AFS. Both are in the £150 to £200 price range or a bit less used. I can highly recommend the 35 and I understand the 50 is pretty damn good too.

Before spending a load though, you can get shallow depth of field effects with any lens, it's just a case of moving your subject closer to your camera or moving them further from the background. Try it in a local park or something. Shoot on the widest aperture available. Worth trying before splashing the cash.
 
duttytd said:
Not a statement I can agree with! Iv had some great buys from there.
Click to expand...

Same here, I've bought (and sold) some decent gear on eBay over the years. Selling there has become an expensive exercise of late, but with all the buyer protection (especially when paying with Paypal) its still somewhere I'll look when I want to buy.
 
duttytd said:
I always have a look there as you never know what deals you find
Click to expand...

too true, someone posted on here not long ago that they were lucky enough to get a boxed reconditioned 50D and 17-85 from the Currys eBay shop for around £500.

I've been keeping an eye on them ever since ;)
 
Dave1 said:
too true, someone posted on here not long ago that they were lucky enough to get a boxed reconditioned 50D and 17-85 from the Currys eBay shop for around £500.

I've been keeping an eye on them ever since ;)
Click to expand...

Cheers for the heads up I will be keeping a close eye on that now ;-)
 
potter said:
ive been having a look on the internet recently, just found that hunting through google throws up the cheapest stuff, wasnt to sure if there were any specific sites used,
Click to expand...

Be careful of some of the cheap sites, there are a fair number of them that have been shown to be scam sites just on TP alone.

Always research the site, especially the new unknown ones who seem to be selling a lot cheaper than all the reputable sites.
 
Dave1 said:
Be careful of some of the cheap sites, there are a fair number of them that have been shown to be scam sites just on TP alone.

Always research the site, especially the new unknown ones who seem to be selling a lot cheaper than all the reputable sites.
Click to expand...

I tend to have look for reviews of the site if its not a popular site, and use paypal etc where possible, just in case
 
If you don't mind secondhand (but in very good condition) have a look on here to start with but also MPB photographic and Ffordes are excellent and reliable. Greys of Westminster sell both 2nd hand and new, they can be a little more expensive but their customer service and knowledge of Nikon products is second to none.
I have found Warehouse Express very reliable (but not the cheapest) though some people have had problems.

Cheers

Andy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top