Some serious directions please . . .

[CJS]

I think I have waffled about this on and off for a while . . . first my apologies for doing it again However, I'm not kidding any more, sold everything accept my Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 and a Sigma 70-300 APO HSM. I have kept my Panasonic G1 outfit as a back stop and talked to Stuart at 'DD', so I know where we stand price wise.

I am happy with the lenses I kept for the time being. I semi retire soon, so today, I bought bird feeders, seeds, fat balls, thinking, pictures of garden birds? sad ain't it . . .

So, where do I put the hard earned? I will not be able to go for a new body (the way I feel sometimes . . . if only!) . . . a new camera body once retired, money just wont stretch. I'm almost certainly having to give up my fishing boat and marina berth as well, so togging and my tomatoes will be important.

Its obviously a Nikon . . . either D90 or D7000, but I ain't that good to justify a D7000? I have some limited experience with a 90 . . . and the D5000 which I have just sold has a menu very similar. I've read the advise of 'not to buy kit that you think you will grow into, as it will be out of date by the time you grow into it'. But as I am not planing to buy any more camera bodies, thats a bit negative?

I thought a couple of old Nikon lenses; 80-200 f4.5 and a prime 300mm H, would cover my garden birding and give me something to serch for? I presume they will both work satisfactorily in manual on either of the two bodies?

I have never felt the need for multiple + type focus points, did not even know there was such a thing?

There is such a large difference in monies, I am finding it hard to justify?

All this, plus I've have just discovered I have mental personality/phobia problems that have come to a head . . . trying to cope with this, trying to turn the clock back to regain 30 years of my life. A camera problem is so insignificant . . . but in a couple of years time, when I'm all straightened out I will need to have made the right choice?

Hope this makes sense . . . some ABC type advise would be very helpful, thank you . . . CJS

 

[Yardbent]

just a short note tonight ...need to make dinner and so on..but

"sold everything accept my Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 and a Sigma 70-300 APO HSM."

if you sold the D5000...what body have you left..?

" ...a Nikon.." ...ok .. i would suggest the D200 but it's about £400 i cannot see why you sold the D5000

keep in touch...

 

[Yardbent]

"A camera problem is so insignificant . "

perhaps not...i have a lot of rubbish on-board at the moment, and the camera provides a 'space' where i can go and involve myself in an inanimate object through which i can gain a lot of pleasure

i'm semi-retired too - [semi meaning I need a part-time job] - not well off by a long way but the camera - ah - it's results and this Forum do provide a welcome respite at the end of the day.................take care ...john

 

[CJS]

just a short note tonight ...need to make dinner and so on..but

"sold everything accept my Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 and a Sigma 70-300 APO HSM."

if you sold the D5000...what body have you left..?

" ...a Nikon.." ...ok .. i would suggest the D200 but it's about £400 i cannot see why you sold the D5000

keep in touch...

I have no Nikon bodies, just the Panasonic G1 which is my 24/7 in car camera. Sold the D5000 . . . its part of my 'irrational mind' . . . although, there are reasons; I could not get on with the animated screen, which was the original reason for buying the D5000, I had a D90 before that!!!! I had problems with the pentamirror view finder, and again my irrational mind, the entry level/compact method of doing the camera setting was getting to me. In essence, nothing wrong with any of it, I was simply doing a mental Tiger,boing,boing,boing . . . .

I made, for me, the wrong call when I chopped in the D90! This instability has been happening in my normal life more and more recently. The wrong and irrational moves I have made in recent years you would not believe. Wrong is one thing, we all do that, but ad irrational to the mix . . .

So I need to get back on track, D90 or D7000?

CJS

 

[CJS]

"A camera problem is so insignificant . "

perhaps not...i have a lot of rubbish on-board at the moment, and the camera provides a 'space' where i can go and involve myself in an inanimate object through which i can gain a lot of pleasure

i'm semi-retired too - [semi meaning I need a part-time job] - not well off by a long way but the camera - ah - it's results and this Forum do provide a welcome respite at the end of the day.................take care ...john

This is where I'm trying to get to Yardbent, 'personal space that calms me down' heaven, trouble is, I dont know which way . . . . It goes so much deeper . . . not for public airing on hear . . . Yep, 'semi' means I need a part time job, I could still continue part time as a taxi driver . . . :thumbsdown: I hate my job, and will need a new cab by the end of 2013 . . . bad economics at 66! So a bit of shelf stacking at Tescos looks like a possibility?

CJS

 

[TCR4x4]

Just get the D90, you know what its like, you know how it handles and you miss the one you had..

 

[Naith]

Just get the D90, you know what its like, you know how it handles and you miss the one you had..

Maybe consider trading the Sigma 70-300mm for a s/h Nikkor 70-300mm VR?

 

[CJS]

Just get the D90, you know what its like, you know how it handles and you miss the one you had..

Thank you Tom, its so simple, yet in my messed up mind I could not see it . . . it makes sense . . .

Thanks again :bonk: CJS

 

[CJS]

Maybe consider trading the Sigma 70-300mm for a s/h Nikkor 70-300mm VR?

A practical option Naith if I go D90

CJS

 

[HoppyUK]

A practical option Naith if I go D90

CJS

D90 sounds like a fairly safe bet, at reasonable cost. My only question would be, how do you like the G1? Does the reason why you bought it, and sold the Nikons, still stack up? Having two incompatible camera systems doesn't usually add up so selling the G1 might be a way of raising funds. Use the for sale forum here, it's very good, for buying too.

Just make sure you're happy with the D90 before you jump the Panasonic ship, because selling your lenses and getting a something else to fit the Pano might be another way. There are advantages to 4/3rds that may suit birding - extra 'reach' and lower shutter noise perhaps.

Also, I don't know if this is possible, but one feature of Micro 4/3rds is that you can use different brand lenses on it via an adapter. May be worth checking what you can do with a Nikon-to-4/3rds adapter, but there may be restricted functionality and some of the really smart adapters are expensive.

For garden birds, you may be surprised at how close you need to get even with a 300mm lens, so think about a tripod and remote release (eg Yongnuo RF-602 - cheap, good).

This may be a bit left-field, but you could probably do with a bit of face to face advice and you would surely benefit from the fellowship of a local camera club. The new term starts again early in the new year. Find you local club here http://www.pagb-photography-uk.co.uk/links.htm Friendly places

 

[CJS]

Thanks for your advise Richard (HoppyUK).

Its all good stuff, the G1 was originally for my partner, small/light . . . but she is disabled and prefers her compact! So I inherited it . . . thought sell? no try the car, it makes a great 24/7 glove box camera, as simple as a compact, all the practicality of a DSLR. When I final stop driving my Taxi, I will not find it so useful maybe . . . ???? It had crossed my mind to simply stay with the G1 . . . nah, I have been waving a (D)SLR around for 20 years, its in the blood.

Most of my problems 'camera wise' have been self inflicted, the earlier postings sort of explain enough. Its time for me to get my head straight . . . !

Tripod, I have a Mannfrotto 55, and a cable release.

I'm still dithering over 90 or 7000, the larger number of + focus points might help with moving birds? But its still a very big price gap and its never worried me before.

I was thinking, if I go down the Heritage lens route, all manual/D90 (or 7000?) I might be able to use a 1.4 or even 2x thingy??? sorry cant remember what they are called . . . poor memory is part of my frustration/problem!

I have available a 80-200mm f4.5, rethink, f4.5 will be to slow on x2? Need f2.5, cant afford that!!!!

Nut feeder will have to be brought slowly closer . . . ?

Face to face is definitely the answer . . . Ipswich Photographic Society, I have been in touch with last year . . . Went along a couple of times . . . one of my problems is people, I have a phobia, people frighten me! just like some people with spiders. My people phobia is not quite so intense, but builds, after a couple of hours I have to leave the room.

This has been getting worse over 30 years, and has now come to a head. My aunt died last weekend . . . cant face the funeral!!! thats serious in my book. I have not ever seen my grand children 2 and 10 . . . ! another one on the way so I was informed last week . . . I have to get my head together, its time to get the medics and shrink involved, time to face the music?

Whats all this got to do with cameras, the mind just goes round and round, cant make decisions, and when I do, I so often get it wrong, I need the camera as an interest to lean on, retirement will mean the reduction of a couple of other hobbies that are expensive. At least digital photography can be capped, as I have in mind, this will be my last body.

Sorry thats how it is, pull myself together? if only, so I have decided, admit my problem and get help.

CJS

 

[TCR4x4]

Well, if nothing else, at least you've discovered you have an issue, and will get it sorted!

I have something similar, although not as extreme. I really dislike meeting new people, and dont really like meeting the ones I know either. I always feel akward, and cant start a conversation for love nor money.
My job forced me to change, and Im much better now than I was, but I still try to duck out of social situations where ever possible.
I find photography very helpfull in this also. Meeting new people isnt as hard, as I have a focus , and something to talk about. When photographing a stranger, Its easy for me to direct them, wheras without the camera, I'd be lost as to what to say or do.

Im sure someone will give it a name, could be aspergers or something similar. I just think Im a bit shy, dont have a huge amount of self esteem and to be honest Im perfectly happy this way.

Anyway, this is slowly turning into an agony aunt thread, so back to topic.. D90..yes

 

[CGeezer]

Tele Converter is the item you are thinking of.

I would say using two systems would be a pain. My missus has a G2 and I have had it in my hands no more than twice since she bought it. I also like my DSLR and would only confuse myself having to learn the in's and outs of two different camera's. I would say you have made your mind up to keep along the DSLR route so you could shift the G1 and put the funds towards glass for the D90.

Hope you work it out and best of luck

 

[HoppyUK]

Thanks for your advise Richard (HoppyUK).

Its all good stuff, the G1 was originally for my partner, small/light . . . but she is disabled and prefers her compact! So I inherited it . . . thought sell? no try the car, it makes a great 24/7 glove box camera, as simple as a compact, all the practicality of a DSLR. When I final stop driving my Taxi, I will not find it so useful maybe . . . ???? It had crossed my mind to simply stay with the G1 . . . nah, I have been waving a (D)SLR around for 20 years, its in the blood.

Most of my problems 'camera wise' have been self inflicted, the earlier postings sort of explain enough. Its time for me to get my head straight . . . !

Tripod, I have a Mannfrotto 55, and a cable release.

I'm still dithering over 90 or 7000, the larger number of + focus points might help with moving birds? But its still a very big price gap and its never worried me before.

I was thinking, if I go down the Heritage lens route, all manual/D90 (or 7000?) I might be able to use a 1.4 or even 2x thingy??? sorry cant remember what they are called . . . poor memory is part of my frustration/problem!

I have available a 80-200mm f4.5, rethink, f4.5 will be to slow on x2? Need f2.5, cant afford that!!!!

Nut feeder will have to be brought slowly closer . . . ?

Face to face is definitely the answer . . . Ipswich Photographic Society, I have been in touch with last year . . . Went along a couple of times . . . one of my problems is people, I have a phobia, people frighten me! just like some people with spiders. My people phobia is not quite so intense, but builds, after a couple of hours I have to leave the room.

This has been getting worse over 30 years, and has now come to a head. My aunt died last weekend . . . cant face the funeral!!! thats serious in my book. I have not ever seen my grand children 2 and 10 . . . ! another one on the way so I was informed last week . . . I have to get my hear together, its time to get the medics and shrink involved, time to face the music?

Whats all this got to do with cameras, the mind just goes round and round, cant make decisions, and when I do, I so often get it wrong, I need the camera as an interest to lean on, retirement will mean the reduction of a couple of other hobbies that are expensive. At least digital photography can be capped, as I have in mind, this will be my last body.

Sorry thats how it is, pull myself together? if only, so I have decided, admit my problem and get help.

CJS

I feel for you bud. It sounds like you have a few things going on at the moment that would put anyone's decision making to the test. You can do a lot of research on the web, as you are, for free. It's also fun and everyone here is very friendly and helpful

I hope you are getting all the other support you need. One way or another you need to talk to someone professional, stop your mind going round and round, skipping from one problem to another and creating even more issues in the process. We are good at that! Identify your problems, which are probably not as bad as you imagine - they never are. Priorities and address them one at a time. Don't let them grow and swamp you :nono:

On the birding thing, it's easy to run away with the idea that you need a lot of expensive gear because very often the images we admire are taken by folks with a lot of kit. And yes, a long lens of some sort is pretty much inevitable, but you already have that. What is less obvious is that these people are knowledgeable naturalists with great field craft. For example, a bit of patience and moving the bird feeder closer, will deliver very satisfying results and cost nothing.

Good luck

 

[CJS]

Just had a frustrating couple of hours, we live in a cottage, when we came here, all the furniture was man handled in, that was 10 years ago, since then, Hazel has become progressively more disabled, and I have smashed my nee and am 10 years older!!

Need a new sofa, Hazel cant get up from the old one . . . but, cottage, small doors, and we dont make one good one between both of us these days Smashed the old large'ish sofa into 4 component parts . . . eventually, it went through the door, no problem. New leather jobie coming from DFS tomorrow, not so low for Hazel.

Strange, but I did not find the two systems so much of a problem . . . I just used the G1 more and more . . . I think I might sell it soon, to make best use of the DSLR, however I need a 'car camera', I do have a system that would fit the D90/18-70 in the car, spent a lot of time working this out.

However, I am thinking, true pocket size . . . I like the look of the Canon S95? have had an S50 for a long time, great compact . . . until the CPU went kaput, never the same camera when it came back, I now use it as my fishing camera.

Yep we are going for a complete 'make over' . . .

Thanks all for your interest and suggestions, it helps a lot . . . CJS

 

[HoppyUK]

S95 looks very nice My personal preference for a second camera is that it's got to be pocketable, and these new EVIL/MILC jobbies are very nice, but nowhere near pocketable with any kind of useful lens on the front. If it's got to go over my neck or shoulder, it might as well be a DSLR.

I got on very well with a G7 until it was stolen, and am seriously looking at a G12 now. Ticks most boxes for me, still just about jacket-pocketable, and it has a viewfinder (even if not a very good one) so you can at least use it like a proper camera

 

[srichards]

Get a bridge camera instead? They do everything with one lens. No faffing about. If you like the panasonic then the fz45 or fz100 are good choices. Plus being around the £300 mark they are much cheaper to buy and change every few years. They're not the ultimate in picture quality but most are flexible enough to let you take the pictures you want. And there's no need to carry round spare lenses just in case.

Bit late now but you can buy modular sofas that arrive in bits that you can upgrade and change them as well as have them fit through small doors. http://www.intosofa.com/

 

[CJS]

Well, if nothing else, at least you've discovered you have an issue, and will get it sorted!

I have something similar, although not as extreme. I really dislike meeting new people, and dont really like meeting the ones I know either. I always feel akward, and cant start a conversation for love nor money.
My job forced me to change, and Im much better now than I was, but I still try to duck out of social situations where ever possible.
I find photography very helpfull in this also. Meeting new people isnt as hard, as I have a focus , and something to talk about. When photographing a stranger, Its easy for me to direct them, wheras without the camera, I'd be lost as to what to say or do.

I'm sure someone will give it a name, could be aspergers or something similar. I just think Im a bit shy, dont have a huge amount of self esteem and to be honest Im perfectly happy this way.

Anyway, this is slowly turning into an agony aunt thread, so back to topic.. D90..yes

Nice to know, you know, Tom . . .

Sorry if this is turning into an 'agony aunt', but it is helping me loads Just in these few hours, every one is on my side . . . so different to the way I usually fell.

I thought I was happy the way I was/am . . . but things hit rock bottom when you cant go to a dear aunts funeral . . . leaves me as senior member of the family! Thats a weight on the shoulders, I need to change for the families sake.

Feeling very comfortable with the idea of a D90 . . .

CJS

PS SRichards; bridge v G1 . . . I'll take the G1 every time, just my humble opinion of course . . .

 

[magicaxeman]

Camera wise, yes go for what you know and are comfortable with.

Keep an eye on places like ebay for lenses, especially older fast lenses like the tamron 300mm's they can go for silly money as can some of the older nikkors.

Watch out as apparently on some of the older nikkor 300mm F 4.5's they can be a little soft apparently.

Hazel cant get up from the old one

It may be worth trying your local social services and asking for some equipment, they my fund a riser chair, that will help her up, and or a sofa riser, this is just a frame work that goes under the sofa and raises it to a more comfortable height for getting on or off it.
They wont offer to help but with the back up of your GP you should be able to push them to help.

I don't think I have all the parts to mine otherwise I would have said you could have that as I no longer need it.

 

[CJS]

Camera wise, yes go for what you know and are comfortable with.

Keep an eye on places like ebay for lenses, especially older fast lenses like the tamron 300mm's they can go for silly money as can some of the older nikkors.

Watch out as apparently on some of the older nikkor 300mm F 4.5's they can be a little soft apparently.



It may be worth trying your local social services and asking for some equipment, they my fund a riser chair, that will help her up, and or a sofa riser, this is just a frame work that goes under the sofa and raises it to a more comfortable height for getting on or off it.
They wont offer to help but with the back up of your GP you should be able to push them to help.

I don't think I have all the parts to mine otherwise I would have said you could have that as I no longer need it.

Thanks Ian, yes , what I'm comfortable with, unless someone drops a D7000 in my lap . . . it will be the 90 I think, tried and tested technology, I know how they work, the price is right and my picture taking is for me, and me alone, however at the right price I could be persuaded to look over the fence . . .

Social services are on the job, and the various awards boards, Hazel and me, have much to thank Age Concern for and their efforts, they know who to pester . . .

Old f4.5 300mm Nikon lenses, I have the serial numbers of the 'soft ones', basically before they started fitting ED glass so I understand? I'll have a look at the old Tamrons . . . ?

Thanks Ian, CJS