kev_1664
newbie
Reged: 08/08/2008
Posts: 16
|
|
hello im new to all this but at last have just got myself a digital slr ...its a nikon D70s with a 50/200 lens. first of all love the cam but would love to no if it is a good cam what do you all think of these seen some good reviews on the net....also was thinking of getting a 18/70 lens would this be a good choise..any help and advice would be cool ...oh and hope this is in the right place ....kev
|
mediaman
Nearly Laid Back
Reged: 28/07/2008
Posts: 558
Loc: edinburgh
|
|
Wellcome Kev, If you had a film slr before, then you will know that your 50-200mm is a medium telephoto zoom. you will need a wide-standard for the likes of group shots, so, yes an 18-70mm will be ok. hope this helps you.
--------------------
Kenny.
The tears of laughter were running down my legs.
|
kev_1664
newbie
Reged: 08/08/2008
Posts: 16
|
|
thanks mate and yes helps alot topman..what do you all think of the cam is it good or bad for first DSLR..also what would i be looking at for a secondhand 18/70 nikon lens ....kev
|
mediaman
Nearly Laid Back
Reged: 28/07/2008
Posts: 558
Loc: edinburgh
|
|
I assume if you have just purchaced it, that you knew it has been "suppersceded" [the obsolecent factor built in, to make us upgrade every 6 months or so] Yes, its a good one.[I own and use nikon]for convience, the lens should do you well. do a google on nikon, or visit their website for lens data.
--------------------
Kenny.
The tears of laughter were running down my legs.
|
kev_1664
newbie
Reged: 08/08/2008
Posts: 16
|
|
thanks mate and yes i have just got it second hand...but was just woundring what you all thought of it ...i love it and have only bin useing it for a cpl of days but need the new lens ..is there a way of checking how meany pics have bin taken on it like some sort of counter would love to see ..thanks for all your help your a star
|
mediaman
Nearly Laid Back
Reged: 28/07/2008
Posts: 558
Loc: edinburgh
|
|
you'r making me bigheaded. Some cameras do have that function, but i think only when hooked-up to a computer. bottom line is this ........you like it? [yes] then don't worry about other peoples comments. enjoy, and let everyone see your results on this site. ok? 
--------------------
Kenny.
The tears of laughter were running down my legs.
|
hech54
addict
Reged: 20/05/2006
Posts: 441
Loc: Germany and U.S.A.
|
|
My first DSLR was a D70....and so far it is my only DSLR..:)
I love mine and have just crossed the 10,000 picture(actuations) mark. My battery seems to last for weeks and I don't "baby" it....I just sling it over my shoulder and go.
The 18-70mm lens came with mine and it is a great all-rounder.
I'm glad to see people still buying them. I'm hoping they bought them after doing some homework concerning lens compatibility...realizing that the new D40/D60 is much more limited as far as lens choices (backward compatibility).
If you are really concerned about how many shutter actuations the camera has done....download a freebie called PreviewExtractor and follow the instructions....though it is very simple to use.
--------------------
Does the picture turn out differently than what you see in the viewfinder?
|
AlexMonro
old hand
Reged: 05/06/2006
Posts: 757
Loc: Exeter, Devon (and Somerset so...
|
|
Welcome Kev!
I got a 2nd hand 18-70 with my Fuji S3 a couple of months ago - the lens was 125 quid. I think it's probably the best value normal zoom kit lens for Nikon mount. There's a good comparative review of the Nikon kit lenses here.
I did get a chance to compare it with an 18-135, but I found that to be a bit worse for purple fringing at the wide end.
Edited by AlexMonro (09/08/2008 10:37)
|
andy_m
newbie
Reged: 06/06/2006
Posts: 36
Loc: Chorley, Lancashire
|
|
Yes it's a good camera - I've had my D70 since May 2005 and it's only had one minor hiccup which was rectified by removing the battery. It's solidly built, has good image quality and incredible battery life. The 18-70 lens is a good general purpose lens, if a little slow, but it's the one I use most often. The only reason I'll (hopefully!) be replacing it next year is for faster AF and better noise control - I do a lot of low light stuff.
The DSC_ number on your last image would give you an idea of the number of shutter actuations wouldn't it? Or can this be reset?
--------------------
www.theviewfromthenorth.org
|
kev_1664
newbie
Reged: 08/08/2008
Posts: 16
|
|
WoW what can i say thanks for all you time and help ...looks like i will be going for the 18/70mm lens but dont think i will be getting it new bit out of my price range will look for a good second hand one ....will start looking now ...thanks ...kev
|
GeoffR
Reged: 31/05/2003
Posts: 3834
Loc: Bucks
|
|
Yes the D70s is a good camera.
You may be able to check how many shutter actuations it has had by using an EXIF editor such as Opanda, which you can download here. The number is only accurate if the camera's shutter counter has not been reset by Nikon's service department. Opanda only works with JPEG files not NEFs.
If you are still using, or do not have, the software that came with the camera you can, and arguably should, download the latest Nikon View NX and Nikon Transfer from the Nikon USA or Nikon UK website. You need to register with Nikon UK before you can download. If the previous owner didn't register, or has deleted the registration of your camera you can use the serial number and set-up an account with Nikon UK. If the UK site will not accept your registration the USA site will let you download free software without registering.
Nikon USA
Nikon UK
The other item of software you may consider downloading is Nikon Camera Control Pro 1 which is also now a free download. It allows you to control your camera from a computer using a USB lead.
Sorry I can't post links to the download pages but my computer logs me in automatically to both USA and UK sites.
|
hech54
addict
Reged: 20/05/2006
Posts: 441
Loc: Germany and U.S.A.
|
|
Quote:
WoW what can i say thanks for all you time and help ...looks like i will be going for the 18/70mm lens but dont think i will be getting it new bit out of my price range will look for a good second hand one ....will start looking now ...thanks ...kev
There is no shortage of 18-70 lenses that's for sure. You won't have any problems finding one close to you and inexpensive.
--------------------
Does the picture turn out differently than what you see in the viewfinder?
|
AlexMonro
old hand
Reged: 05/06/2006
Posts: 757
Loc: Exeter, Devon (and Somerset so...
|
|
I noticed that several advertisers in the back of this week's AP have the 18-70 listed (used) at around 100 quid upwards...
|
kev_1664
newbie
Reged: 08/08/2008
Posts: 16
|
|
thanks for all your help and have bin looking around and cant seem to find a 18/70mm lens for the money i have £100 ..would a 18/55mm lens be as good seen them for a good price .what would the differens be in useing the 18/55 lens i have a 55/200mm lens for all my othere stuff any more help please.oh just looking at the 18/55 lens and there dosent seem to be a baynet fitting for the lens hood is that right or is it just me...kev
|
hech54
addict
Reged: 20/05/2006
Posts: 441
Loc: Germany and U.S.A.
|
|
I don't even know where my lens hood is for my 18-70mm.
Keep an eye on the f numbers on these lenses too. The 18-70mm is pretty darn good for it's zoom range....and a lower f number is better in the long run....to a certain extent.
I have a problem with anything lower than f2.8 because of the depth of field issues with my style of photography....but when you start to see f2.8 on zoom lenses...you see a pretty big jump in price too.
Trade-off but try to trade UP....or in this case DOWN to a faster/lower f stop rating.
--------------------
Does the picture turn out differently than what you see in the viewfinder?
|
hech54
addict
Reged: 20/05/2006
Posts: 441
Loc: Germany and U.S.A.
|
|
These guys have a used 18-70 for 104 pounds:
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/index.php?id=23&product_uid=472
--------------------
Does the picture turn out differently than what you see in the viewfinder?
|
Learning
Ethelred the Ill-Named
Reged: 26/09/2006
Posts: 2334
Loc: Nottingham
|
|
The D50, D70 and D70s all have something very important that the D40,40x, and D60 don't have. If you are on a budget and want to buy second hand lenses then the built in AF motor is more than useful. Assuming that your 'new' camera is in good condition then it should be a good buy.
6 megapixels is plenty if you frame tightly in camera. Personally I tend to frame loosely, probably because I wear specs and don't get close enough to the viewfinder, and like to be able to crop. All AF-D lenses will work fine. So will AF without the D, but the D lenses help the matrix metering work better.
50mm on a C size sensor is a bit long for a standard lens. The 18-55 lens would complement your existing lens very well. The 18-70 would give a useful overlap which would avoid some lens changes. Be aware that there are 3 versions of the 18-55. The last of them has VR and is in short supply in the second hand market. It is cheap when bought new with a D60 but like gold dust with anything else. The previous none VR versions are common. I suspect that there are lots of them sleeping in drawers and never used. Drive a hard bargain for a none VR version of the 18-55. You may get a new one, unboxed, from a kit, at a dealer but don't pay anything like the rrp; it is a discontinued lens, albeit one of the best kit lenses about (apart from the VR version).
Many people expect a VR version of the 18-70 possibly to be announced at Photokina. Don't worry about that. It won't actually be available to buy for months after announcement and even then be expensive.
Edited by Learning (10/08/2008 19:32)
|
kev_1664
newbie
Reged: 08/08/2008
Posts: 16
|
|
well just love this site lots of helpfull people and some very good info thanks to all that have helped me ...looks like i will get the 18/70mm lens and thanks to hech54 looks like i will get the one in the link you posted ....kev
|
Rhys
Sasquatch
Reged: 15/01/2004
Posts: 3199
Loc: York (home of the speedbump)
|
|
I bought my 18-70 off fleabay for £60 odd. great little lens.
--------------------
NRIPN (Officially Nuts..)
RGMP.co.uk (My Website.. well early stages anyway)
Benchinistas.org.uk The home of Benchism
|
hech54
addict
Reged: 20/05/2006
Posts: 441
Loc: Germany and U.S.A.
|
|
Yea check Ebay too...check Ebay first actually.
Ebay is usually flooded with 18-70's.
I'm on Ebay EVERY DAY looking for good deals.
I don't buy much....at all....but I love window
shopping.
--------------------
Does the picture turn out differently than what you see in the viewfinder?
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
