Need HELP!!

[Amanda L]

Swamper, if I see her I will definitely send her your way. I will send her to all the good people here on the Orchid Board!!!

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

Thanks Ross for the warning about TriState, seems like nothing is ever as good as it seems. The link you provided did have this; Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-135mm & 70-300mm VR Lenses for $1449.90. That's pretty expensive for me, but the fact that 2 lenses come with it make it more easily digestible! I do need some help understanding about the lenses, 18-135, does that mean it's a 135mm lens? What does the "18" represent. I think knowing these things will make it better for me to know what is needed for the photography that I like to do. Again, Thank You Ross!! Now if only a money fairy would leave me a big fat sack of money, everything would be set to go!!

The 18-135mm is the focal length or zoom. It will go from 18mm to 135mm zoom. Same goes for the 70-300mm.
I don't have nikon equipment and was wandering if they make different quality lens. Maybe you should visit nikons website and check out there different equipment and compare quality before dumping that kind of money.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by flhiker

The 18-135mm is the focal length or zoom. It will go from 18mm to 135mm zoom. Same goes for the 70-300mm.
I don't have nikon equipment and was wandering if they make different quality lens. Maybe you should visit nikons website and check out there different equipment and compare quality before dumping that kind of money.

Good info, Dave. The "kit lenses" supplied by both Canon and Nikon are nowhere near the quality of their higher quality lenses, but should be OK for the casual user. Just don't expect the "count the hairs on the petals" photos some post here, with the kit lenses and even the diopters (magnifying filters). Another difference, the kit lenses get brighter or darker (f-stops) as you zoom. The higher grade zoom lenses tend to have fixed f-stop.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

Thanks Ross for the warning about TriState, seems like nothing is ever as good as it seems. The link you provided did have this; Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-135mm & 70-300mm VR Lenses for $1449.90. That's pretty expensive for me, but the fact that 2 lenses come with it make it more easily digestible! I do need some help understanding about the lenses, 18-135, does that mean it's a 135mm lens? What does the "18" represent. I think knowing these things will make it better for me to know what is needed for the photography that I like to do. Again, Thank You Ross!! Now if only a money fairy would leave me a big fat sack of money, everything would be set to go!!

Amanda, also be careful not to select the "Gray Market" version of the camera or lenses. These are versions intended to be sold outside US and they do not have US warrantee.

[Amanda L]

Thanks Ross!!! I really want the "hairs on the petals" type pictures. I intend to sell some of my photographs, the more detailed and clear the better for me. As is the way of life, there are no shortcuts when you want to do something right!! Looks like I will have to save my money and get the good/expensive lenses. This will help me keep that promise to my husband about not buying any orchids for the rest of the year!! It's a drag, but if I get the camera I have been pining for, then worth it! Okay, since I read the other thread, and already know a good macro lens, any suggestions on other lenses, for landscapes, portrait?

[silken]

Hi Amanda,
I think you should also do a bit of reading before you decide what lens or even what camera to buy as these are large investments. Bryan Peterson has written a number of books. I have 3 of his but the most basic and important one is called "Understanding Exposure" He covers a lot of material that even an advanced amateur can benefit from. He also has a brand new book out called "Understanding Close-up Photography" I have just read it. There is another one on digital photography as well. John Shaw is another excellent pro photographer with great books. Amazon carries them all. They are filled with their photos and have info on what lenses they use and why they prefer them as well as many options such as extension tubes and opinions about close-up filters. The books are a real inspiration to read and I have learned a lot from them on the basics of photography and more.

Silken

[Swamper]

Hey Amanda, I was wondering if you're counting the hairs yet?

[orchidbingo]

Hi Amanda,
The 18-135 means its a zoom lens from 18mm-135 mm or wideangle to short telephoto.

bingo