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My 1st dslr in the mail! Nikon d5100

14 years ago

I'm so excited! I can't wait for it to arrive! I researched for weeks and weeks and finally made a decision (canon or nikon) and then researched lenses and finally placed my order.

Here's what I'm getting:

Nikon d5100 (body only)

Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm VR f/4.5-5.6 ($150 off)

Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G

2 class 10 memory cards (8GB and 16GB)

and a free Lowepro camera bag

and I'm saving up for a Nikkor 16-85mm lens.

Soon I'll be snap happy!

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Comments (6)

iowagirl2006
14 years ago
Yea! I have those two lenses and love them!

Make sure you try to not use AUTO all the time. I see so many people purchase a nice DSLR and use the AUTO settings. I don't know why they bothered with the cost of a DSLR.

There are a lot of websites that can help you learn the basics. You can get SO much more out of your camera by using the manual settings.
njmomma
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks! No, I'm not planning on using AUTO much. I've been watching youtube videos on how to change the ISO, shutter speed, etc... and when to change them. I also just ordered a book from amazon on how to use this camera.
Besides the 16-85mm lens I'm also saving for the 60mm macro lens. It's rated really well and I love taking macro shots of my garden.
I can't wait.
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In my opinion, go for what you can afford. If you can get one that "isnt for beginners" now, you won't have to buy another body when you "outgrow" that one, and you can spend that saved money on a lens! :) Since I'm a Canon guy, I'll talk Canon...:) If you can afford the 40D, and it feels good in your hand, go for that one. From what I have seen/read, if I (an XTI owner) could have afforded that one, I would have got it. i do LOVE my xTi though, and would certainly choose it above the XSi for a few reasons, mainly being that the added cost is more than the new features are worth IMO. Also remember that bandhphoto.com and adorama.com are your friends! :P Check their prices before you buy at a store.
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taigen_gw
14 years ago
njmomma...I am sure you will love your new camera. It is a wonderful hobby. I just wanted to let you know that a Tamron 90mm macro lens may be a better option for you. Also a good idea for macro is to get some Kenko extension tubes.
I total agree with staying away from Auto...never have used it with mine. It is a learning curve for sure, but well worth it :)
Enjoy yourself!!
zen_man
14 years ago
I recently bought the Nikon D3200 and the Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm VR f/4.5-5.6 ($150 off). I felt the included printed User's Manual wasn't nearly as detailed as the Reference Manual (as a PDF file on an included CD and also available for download at the NikonUSA.com website). So I printed out the whole Reference Manual. It took most of my black ink cartridge, but I think it was worth it. The reference manual is now my "go to" every time I try something new with my camera.

I considered waiting for the upcoming Nikon D5200, but I needed a camera now and I don't regret my purchase. Incidentally, the D3200 compares favorably with the expensive Canon EOS 5D Mark III (at about $3500). Not bad for a sub-$700 camera including the kit lens.

ZM
rdmusc
14 years ago
For a macro lens that I can afford I am looking at this:

Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Have fun...

Here is a link that might be useful: Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
zen_man
14 years ago
I purchased that Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens, and like it a lot. It is sharper and faster than my kit lens (18-55mm zoom VR) and the 55-300 telephoto.

I also use the 55-300 telephoto for closeups of butterflies and other "shy" creatures. Its VR feature lets me handhold it at the full 300mm setting. This closeup of a butterfly on one of my hybrid zinnias was cropped from a 300mm handheld shot, with the VR feature "on".

I use all three of my lenses about equally, so I am frequently switching lenses. The 40mm Micro NIKKOR is good for close sharp macros, and also functions as a prime lens, since it focuses to infinity just fine.

At some time in the future, when my budget allows, I will get the 85mm Micro, which has vibration reduction, and should be relatively easy to hand-hold. I also plan to get one of those right-angle viewer attachments, which let you "look down into" your camera and get convenient low-angle shots. I particularly need that for some of my macro close-ups.

The D3200 and my lenses are giving me the photographic capability that I have been wanting.

ZM

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