I think I need a zoom lens?

[Jock Strap]

I've recently been given a Nikon coolpix 5000 camera, which I'd like to use for climbing photos of my mates and me.

The camera came with a wide angle lens, which is great for scenery, panoramas etc. but most of my shots have been taken from ground level, looking up at climbers and the zoom is pretty pants. I'd like to gain more clarity at full zoom when taking close ups.

So, educated and experienced photography people of Pistonheads, what do I need?

Apologies, for sounding a bit thick, I'm new to this photography game...

[itsnotarace]

HTH

[rottie102]

Well, first of all you'll need a camera body to attach this zoom lens to...

[Simpo Two]

If you have to cart it up a mountain I presume a DSLR is ruled out?

[Jock Strap]

I've already got the body, in the form of a coolpix 5000, so am just looking for the lense at the moment.

[LongQ]

Jock Strap said:

I've recently been given a Nikon coolpix 5000 camera, which I'd like to use for climbing photos of my mates and me.

The camera came with a wide angle lens, which is great for scenery, panoramas etc. but most of my shots have been taken from ground level, looking up at climbers and the zoom is pretty pants. I'd like to gain more clarity at full zoom when taking close ups.

If this is the Coolpix 5000 I suspect it is (circa 2002 vintage) then the wide angle is an adapter that fits on or around the in-built zoom, right?

Nikon may have done a Telephoto adapter as well - not sure, I use Canon and canon sometimes offered wide and
Tele adapters for some models.

Either way the results may not be great as the Telephoto's extra 'reach' is unlikely to be very large and the optical results are usually a little compromised.

If the guess is correct it should be possible to do the research to find what is still available for the model.

[rottie102]

Jock Strap said:

I've already got the body, in the form of a coolpix 5000, so am just looking for the lense at the moment.

Sorry, do you have a Nikon D5000, Nikon Coolpix 5000 or Nikon Coolpix P5000 ??

Stupid Nikon, like they couldn't come up with a new name

[Jock Strap]

rottie102 said:

Jock Strap said:

I've already got the body, in the form of a coolpix 5000, so am just looking for the lense at the moment.

Sorry, do you have a Nikon D5000, Nikon Coolpix 5000 or Nikon Coolpix P5000 ??

Stupid Nikon, like they couldn't come up with a new name

It's the P5000 - I suspect LongQ may be right, and it's just an adapter - Will look into what they do in that sense.

[SamHH]

It looks like you want one of these (and an adapter which you presumably have):

http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/products/product...

[Jock Strap]

SamHH said:

It looks like you want one of these (and an adapter which you presumably have):

http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/products/product...

That's the one and typically, it needs a different adapter to the wideangle I already have. I think I'll not bother and put the money towards a 'proper' DSLR.

[LongQ]

Jock Strap said:

SamHH said:

It looks like you want one of these (and an adapter which you presumably have):

http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/products/product...

That's the one and typically, it needs a different adapter to the wideangle I already have. I think I'll not bother and put the money towards a 'proper' DSLR.

You may be able to find the items at a sensible price on eBay - if you have patience.

10Mp is not too bad though and bear in mind that if you too are climbing, with the camera, a DSLR may be a little large for your purpose. There are some cameras around with manageable size a fairly reasonable longish zooms, without the ability to change lenses. Mostly they only offer wide end adapters since the Tele end goes beyond 400mm (in 35mm equivalence.)