My newbie multi question thread.May contain numptiness.

[Furyous]

Right, I definately class myself as a beginner in this forum, but have been learning heavily this year.

Just bought and read both digi photog books by Scott Kelby and book confirmed a lot of my newfound knowledge/suspicions, but book 2 has raised a few queries, particularly as I find myself thinking about my photography a lot more lately.

I want to upgrade my kit next year, as Im only using a D70S with a Sigma 70-300 APO as my main motorsport gear. The D200 is looking very tempting these days.

But then so is Simpo's 70-300 ed.

1st question - AF speed.. does it come from the body or the lens ? will a D200 af faster than my D70S ?

2nd question - I want/need a tripod -any recommendations ?

3rd question - I want to replace my 18/70 kit lens for something of similar versatility but with better glass, any thoughts ? Primarily for pit type shots, but also for general use.

Thanks for reading so far, Ive really got the bug and am loving my photography at the moment, thanks to the inspiration on here.

Ive proved to myself my motorsport stuff is acceptable, but I want the whole hog and want to now learn portrait and landscape.

I doubt I can ever compete with some on here, but as long as I have some pics I am happy with, then so be it.

[Simpo Two]

'1st question - AF speed.. does it come from the body or the lens ?'

Both. An AF-S lens is faster than AF-D, but a pro body will drive an AF-D lens faster and more accurately.

'will a D200 af faster than my D70S ?'

IIRC the D200 turned my 70-300ED faster than the D70, but I can't say how much exactly.

'3rd question - I want to replace my 18/70 kit lens for something of similar versatility but with better glass, any thoughts ? Primarily for pit type shots, but also for general use.'

Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 - my workhorse lens, but better glass costs money!

'as long as I have some pics I am happy with, then so be it.'

Yep, you have only yourself to please - enjoy!

[bulb763]

AF speed, generally, yep - the more you spend on a body the faster the AF, all else being equal. D200 has more focus points than your D70S, too.

Replacement for 18-70 - hmmm well I can't think of a more versatile lens that is better. For more versatile, look at 18-200s and the like (assuming by versaility you mean the zoom range). For better glass, look at bigger apertures. 24-70 would be one hell of a step up! Sigma 17-70 would be more of a sideways step than a step up. Your 18-70 is widely considered to be a very good lens in its own right anyway.

Alternatively, consider a pair of lenses. I'd recommend the Sigma 10-20 for landscapes (although can be a bit too wide sometimes) and some sort of prime for portraits. The 10-20 is a fantastic lens which you can get some remarkable results with

[beano500]

bulb763 said:

... and some sort of prime for portraits.

That's a good tip.

Look out for a 50mm f/1.8 - or, with the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4G due out next month, there may be a few AF 50mm f/1.4D lenses on the second hand market. Useful for low light, close up portrait and general stuff - and will focus quite quickly on any body. Not perfect, because the design is now a few years old, but I got one recently and it's a great lens all the same.....

[Furyous]

Thanks for the replies chaps. Pretty much as I expected.

Looks like a D200 will be bought as soon as funds allow.

Coupled with the Nikkor 70-300 ED should get me to where I want to be.

I also plan to buy a 50mm asap too.

Simpo, your workhorse lens - you aint kidding on the price

Any thoughts on tripods then ?

[Simpo Two]

Furyous said:

Simpo, your workhorse lens - you aint kidding on the price

Any thoughts on tripods then ?

Well as you ask, I use Manfrotto but other than that I can't be specific I'm afraid - just apply the 'YGWYPF' rule. I was covering a wedding today and a small child was being reprimanded for touching my tripod. I said 'It's OK, she can't possibly break it!'

Edited by Simpo Two on Saturday 8th November 20:12