(Part 2) Best products from r/Nikon

If it were up to me, I would get a Rode Video Micro, which is around $40 cheaper than the Video Mic Go, (I'm going USD because that's where I am, not sure if you are GBP or what, but the price ratio should be around the same) and from most of the reviews out there seems to be a bit better all around, and it comes with a dead-cat wind breaker, which you would have to pay extra for if you got the Go. If you are shooting in a forest you'll want that to help break any wind noise coming in through the trees.

Here is a review comparing the Video Micro with the Video Mic Go and the Video Mic Pro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSfDWCpRUk8

So case 1 is get a Video Mic Go for around $100 (https://www.amazon.com/Rode-VMGO-Lightweight-Microphone-Super-Cardio/dp/B00GQDORA4) and get a dead cat wind screen for around $30 (https://www.amazon.com/Rode-DDCGO-DeadCat-Artificial-Shield/dp/B00JG8IBW6/ref=pd_bxgy_267_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X6C0TJQWT1W5RK1TW680) because you will absolutely need it if there is any kind of wind. That would be around $130-140 depending on shipping/tax/etc.

Case 2 is get a Rode Video Micro, which I personally own and really really like, and that is $60 AND comes with a wind screen, so for the money you have saved you could get a Zoom H1 as well and come out pretty close to the same price!
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1183909-REG/rode_videomicro_compact_on_camera.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1260111-REG/zoom_h1b_h1_ultra_portable_digital_audio.html
$60 for the mic + ~$80 for the recorder puts you at $140, so like $10 more. Not bad in my opinion. And it gets you the peace of mind of being able to monitor your audio, make sure that you don't have any weird interference or background noise since it has a headphone jack. Yes, you have to sync audio in post, but it is totally worth it in the huge jump in audio quality. This is basically the setup that I used for quite a while (H1+ Nikon ME-1 mic for me, so this setup is probably even better) and it is a really cheap option compared to what is out there (now I am using a Zoom H4n Pro + Sennheiser Lavalier Mics + Rode Video Mic Pro and some other gear as well,) and there probably isn't a massive difference between the two setups.

Just my opinion, but I think that you would end up with better audio the second way, and the audio really makes the movie. Bad audio and a good video image/story still generally is a bad video.

It depends on how much you're willing to spend and what you'd like to use it for.

In general, more expensive is usually better, so while you can get a decent tripod for $50, it won't be the most durable or stable for long exposures. That's considered a travel tripod, but for the most stable you can buy huge heavy tripods that are rock solid.

For travel, I can personally recommend the Vanguard Veo 2 lineup. They have twist locks, which some people don't like and I wasn't sure if I would, but they don't require turning for ages, barely a full rotation. Just pick the one that suits the weight you expect to put on it and your budget, they range for $100-$250 (look for the comparison chart lower on the page).

The 23X and 26X models have a slightly better ball head, which adds friction control for the ball and pan locking.

I personally have the 264AB (A for aluminum, C for carbon fiber) and it's fantastic. It folds up to around 17", weighs only a few pounds, and is super sturdy! I cannot attest to how sturdy the lighter models will be for long exposures, but mine has been great.

Just starting to dip my toes into the world of photography (more like just looking at the water at this point) but it seems like people online and personal friends are recommending the D5500. This might sound like a dumb question, but which of these three options is the best value? Are cameras products that are fine refurbished or is there anything to be wary of? Is there a better, but reliable, site to buy cameras at than Amazon?

New (18-55mm & 70-300mm) $730 Is a new camera plus an additional lens worth the price increase of ~$100 from the one below?


Refurbished (18-55 mm) $620

Refurbished (Body Only) $540

What would you recommend for me between 50mm and 35mm? I have both for an old Canon slr but I don't think I could get a great comparison using them because of the nikon crop sensor. Which lens is an all around better lens for landscape and other stuff?

Edit. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JGXQHH2/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1504574985&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Nikon+18-55mm+VR+DX+II&dpPl=1&dpID=517qqYEJTNL&ref=plSrch is that the lens you're talking about? That would be good to have in the arsenal but as the first and only lens for now? I feel like a prime 50 or 35 would be better to have then grab this next. The speed of that lens will annoy me if it's my only lens.

Facts. Looking at the Nikon version, $2000 is way too much for me. I was looking more around the $1000-1250 range.

Like this would be pushing my budget. This
is more reasonable but doesn't have image stabilization, and it's lower on my budget scale. This seems like an average between the two.

Like I said, I'm not really a professional photographer. I've covered shows at regular venues and music festivals alike, but it's more of a luxury of being able to get photo passes. A lot of times it goes "I'm covering this, but I might as well cover that while I'm here", like SXSW this year. I'm mainly an entertainment journalist, hence the media press conferences (which are usually well-lit)

I'd love to get a faster tele lens, but honestly in most photo pits I'm so close that I need something lower than a cropped-to ~100mm. And while I could have a second wider lens to fill that gap, I just hate having to swap lenses on a dime. That's my worry.

What to do...

If I might recommend one more thing to spice up your macro world, it would be a reversing ring. Stick it on your fast 50mm (or 35mm) and it's pretty neat. Definately leaning more in the artsy/lomo world doing this, as the DOF is super tiny, and you basically have to get 'right on top' of your subject, but, hey, it is cheap, cool fun. I have been using a pair of cheap LED flashlights to illuminate whatever it is I'm messing with.

Apple loves their dongles!


https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Card-Camera-Reader/dp/B0198HIF7K


I am sure third party ones are cheaper, but its nice they have the option. I would imagine this is a more power user solution, but it could be looking into if you find it worth it.

I'm getting the Camera for my birthday soon. You can get I think it's 67mm lens. Someone recommended this for Micro? shots:

https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Optics-Piece-Close-Filter/dp/B003UHY7D6

TBH My mother wants to go all out on me oddly as long I use it and go outside haha. After so many years shes still trying to save me.

I don't know what other filters I should get amazon should have batteries I would get a x2 with x2 charging slots as well so you can charge them at the same time. SD Card Maybe x2 also if you are doing something where maybe you need to swap them before the police take the camera LOL.

I'd recommend an 85mm or 105mm macro lens for the following reasons:

• Smooth, creamy bokeh and a good focal length for portraits
  
• Gives your kit a mild telephoto focal length, which it's currently lacking
  
• Gives you another thing to do when you're walking around -- some of my favorite street photo shots are finding something cool and taking a super-close shot with my macro lens
  
  I personally love my Sigma 105mm f/2.8. Nikon makes a similar model.
  
  EDIT: Oh, and the lenses I linked are both FX lenses. That's got some ups and downs: It's good if you're planning on upgrading to an FX body in the future, but in the meantime you're paying for more than you're getting. It also increases the effective focal length from 105mm to ~150mm.

Thanks to both of you, I'm definitely looking at this one! Two questions:

1. This is the lens you are talking about, right? Amazon.ca
   
   
2. The little "foot" on the bottom of the lens, that's something to do with the weight of it and using a tripod, is that right? Does the foot simply attach to the tripod to help balance the weight of the lens vs the body?
   
   Thanks again!!

I actually just went through this a few months ago. I broke the SD Door on my D750.


I ordered this one off of Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JJCZ1N7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I usually do not make any of my own repairs but it was very easy after watching Youtube Videos. It fits perfectly and looks brand new.

The Nikon logo is a trademark. A 3rd party cap carrying the Nikon logo is going to be a counterfit product instead of a knock-off. Amazon isn't big on selling illegal goods. If you place an order for the LC-52 lens with the Nikon logo, it comes from Amazon, and it isn't an OEM cap, contact Amazon and they will take care of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-LC-52-Snap-Front-Lens/dp/B00006I5J7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510252192&sr=8-2&keywords=LC+52

That one looks legit to me. I'd certainly feel comfortable buying it.

To each their own. TBH I don't have any experience trying to get the kit lens to do macro with a filter or tube but have had success with a filter just fine on my 35mm (which costs ~$130 used). Linking a couple of shots below as well as the close-up filter I use below as reference.

https://flic.kr/p/2gncoU7

https://flic.kr/p/2giTPdB


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004E54LBQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's totally perfect! Here's a $9 one I have, works great.

link

I ended up getting a this tri pod a few months ago: https://www.amazon.com/BONFOTO-B690A-Lightweight-Aluminum-Portable/dp/B072NZL11B/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=tripod+ball&qid=1569467764&s=gateway&sr=8-3

It appears that everyone makes this same tri-pod and just slaps their name on it. I found one for like $56 when I bought it. I know it is double your price, but I fairly like it and have been enjoying the use of it. Seems very sturdy for my use and have actually been using the mono-pod more than anything. Probably not the world's greatest tri-pod, but meets all of my needs.

Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 fisheye, fantastic lens for the money. It's relatively sharp past f/5 and offers great contrast and color. There is also a cheaper version that won't meter and uses a manual aperture ring for $50(usd) less.

Here is a shot I took with my friend's Rokinon 8mm on my D7000. As you can see from the EXIF data I used a version that doesn't meter, so it's a little tricky to get exposure correct at first.

I have 2 black rapids straps. Both a single and a double setup. I love them and can't imagine going back to a neck strap. It does fine with an L-bracket either with the screw in thats there on the L-bracket or with the attachment that i personally prefer to use: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Aluminum-Screw-Compatible-Release/dp/B00KNPITI2/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=Neewer+Aluminum+Screw+Knob+Clamp+Arca+Swiss+Compatible+Mini+Quick+Release+Clamp+for+QR+Plate+%2838mm%29&qid=1556923422&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmrnull

C'mon, don't be a pansy. Just go all the way and get a Rokinon 8mm F3.5 fisheye for $250.

More seriously, I've used the Tokina 11-16 and it was awesome. Here's my favorite shot with it

Is there a specific B+W or Hoya CPL you could recommend? Are those still better than the Nikon (found the link) at $65?

About to buy a macro lens, wondering if Tokina 100mm is going to give me a crystal clear, sharp image I need from shots of eyes on my D850. Anyone have any experience with this lens? It's 1/3 the cost of the 105mm Nikkor which I have not heard good things about. I will be shooting mostly insects and eyes.

Cheers

I have a D3300, grabbed this off amazon a while ago and it works perfectly fine (I'd be surprised if it suddenly would lose compatibility on a later gen: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Wireless-Remote-Control-Cameras/dp/B003L1ZYZ6/?th=1

Supposedly it keeps draining the battery when it's in, so just take it out whenever you're not using it, just a head's up

I have the Nikkor 18-200 3.5-5.6 .. I have had this for like 10 years or so and have used it on various upgraded bodies. It is't super fast, but it has been a workhorse.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6G-Telephoto-DX-Format/dp/B002JCSV8A

​

*note: I have the original VR version, not the VR II linked to above.

You can do either, just bear in mind that the minimum focusing distance at full extension (2000mm equiv.) is something like 5 metres. At maximum width is more like 20cm, which is more reasonable. If you're really into macros I would probably recommend a cheap screw-on lens, maybe something like this. That size should screw on the P900 with no issues.

[Tamron 70-300 mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD] (http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B003YH9DZE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452518596&sr=8-2&keywords=tamron+70-300+nikon)
With my D5100 it's a great combo.

Thanks! Do you think this set is worth the $600 price tag? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVTT5PL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pREjzb3XGHDYG

Amazon prime, overnight shipping, under $100. It'll be better than the internal mic on your camera.

https://www.amazon.com/Rode-VMGO-Lightweight-Microphone-Super-Cardioid/dp/B00GQDORA4/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1524162067&sr=1-1&keywords=rode+external+microphone

The original, full title is "LC-52 Snap-on Front Lens Cap 52mm" - you should be able to find one in almost every camera store or you could order it from Amazon - maybe it'll make it in time: https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-LC-52-Snap-Front-Lens/dp/B00006I5J7

Would this be a good choice?

There's some used - like new on Amazon right now under $300.

I have a D5100 and I was on the same boat as you. I wanted to be able to do macro shots, yet found that a whole macro lens is terribly expensive. As an alternative, I got macro filters from Amazon which have worked very well for me. If you're adamant about getting a full lens, I don't have any suggestions for you, but...



Here is a picture I took of a doorknob center with maximum magnification when I was using the filters Note: the image was cropped to be narrow


This is what it looks like using the normal macro settings on my camera without any filters


Lastly, here is a +18 magnification of the keyhole in its full image size

Comment edits for formatting

I only advise that if time is an issue, maybe buy the ring from a reputable shop rather than an ebayer in china. they come up with the goods but it can take upwards of a month to get to you. Here's one on amazon for 9 dollars or adorama for 12. Otherwise the product is identical.

The prism housings on (many) bodies with pop-up flashes aren't big enough to support the same kind of porthole-style viewfinder they put on bodies that don't have them.

I bought one of these for my D750 to see if it would at least get me halfway there, because I don't like the clip-on cover they supply with the camera. It did, but the rubber part was forever getting brushed against things and slipping off the plastic mount. I left it off and found that the plastic part was a decent-enough substitute. I may put a coat of Plasti-Dip on the rear (eye-facing) edge to make it a bit softer.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B003YH9DZE

Comparable to Nikon, about $100 cheaper after rebate. I might take a grey market Nikon 70-300VR if it were $300, though.

I believe that's a 52 mm cap
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-LC-52-Snap-Front-Lens/dp/B00006I5J7/ref=pd_sim_421_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41o5v1xN2ML&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR143%2C160_&refRID=0AAV3YFRXFJA3F91BZA3

Link https://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-200mm-Digital-Cameras-A001NII/dp/B0012GDOQS

Edit: I accidentally linked the non vr version, here is the right one https://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-200MM-Telephoto-Nikon-Cameras/dp/B00A34GP52