Photography Gear and Techniques

[VCheng]

actually, i have considered P1000 as it will be an improvement on what i was already using and was satisfied with (P510). Not just zoom as even P510 was enough in that regard and the increased zoom in P1000 is something i might not use but it have better max light sensitivity and much longer expouser. The only thing that have held me is the image sensor is same as P510 and i would have liked some improvement in that.

Another options is Canon Powershot SX70 HS!!
Or
Sony DSC-RX10 IV or III (Expensive) with 1" CMOS sensor.
View attachment 516641

This one looks very promising!

On other hand, if i go for a DSLR, i can select one lens to start with and results in that category would be much better. I would go for a lens suitable for landscapes which can do decent in portraits and some close up shots. What would you suggest for that? D5600 with 18-140mm wont do the job? Will prefer to keep one lens for now as i cannot carry multiple lens on all the tours and i wont be using it too much so wont spend a awful lot on it either.

You know what, can you just help me understand what can i do with that 18-140 lens and what will be the things i will miss out compared to P510 or P1000 or may be DSC-RX10 ??
Dont know why but this time i am just inclining a bit towards DSLR and that D5600 with 18-140 or 70-300 look attractive. I have studied a bit about 18-140, it gives decent bokeh, around 7x zoom too and decent landscape and portrait??

If you are seriously considering a DSLR, then a D5600 with an all-purpose lens like the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 combination will serve you very well for just about all types of photography. This Tamron is a great lens, better than the 18-140 in everyday use. You can add other lenses later if this one does not meet any specific needs.

The Sony RX100 series are great travel units, small and light to carry. Their only issue is the lack of zoom, but otherwise they are great cameras. I would prefer one of these over the RX10 just because of the convenience.

 

[VCheng]

Hey @Arsalan here is a great deal:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1308913-REG/nikon_d5600_dslr_camera_with.html

 

[Arsalan]

If you are seriously considering a DSLR, then a D5600 with an all-purpose lens like the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 combination will serve you very well for just about all types of photography. This Tamron is a great lens, better than the 18-140 in everyday use. You can add other lenses later if this one does not meet any specific needs.

The Sony RX100 series are great travel units, small and light to carry. Their only issue is the lack of zoom, but otherwise they are great cameras. I would prefer one of these over the RX10 just because of the convenience.

Sony RX100 is just basic point and shoot and even i get one, i will still want a bit more in form of Bridge or DSLR.

Got your point on D5600 with 16-300mm. The only problem is that the bundle deals all involved 18-140 or 70-300 That is what i will look for. But will surely check 16-300 lens now, may be i can buy D5600 and add 16-300mm lens separately. I understand that this gives much better zoom but then again, how much of it i am going to use anyway and i think that 18-144, roughly 7x zoom covers around 70% of the needs anyway. Will read more about the lens, its prices and try to work out a package deal in my budget.
Do you think that i got to buy a 16-300mm to cover everyday photography and this is the one that can serve me as my travel lens and that 18-140mm wont do that job?



One important question that i asked before, if i go for D5600 with 18-140mm, what are the things i will be missing out on compared to P510 or P900/1000?
And
In what areas (shot wise like landscape, bokeh, etc) i will be able to get better results.

More like a range comparison if you can do?

Hey @Arsalan here is a great deal:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1308913-REG/nikon_d5600_dslr_camera_with.html

Hey thanks a lot man. This is with 70-300mm right?
Actually i was planning to buy one in January when i am in Dubai, the prices are good over there too plus not sure how will i get the site you shared to deliver to Pakistan, PLUS its with 70-300.

 

[VCheng]

Sony RX100 is just basic point and shoot and even i get one, i will still want a bit more in form of Bridge or DSLR.

Got your point on D5600 with 16-300mm. The only problem is that the bundle deals all involved 18-140 or 70-300 That is what i will look for. But will surely check 16-300 lens now, may be i can buy D5600 and add 16-300mm lens separately. I understand that this gives much better zoom but then again, how much of it i am going to use anyway and i think that 18-144, roughly 7x zoom covers around 70% of the needs anyway. Will read more about the lens, its prices and try to work out a package deal in my budget.
Do you think that i got to buy a 16-300mm to cover everyday photography and this is the one that can serve me as my travel lens and that 18-140mm wont do that job?



One important question that i asked before, if i go for D5600 with 18-140mm, what are the things i will be missing out on compared to P510 or P900/1000?
And
In what areas (shot wise like landscape, bokeh, etc) i will be able to get better results.

More like a range comparison if you can do?



Hey thanks a lot man. This is with 70-300mm right?
Actually i was planning to buy one in January when i am in Dubai, the prices are good over there too plus not sure how will i get the site you shared to deliver to Pakistan, PLUS its with 70-300.

The great thing about the 16-300 is that it does it all without the need to changes lenses on the fly, much better than the 18-140, specially after the P510/900 levels of zoom that you are used to previously.

Having said that, the link I posted is almost half off a great combination, which is not bad either, if you want to carry a second lens and change as needed. I have both lenses for my D7000 and the Tamron gets used far more, specially while travelling. (In the photography thread, some time ago, I posted a series of zoom shots of the Black Canyon that will give you a good idea of the zoom factor and what the extra range will get you on an APS-C sensor.)

B&H at least gives a great idea about what good deals to look for elsewhere too, including Dubai. That is a good place to get deals on electronics generally, but I am not sure about warranty coverage, so I stick with US sourced items generally. Nikon Pakistan runs good package deals too from time to time.

 

[Arsalan]

The great thing about the 16-300 is that it does it all without the need to changes lenses on the fly, much better than the 18-140, specailly after the P510/900 levels of zoom that you are used to previously.

Having said that, the link I posted is almost half off a great combination, which is not bad either, if you want to carry a second lens and change as needed. I have both lenses for my D7000 and the Tamron gets used far more, specially while travelling. (In the photography thread, some time ago, I posted a series of zoom shots of the Black Canyon that will give you a good idea of the zoom factor and what the extra range will get you on an APS-C sensor.)

B&H at least gives a great idea about what good deals to look for elsewhere too, including Dubai. That is a good place to get deals on electronics generally, but I am not sure about warranty coverage, so I stick with US sourced items generally. Nikon Pakistan runs good package deals too from time to time.

Well its set then, (unless you think of something else that can change my mind or may serve as an upgrade).
I will look for D5600 with 16-300 deal from B&H and try to find similar in Dubai or Pakistan. If it is too costly, will you recommend going with 18-140mm (due to price) or is it a big No no and you think it will be useless and i should just wait for 16-300?

 

[VCheng]

Well its set then, (unless you think of something else that can change my mind or may serve as an upgrade).
I will look for D5600 with 16-300 deal from B&H and try to find similar in Dubai or Pakistan. If it is too costly, will you recommend going with 18-140mm (due to price) or is it a big No no and you think it will be useless and i should just wait for 16-300?

Try for the best deal you can get on the D5600/16-300 combination under $1k, and it will serve you well for a long time. Also budget for at least a UV filter to protect the lens and a hood to prevent light flares.

(All three - body/lens/filter - currently retail for about $1200 on Amazon.)

 

[Arsalan]

Try for the best deal you can get on the D5600/16-300 combination under $1k, and it will serve you well for a long time. Also budget for at least a UV filter to protect the lens and a hood to prevent light flares.

(All three - body/lens/filter - currently retail for about $1200 on Amazon.)

That like 150000 Rs or so, i was looking more towards 100000. Anyway, will look into it. I get an idea that you are no big fan of 18-140mm and recommend against it.

 

[YeBeWarned]

Thank you for tagging me and bringing this conv. here.

Well, i few years back i was looking to buy a camera and despite the suggestion of going for a basic DSLR i went ahead with a bridge camera in P510 Nikon and was extremely satisfied with the results. The picture quality sure is not same as a DSLR but it gave me a huge range of pictures i can take from the camera. From long range telescopic shots to good macro shots and general landscape and portrait photography. It is true that the results wont match a DSLR in any single one of these categories but the fact is, i may well be carrying two to three lens to cover it all with a DSLR. That is EXPENSIVE and impossible for me to carry.

Anyway, now i am done with P510, gave it to someone and now looking to buy a new camera.

So here is what i am seeking your suggestion on:

1. Should i stick with bridge, forget about DSLR.
2. Go ahead and buy a DSLR even though i am sure i wont be able to use it to its potential and will miss out on quite a few shots i would have taken if i have a bridge. Still, do it because the ones i manage to take will be much better than anything i can get from Bridge.
3. I usually use my camera just 4 to 5 times a year. Its 3 to 4 times on business trip to UK or Germany or other part of Europe. One to Two times during my visit to norther areas of Pakistan
4. I am more into landscapes and nature than portraits of humans
5. I cannot carry more than two lens at max. Will prefer to have just one, that give me a half decent range of shots i can take.

Thats is pretty much all the info i have with me.

As for camera, i have looked in Nikon D5600 and like it, with a 18-140 lens, i also have a 18-55 kit lens with me already.

So it will be great if you can suggest something, bridge or DSLR, is DSLR then which one? Wont be spending upwards of 100000, max 110000 on something i wont be using regularly. So any other in same price range as D5600?


Tagging @TaimiKhan and @Zaki again in case one of them can also add something to the discussion.
@war&peace @Starlord

Look for Canon 80D , or Nikon d7500 if you don't have a limited budget ..you can get best APS sensor camera but it's 300k Nikon D500 .
I am buying a Nikon D750 full frame camera along with either 85mm or 20-70mm depends on my budget .

 

[YeBeWarned]

That like 150000 Rs or so, i was looking more towards 100000. Anyway, will look into it. I get an idea that you are no big fan of 18-140mm and recommend against it.

I'd avoid Nikon Coolpix cause of slow auto focus .. I think in 100,000 pkr you can get Canon 80D with kit lens . Or Nikon D7100/7200

 

[VCheng]

That like 150000 Rs or so, i was looking more towards 100000. Anyway, will look into it. I get an idea that you are no big fan of 18-140mm and recommend against it.

The 18-140 is a decent lens, but the 16-300 offers more reach at both ends, something very useful. Plus, it can do great macro shots too. And it is not too large or heavy. Carrying another 70-300 lens gets tiring very quickly while traveling, and specially to keep it on you at all times, or you end up compromising on zoom shots. Think of a plaza in Germany. You can take a wide-angle view of the entire plaza, a nice portrait of your companion, a few candids across the plaza, and a close up zoom shot of the gargoyles while standing in a single spot. Very few lenses will allow that kind of versatility.

From personal experience, I had an 18-200 that was very good, but adding the 16-300 made the versatility really shine. As you gain more experience, you will find the added reach useful, I am sure. If you do not get it now, no problem, you can always add it later.

 

[Arsalan]

Think of a plaza in Germany. You can take a wide-angle view of the entire plaza, a nice portrait of your companion, a few candids across the plaza, and a close up zoom shot of the gargoyles while standing in a single spot. Very few lenses will allow that kind of versatility.

SOLD!!
16-300mm it is!!

My only problem was that i was getting bundle deals that included 14-180.
What i will do now is i will buy D5600 (or D7200) body only (as i have a 18-55) or with kit 18-55 and then add a 16-300 separately. OR I can wait for a suitable deal to pop up in England Dubai or Pakistan (places where i can buy this from) with a 16-300 and then go for it!!

 

[dilpakistani]

SOLD!!
16-300mm it is!!

My only problem was that i was getting bundle deals that included 14-180.
What i will do now is i will buy D5600 (or D7200) body only (as i have a 18-55) or with kit 18-55 and then add a 16-300 separately. OR I can wait for a suitable deal to pop up in England Dubai or Pakistan (places where i can buy this from) with a 16-300 and then go for it!!

that ranges are fine... but for low light capturing u probably should focus on primes.
i have 50mm 1.8, 35 mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 55 200MM and 70 300 MM ... with D-7200

 

[VCheng]

SOLD!!
16-300mm it is!!

My only problem was that i was getting bundle deals that included 14-180.
What i will do now is i will buy D5600 (or D7200) body only (as i have a 18-55) or with kit 18-55 and then add a 16-300 separately. OR I can wait for a suitable deal to pop up in England Dubai or Pakistan (places where i can buy this from) with a 16-300 and then go for it!!

Sounds like a plan. You can always add lenses later as you go along and build up a more comprehensive system, that is one of the advantages of DSLRs.

that ranges are fine... but for low light capturing u probably should focus on primes.
i have 50mm 1.8, 35 mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 55 200MM and 70 300 MM ... with D-7200

The newer sensors are quite good in low light even with zooms, but primes can always be added later if needed or wanted.

 

[VCheng]

Hey @Arsalan may be this self-portrait will help you gain inspiration to buy lots of DSLR accessories too.

 

[Arsalan]

that ranges are fine... but for low light capturing u probably should focus on primes.
i have 50mm 1.8, 35 mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 55 200MM and 70 300 MM ... with D-7200

I cannot carry this many lens on my travels. That is why looking for one that can do satisfactory job over the range. Even a half decent job will do!!

Hey @Arsalan may be this self-portrait will help you gain inspiration to buy lots of DSLR accessories too.


View attachment 519564

Yeah,,, and i may also charter a plane to travel since those commercials airliners wont let me anywhere near their flights with this much gear

No, i will keep looking for a D5600 or 7200 with 16-300 is a deal pops up or else will simple go for either body only or with 18-55 (since price is not much different) and add 16-300 separately (at same time as i buy the camera as no point waiting for it)

One point though, when you talk about 16-300mm,, is it tamron you are talking about?


Also,, since there is a deal (at place where i can buy from ) with D5600 with 18-140 (72US$) , will you recommend going for it and adding 16-300 later separately? Or is there no point in getting 18-140 when i plan to add 16-300 later? Or i can go for a deal D5600 with 18-55 and 70-300 at 660 US$.
D5600 body only is 430US$

One advantage i can think of is that with 18-140 i will have something to start, something better than 18-55 surely!!

What do you say?

Also, i should stick to D5600 right? No need to go for D7200? the difference is not huge as far as i understand.