Thinking D50

[sweathog]

my $0.02: check the size of the viewfinder first if you want to do manual focusing with D50. The advantage (among others) of the D200 proposed by Frank may be much larger viewfinder ...

You make a fair point. I guess I was considering using it more as a scale focus, using flash at night to keep my DOF...

Thanks to all the guys who are suggesting the D200 and the like. As much as I appreciate the input, unless an extra £500 drops into my lap I have to keep at the cheaper end of the market. If money weren't an issue I'd probably go far a D700 and a D300. Sadly it is. 🙁

 

[Armoured]

@MCTuomey: I think you're right about the d70, or at least, as far as I'm aware the d50 does not support the wireless triggering. Of course, that really only applies if you're going to spend mucho $$ on flash kit.

 

[pvdhaar]

@MCTuomey: I think you're right about the d70, or at least, as far as I'm aware the d50 does not support the wireless triggering. Of course, that really only applies if you're going to spend mucho $$ on flash kit.

There's a caveat with a wide sweeping statement like that.

What is true, is that the D50 indeed doesn't offer wireless CLS triggering from the built-in flash.

But with an SB-800 (or SU-800 or SB-900) attached, all the bells and whistles are there to control remote SB600/SB800/SB900 flashes on each and all channels and groups, in master and commander mode.. the whole shebang.

In addition, the D50 can trigger off camera flashes just fine if the flash has an optical slave. For instance the SB-800 in SU-4 mode can be strobed off-camera if the D50 is set to manual flash output.. as in the attachment..

 

[Armoured]

@pvdhaar: thanks for the deeper info on the d50 flash situation. Complicated stuff.

 

[MCTuomey]

good to know, peter. thanks. the way i understand you is that, with the nikon flashes and a D50, you simply don't need pocket wizards or eBay triggers or branded triggers for off-camera flash. big savings there, or leftover cash for lighting. canon has so much to learn ...

 

[kaiyen]

the nikon CLS system is based on infrared, not radio, so there is a big difference in how it vs. pocket wizards or the ebay triggers work. You will be amazed at how often you don't have to have line of sight for CLS to work, but it is infrared.

Best Buy online has D200's for I think $599 brand new, free shipping. At least last time I checked. I would go that route if I wanted the option of inexpensive older lenses.

Personally, if I had any intention of getting anything other than the D40/D40x/D60/D5000 entry-level line, I would not invest in non-AI lenses. AIS manual focus lenses are very affordable - I just got a 400mm 2.8 (yes, a 400 2.8) for less than $1200.

 

[BillBingham2]

Damn nice price. I do wish I had the cash.

Lots of folks out there are very happy with old Nikkors on a D40 body.

B2 (;->

 

[kaiyen]

I never said there was anything wrong with the pre-AI lenses. I just don't think it makes sense. Tons of AIS lenses for prices almost as good that will still at least mount on all cameras.