by CPSK
Hi;
I have a fantastic DSLR, the Nikon D200, but so far I have been unable to get those really crisp shots I see all the time here and on other sites.
I know pretty much about photography, but let me tell you what I've got, what I'm doing, and then you can tell me what I can do to get better photos.
First off, I am using the Nikon kit lens, which is a 18-70mm f3.5-4.5. It was inexpensive and convenient to buy when I bought the D200 in May 2006.
Now, I know that the most important aspect of taking good shots is lighting. I need to get out there at the right time of day, so that the sun is behind me and on the train.
It helps if the train is not moving, or is moving very slowly. That is not usually the case when I get to photograph trains, since I don't usually go to where they're parked.
They are usually running past me at about 35mph.
I have been using an ISO of 400. Shutter speed is usually between 1/125 and 1/200. Aperture is between f3.5 and f11. I normally use the shutter priority mode.
I have not been using a tripod.
I want to buy a telephoto zoom lens, to get closer up shots, but realize that I will have to use a tripod for those shots.
I am also told that the kit lens Nikon sells is not the best for action photography. It does not have the sharp focus that some of the other lenses have.
So, what can I do without spending $$$ for a Nikkor VR lens?
Thanks
FW
I have a fantastic DSLR, the Nikon D200, but so far I have been unable to get those really crisp shots I see all the time here and on other sites.
I know pretty much about photography, but let me tell you what I've got, what I'm doing, and then you can tell me what I can do to get better photos.
First off, I am using the Nikon kit lens, which is a 18-70mm f3.5-4.5. It was inexpensive and convenient to buy when I bought the D200 in May 2006.
Now, I know that the most important aspect of taking good shots is lighting. I need to get out there at the right time of day, so that the sun is behind me and on the train.
It helps if the train is not moving, or is moving very slowly. That is not usually the case when I get to photograph trains, since I don't usually go to where they're parked.
They are usually running past me at about 35mph.
I have been using an ISO of 400. Shutter speed is usually between 1/125 and 1/200. Aperture is between f3.5 and f11. I normally use the shutter priority mode.
I have not been using a tripod.
I want to buy a telephoto zoom lens, to get closer up shots, but realize that I will have to use a tripod for those shots.
I am also told that the kit lens Nikon sells is not the best for action photography. It does not have the sharp focus that some of the other lenses have.
So, what can I do without spending $$$ for a Nikkor VR lens?
Thanks
FW