Hi. Since we are talking photography, let's share camera information. I just got my first DSLR and it's a Canon EOS 50D. It's been a real challenge to get back to "real" photography after my many well-loved point and shoots, but I am learning. I have a Canon macro lens 60mm, and a Tamron 18-270mm lens so far. I found that the manual was definitely not enough so I bought this great book dedicated to my camera. I seem to be stuck on page 69. That's when I started this cubit!!

What camera are you using to take orchid photos?

I bought my DSLR Nikon D50 four years ago. I recently wore out the lens, but since there was nothing wrong with the camera body I replaced the AF-S Nikkor 18-55 mm 1:3.5 -5.6 G with another one which is identical to the first except it has a VR setting, which makes it a bit more steady.
In addition I also picked up a Tamron ( SP AF 60 mm F/2 Di II Macro 1:1) macro lens, which in retrospect was pretty much an expensive mistake. It works well on certain colors and the background looks soft, so one can shoot in place without distracting background. Unfortunately parts of the subject look soft too at times. Still playing with it.

I am looking for an all purpose lens that is really sharp for the orchid pictures at mid distances. My macro has a short depth of field except when it's sunny out (only one are of the flower is in focus).

I must say the Tamron lens is good for midrange but even better for wide angle shots of scenery but I need to be pretty far from the flower to get mid range pics. Sometimes I bang into walls.

I have to adnit my old Canon Powershot SX20 point and shoot was super in this range. I highly recommend this great camera to begin. http://www.usa.canon.com/consu...

I use a Nikon D200

For normal every day shots -
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

For close-ups -
Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 1:2.8 D
Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8 D

I have other lenses but they pretty much stay in my photo bag for travel purposes.

Fred

Which lens were you using to take Lc. Mildred Rives 'Orchidglade' ?? And would you put that pic in the Favorite Orchid Photos thread for me??
http://cubits.org/orchids/thre...

Ordered a Nikon 300s yesterday

Very exciting Fred. I'm already looking forward to your pics!!! I don't know how you are with new cameras but there has been a learning curve for me everytime I get a new one.

Kathy,
I never finish learning a camera before I buy a new one. With each one there is always so much to learn. This new thing now will autofocus moving action onto a secondary storage unit if I can figure out how to do it.

Fred

Fred said:Kathy,
I never finish learning a camera before I buy a new one. With each one there is always so much to learn. This new thing now will autofocus moving action onto a secondary storage unit if I can figure out how to do it.

Fred

SO TRUE!! I usually just start liking my pics when I buy a new one!! Do you mean movies?

Fred, sounds fancy!

Yes, some of the newer SLR cameras like the Nikon D300s and D90 permit dual use for still and moving pictures (movies). Resolution for movies is still limited to 720p HD but that should be good enough for a few short shots. The 300s has separate storage capability so that you don't mix up your still and moving pics. I like that. A 32GB SD card is coming along to enhance my existing old 4GB CompactFlash cards which I use for pictures.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Y...

Fred

I opted for separate camera and camcorder.

Fred, that looks like a great camera!!

Kathy,
I've been on many a trip slung over with camera equipment. I have a couple of camcorders but wish to leave them home and just have one camera to lug around. The D300s is not exactly light and then there are the lenses. The main thing for me is still pictures but then there are those occasions when you wish you had a movie camera at hand. This is all about our impending trip to Costa Rica. I even bought a netbook to take along instead of a big laptop. Got a new GPS too. I'll be full of mechanical toys.

That's exciting Fred. Maybe you can write an article and I can help you embed a video for us about the orchids you see! Have a great trip!!!

I noticed all of you have some of top of the line dig.cams. and am wondering what hints you might offer me with my EasyShare 8.2 megapixels. We paupers must do the best with what we can afford. Thanks, L.

Is it fully automatic? Just put what you want in focus in the center. Once it's focused, you can recompose slightly to move it where you want but only from side to side. Keep your distance the same.

Again, Boo, you are an fount of wisdom. Thanks. Lee

Here's a post I made with a good book for you on the Resource Books thread (in the Identification and Resources forum). http://cubits.org/orchids/thre...
I always have a book besides the manual to get more details.

Hi, guys! Just taking a tour!
Kathy, Fred, I feel the same about new cameras, it takes so long to figure it out! Yours are awesome!