Got a Nikon D70

[trit0n2003]

My awesome sister gave me her slightly older Digital Nikon D70 with an 18-70mm Nikkor F3.5-4.5 lens to start with (the stock flash doesn't work anymore but I wasn't planning on using it anyways). She also gave me a sunpak tripod but she lost the mounting plate and I'm having trouble finding a replacement online

I have been experimenting with it and learning how to adjust the ISO and F stop settings manually, still learning a lot and doing research on what settings are needed for what situation.

My main goal is to learn how to take macro photography, so if anyone has tips for me that would be awesome. My sister told me ill have to invest in a Macro lens and I was looking on amazon.com that start around 200 and up. Considering I won't be doing this full time and its only an addition to my aquarium hobby, Id like NOT to spend thousands of dollars on equipment (plus I'm in college and can't afford it lol).

Any advice would be great on lens's, settings, etc. Thanks!

[Nubster]

Two less expensive options for macro would be to use extension tubes or a reversing ring with your current lens. A macro lens can be a really good investment though because they can be used for a lot more than just macro. I personally use a Tamron 90mm. They can be found for $300ish used. There's also Sigma and Tokina for third party options. Of course, Nikkor Micro (macro) lenses are arguable going to be better, but they also cost a lot more too.

Congrats on the D70. It's a great camera and it was the one I started on.

[mcqueenesq]

This thread is a great resource: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ph...acro-lens.html

[Da Plant Man]

Congrats on the new camera!

You should also know that by announcing: "I got a new DSLR!" We are EXPECTING pictures. Now stop posting here, start a journal, or update one you already have. GOGOGOGOGOGO.

[Nubster]

[trit0n2003]

AHH SORRY GUYS!

I am still learning how to use the camera and I'm only having it on manual settings (manual focus, ISO, F stop, etc.) so my shots are still weird while I learn lol sometimes they come out to dark, too bright, blurry, etc. I want to really learn HOW to work it without using any auto settings.

But here are a few "OKAY" shots (to me) from my tweaking around sessions.

My Discus, his face looks a little blurry.

Me and my GF's cat (he's an indoor cat so we will let him outside if he has a harness on lol)

[trit0n2003]

Originally Posted by mcqueenesq

This thread is a great resource: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ph...acro-lens.html

Thanks! I just saw that thread right before you posted lol I am considering the extension tubes for now, or maybe ill ask for a under $200 macro lens for my bday next month.

[Patriot]

Those pictures are great, goes to show that old camera still have what it takes. If you want you can have that flashed fix by sending it in to a Nikon service center.

[Nubster]

Look at Authorized Photo Service if you decide to have the camera looked at. I can't recommend them enough. They did a great job on my D300.

[trit0n2003]

Would it be cheaper for me to repair the stock flash, or buy a external flash?

Like one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-PL-10...5735425&sr=8-4

[TickleMyElmo]

Originally Posted by trit0n2003

Would it be cheaper for me to repair the stock flash, or buy a external flash?

Like one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-PL-10...5735425&sr=8-4

I wouldn't bother repairing it. Pop-Up flash sucks, and just makes everything look like a point and shoot pic (deer in headlights look) An external flash would be much more useful, but dont go with that Polaroid piece o'crap. A Nikon SB-600 would be best for auto, but since you don't seem to mind doing things manually, get a Yongnuo 560II.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...60ZB43YWGMMHHJ

Also, you can get the same thing on a certain website "bay" that starts with E for like $76 but its sold from China so it takes a little longer to get here.

Infinitely more useful than that Polaroid contraption. It's rather equal to the Nikon and Canon units, only difference is that everything is manual instead of auto. A lot of wedding shooters (myself included) use these as off camera flash, and stick them all around reception halls on light stands, since you don't need or want auto modes for that type of use.

Amazon also has an older version (Yongnuo YN-560) that's cheaper but it lacks a digital display which makes it a little harder to understand.

[zdnet]

Originally Posted by trit0n2003

Would it be cheaper for me to repair the stock flash, or buy a external flash?

Like one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-PL-10...5735425&sr=8-4

I would fix it _and_ also buy a compatible flash.

One of the advantages that D70 has over the lesser models (e.g. D40 and D50) is that D70 supports commander mode with its built-in flash. By having the flash repaired, you can use it to drive a remote flash with TTL.

BTW, if you want very sharp images with plenty of depth of field, pick the Nikon 60mm micro. The current generation of the Nikon 105mm micro has way too much chromatic aberrations - the image is never as sharp as the 60mm when you stop down the lens.