Upgrading my camera??

[scoundrel1728]

I was wondering about a couple of things. One, does everyone who has a dSLR use a tripod all the time? And two, do most photographers use a uv filter to protect their lens? I was informed that it was a good idea to do. If anyone can answer those questions for now, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

No, I don't usually put my dSLR on a tripod.  However, I am often sitting down when shooting, which means that I can hold the camera steadier than I otherwise could when standing up without support.  A tripod is usually too immobile when shooting events anyway.  When I am out shooting landscapes, I usually bring a tripod with me, though I don't always use it then either.  This hurts my keeper rate because I sometimes - more often than I like, actually - spoil a shot with camera movement.

There are two schools on protective filters.  In favor of protective filters is that it protects the front element of the lens from dust, mud, salt spray, and other airborne contaminants.  When shooting children and pets, a protective filter can also protect the lens against fingerprints and noseprints from overly curious subjects.  This helps preserves the lens from frequent cleanings; the replaceable filter takes the wear instead of the delicate lens coating.  The filter also protects against scratches from windborne sand, grit. gravel, and small pebbles that may scratch and chip the lens.  Whether the filter protects against shocks great enough to shatter the front element is controversial.  Some say it does; some say the shards from the broken filter do at least as much damage to the lens as the original projectile would have.  People who are fully invested in this argument usually have a filter for every lens they own and routinely leave them on the lens, taking them off only to mount some other filter or lens accessory.

The argument against filters is that the filter offers two more reflective surfaces in the light path to get dirty and increase the likelihood and severity of flare and ghosting.  The glass itself degrades the image, especially cheap filters whose surfaces aren't quite flat and parallel.

I own such a filter but use it only when such a hazard to the front element is expected, which is pretty seldom.  I have also chosen the brand and model of the filter carefully so as to have something that is fairly easy to clean and is not likely to contribute much in the way of reflections or flare.

[Sheryl]

Thank you so much for responding to my questions. I take mostly landscapes, but not always so I'm thinking a tripod might be a good investment for when I'm shooting from the road. If I were to go hiking to get my pictures I think I'd just probably take my chances and hope I have a steady hand. In most cases I could use the tripod because of where I shoot most of my pictures. The filter , on the other hand, sounds like it has its advantages as well as its disadvantages depending on what type of lens I were to purchase. I guess that would be an area I couldn't go cheap. I don't think I'd have much use for the filter after reading the scenarios that you've presented. I was just worried about getting scratches on the lens by accident because I have to admit I'm a little clumsy. You have been very helpful.

              Thanks scroundrel1728,
                Sheryl

[RockArea]

... One, does everyone who has a dSLR use a tripod all the time? And two, do most photographers use a uv filter to protect their lens? I was informed that it was a good idea to do. If anyone can answer those questions for now, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

If you're out and about photographing in the middle of the day, a tripod can be inconvenient and is probably not needed, however if you're out in low light conditions, say at dawn or dusk, the period which is known as the 'golden hour' because the light is often best at that time, then a tripod is indispensible as you'll often find that, even with a VR lens, the exposure will be longer than you can easily hold steady. When photographing waterfalls or other running water a long exposure of 1/3 to 1 second can be very effective. I'd say that a tripod is a good thing to have when you can afford one for the times that you do need it. It gives you a bigger range of opportunities. Mine is always in the back of the car and frequently accomanies me even if it doesn't always get used.

I used to keep a filter on the lens all the time but I no longer do that. With the camera you're used to the lens is probably covered automatically when you're not using it. DSLRs don't do that so it's a good idea to remember to pop the lens cap on as soon as you've taken your shots and started walking. That lens cap will probably provide better protection than a glass filter. If you do buy a filter, you may find that a circular polariser is a useful one for landscape photography. It enhances blue skies under certain conditions and can often make water shots look good by reducing the reflections.

David

[Sheryl]

Thanks David for your added imput. I heard that polarizing filters are good for making skies bluer in landscapes. Is this true? I think a tripod might be a good investment. I'd love to be able to find a good used one as I'm on a tight budget. Right now I'm just looking to get the bare necessities since I'm just starting off.

[RockArea]

Thanks David for your added imput. I heard that polarizing filters are good for making skies bluer in landscapes. Is this true?

Yes it is true, Sheryl, but it's alo something you have to be careful with. When there's a lot of clear blue sky in your shot a polariser will make the area at 90 degrees to the sun much darker than other parts of the sky so it can make the sky look uneven. This tends to be worse with very wide angle lenses and I don't use a polariser on my very wide (10-20) lens for this reason. It's not usually a problem on my 18-200.

David

[Sheryl]

I'm starting off with an 18-270 lens. Its just so many of my barn photos have a plain sky and I thought maybe the polarizing filter would help give the sky some life. I don't know how to do a sky in an editing program so I was hoping the filter could help. Or I'll just have to wait for days where the sky has some clouds .... I can't always pick when I can go out shooting. I go when I can. So I go no matter what the sky looks like.

 Thanks David

[Pipeman]

. With the camera you're used to the lens is probably covered automatically when you're not using it. DSLRs don't do that so it's a good idea to remember to pop the lens cap on as soon as you've taken your shots and started walking. That lens cap will probably provide better protection than a glass filter.David

I agree - but through habit I've always bought an AV with every lens - I dropped my camera a couple of years ago and the filter was damaged but the lens intact. Problem was that I couldn't get the damaged filter off!

Although I have one, I dislike tripods - cumbersome and can take the spontaniety out of photography. Mind, as I shoot lots of sport it's not practical or necessary except for cricket when I use one to support the camera and lens in between the action.

Unless you are seeking long exposures then it's easier to learn how to handle your camera at lower speeds - you will find that 1/20th and even 1/10th are achievable with wide-ish lenses.

[RockArea]

I'm starting off with an 18-270 lens. Its just so many of my barn photos have a plain sky and I thought maybe the polarizing filter would help give the sky some life. I don't know how to do a sky in an editing program so I was hoping the filter could help. Or I'll just have to wait for days where the sky has some clouds .... I can't always pick when I can go out shooting. I go when I can. So I go no matter what the sky looks like.

 Thanks David

A polariser may help with this a little but as you get more skilled with your camera you will learn how to underexpose your shot in order to get more detail in the sky. A little selective lightening of the barn will then be possible as you learn more about editing.
 
It's a learning curve but it's very rewarding and great fun!

[Sheryl]

Can't wait to start learning even though I feel a little intimidated by all there is to learn. I'm ready to get started! I really need a teacher to guide me through it. I'm afraid the owner's manual won't be beginner friendly.

[RockArea]

Well, it's lucky that you found the right place. 

[Sheryl]

I love the Photography Cafe! I've learned so much here already and I learn new things everyday. I especially appreciate those who take the time to make a comment good or bad on my photos. Its so helpful. It lets me know what I've done right and wrong. How else will I improve? So keep the comments and suggestions coming!

[Zoot]

You could try your local Freecycle for a tripod, or get one cheaply on E-Bay!

[Sheryl]

What is Freecycle? Never heard of it. I could check E-Bay.

[Sheryl]

I just read a review by a professional photographer about what he would say is the best 2 cameras to buy. One was the Nikon D7000(pricey) and the other was the Nikon D3100 with the kit lens. He says the kit lens is all you'd ever need. I was told by someone that the kit lens wouldn't work well for landscapes. Now I'm wondering if I'm making the right choice between the new D3100 with kit lens and the used D40X with the 18-270 lens. Any opinions out there before I spend my $?

              Confused,
             Sheryl

[shooters_desire]

Humbug your really investing in a lens moreso then the camera. BUT with that said the d40x will work awesome for you. Whoever gave that review is promoting that camera for that specific website or online stores... If you had 1000.00 then i would say get thew d3100 with the 17-270 lens but you don't so the d40x will be plenty for you to handle sheryl until you get some more green to invest in a better camera.. STAY FOCUSED LOL

[jart]

You can weigh up the Pros and Cons and we all will have a different opinion , but when you narrow it down to just a hand full its a personal chose ..  the D40x is a good camera .. the kit lens is a kit lens .. all lens's have there limits and as most things in life , nothing is perfict

Unlike a PS  you are buying in to a family   

john

[shooters_desire]

I have made the mistake of over pursuing a project to Sheryl. 2nd guessing my decisions as well. All along its waiting right there for me hand in foot. Yes the D3100 is a good camera but like i mentioned before with the funds you stated above the D40x is a lot of camera and the Lens where in this case is twice the cost of the camera. Your getting a Banquet dinner cost for Mcdonalds instead. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity package that was 765.00 your getting for a special 600.00. Don't pass it up. Lenses are very expensive and hard to come by at a good price as well. If anything you may want to contact them to reassure them your getting the set. Your Friend David

[Sheryl]

Thanks guys. I'm feeling a little better now that I've heard from some of you. I just read that and immediately started second guessing my decision. Its just because I don't know that much about cameras to begin with and this is my first "big" investment and I want to choose correctly. You've helped  to calm my nerves. Thanks so much. I think I can breath again. lol  Now if I can just convince my husband I'm making the right decision. lol

[jane_t]

As "shooters_desire" says,  the lenses are the most important part going forward.  I have Canon kit and will probably buy a replacement for my 30D at some point,  but as I won't be going to a full frame camera all my lenses will come with me.  (I'll generously give my 30D to my OH as my old 300D, which he uses, is getting a bit cranky).  So I would go with a d40x and the better lens every time (as lenses last much longer than bodies, especially when talking Digital).

[Sheryl]

Thanks Jane for your words of support. I needed to hear that. I thought I was making the right decision, but I just got distracted by that professional for a bit.

          Sheryl