p.1 #1 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
I'm back again after a long hiatus... taking a 14 year break from photography to have kids and spend money and time on other fun stuff. While I really wasn't "looking" to jump back into photography, a recent marketplace listing spoke to me, seducing me back into the hobby.
While I will admit that I am guilty of using my kids soccer and volleyball sports activities as justification for this latest trip down the Nikon rabbit hole, also winter is coming and I need something to do. Knowing I have ADD is one thing, managing it is a whole different story.
What I'm hoping for is a somewhat focused path towards success, and guidance on some hardware and software that will help me maximize the limited amount of time I do have.
Here is a list of the gear I recently acquired (pics coming soon);
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8G (likely going to sell and replace with a prime)
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8G VR1 (will it play well with teleconverters listed below?)
Nikon 85mm f/1.4D (excited to have this as a walk-around kit)
Nikon Micro 200mm f/4D IF-ED (I've heard great things, not sure if I will be doing much macro but I think my kids will really enjoy it)
Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S (how will this compare for sports/wildlife w/ the 70-200 and 400 2.8?)
Nikon 400mm f/2.8 AF-S (this is a beast, and has a small scratch on the front element...should I be concerned?)
Nikon AF-S TC 1.4EII/1.7EII/2.0EII (are these relevant any longer when compared to the III versions?)
Bogen Monopod with head
Future purchase of either D700/D3S/D4-Yes I bought glass w/o a body.......
Here is a list of what what I'm hoping to learn.
1) What Teleconverters will play well with which lenses. My current plan is to try them all on the 70-200, 300, and 400mm lenses. But information regarding their willingness to play well with each other would be awesome.
2) What software I should be using to process the images. (I'm really hoping to NOT spend a lot of time in post processing). From what little I know it looks like monthly subscriptions are the new thing??
3) What to look for in a good used computer monitor?
4) Tips and tricks for sports photography camera settings/functions.
p.1 #2 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
jonshonda wrote: Here is a list of the gear I recently acquired (pics coming soon);
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8G (likely going to sell and replace with a prime)
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8G VR1 (will it play well with teleconverters listed below?)
Nikon 85mm f/1.4D (excited to have this as a walk-around kit)
Nikon Micro 200mm f/4D IF-ED (I've heard great things, not sure if I will be doing much macro but I think my kids will really enjoy it)
Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S (how will this compare for sports/wildlife w/ the 70-200 and 400 2.8?)
Nikon 400mm f/2.8 AF-S (this is a beast, and has a small scratch on the front element...should I be concerned?)
Nikon AF-S TC 1.4EII/1.7EII/2.0EII (are these relevant any longer when compared to the III versions?)
Bogen Monopod with head
Future purchase of either D700/D3S/D4-Yes I bought glass w/o a body.......
Here is a list of what what I'm hoping to learn.
1) What Teleconverters will play well with which lenses. My current plan is to try them all on the 70-200, 300, and 400mm lenses. But information regarding their willingness to play well with each other would be awesome.
2) What software I should be using to process the images. (I'm really hoping to NOT spend a lot of time in post processing). From what little I know it looks like monthly subscriptions are the new thing??
3) What to look for in a good used computer monitor?
4) Tips and tricks for sports photography camera settings/functions. ...Show more →
The scratch on the 400 probably won't be an issue. You can cause pretty significant front element damage and not have it show up in images.
For TC's, I believe you'd want the II's if you're using AF-I and AF-S D lenses. So if you've got the older AF-S 300 f/4D, AF-S 400 f/2.8D, or AF-I 400 f/2.8D, I think you need the second gen TC's. If you've got G lenses, then it's a safe bet to go for the III's. I'm sure there's a compatibility chart out there. Also, make sure the camera you pick can focus past f/5.6. I don't think the D700 or D3/D3s generation do, so a TC20 on the 300 f/4 for example might pose a problem. I think f/8 focusing came with the D4/D800/D600 generation.
Software wise, it's really personal preference. Adobe is a subscription, but others are a one-time license. Nikon has a free software that can fit some peoples' workflows. I will say, in my experience, the more recent the body, the better the starting point is in post.
For sports, look at whether or not Group AF would be useful. That came with the D4s and later. Really helpful for some things, not as big of a deal for others. Settings, I recommend manual shutter speed and aperture + auto ISO. But that's also a personal choice.
p.1 #3 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
I'm in a similar boat, but rejoining just because after three extremely challenging years while my old body gathered dust, I decided I need the creative and physical outlet photography provides (just opened my D850, 85 f/1.4g and 58 f/1.4g).
If you can snag a D4s I think that would give you a huge amount of capability for the money (nice ones appear to be well under $1K around here and sneak under a grand at KEH/etc.), but a D4 is no slouch either. The downside is their size and weight. I'd do that while saving for a newer body (D850).
p.1 #4 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
The scratch on the 400 probably won't be an issue. You can cause pretty significant front element damage and not have it show up in images.
For TC's, I believe you'd want the II's if you're using AF-I and AF-S D lenses. So if you've got the older AF-S 300 f/4D, AF-S 400 f/2.8D, or AF-I 400 f/2.8D, I think you need the second gen TC's. If you've got G lenses, then it's a safe bet to go for the III's. I'm sure there's a compatibility chart out there. Also, make sure the camera you pick can focus past f/5.6. I don't think the D700 or D3/D3s generation do, so a TC20 on the 300 f/4 for example might pose a problem. I think f/8 focusing came with the D4/D800/D600 generation.
Software wise, it's really personal preference. Adobe is a subscription, but others are a one-time license. Nikon has a free software that can fit some peoples' workflows. I will say, in my experience, the more recent the body, the better the starting point is in post.
For sports, look at whether or not Group AF would be useful. That came with the D4s and later. Really helpful for some things, not as big of a deal for others. Settings, I recommend manual shutter speed and aperture + auto ISO. But that's also a personal choice....Show more →
I rented a D4 from KEH for $40/mo just to try it out. I went D4 over D3S/D700 for the updates and battery availability, even though the nostalgic fella in me was wanting the older stuff I used/lusted after many years ago.
When I was looking at the gear I was initially thinking that the II version of the tele's weren't going to be useful for the glass I was buying, but internet research says they should all play nice.
I think I will go with lightroom and a subscription for now as I have already shelled out significant funds for something I really wasn't planning on doing, nor was I budgeting for. haha
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M635_Guy wrote:
I'm in a similar boat, but rejoining just because after three extremely challenging years while my old body gathered dust, I decided I need the creative and physical outlet photography provides (just opened my D850, 85 f/1.4g and 58 f/1.4g).
If you can snag a D4s I think that would give you a huge amount of capability for the money (nice ones appear to be well under $1K around here and sneak under a grand at KEH/etc.), but a D4 is no slouch either. The downside is their size and weight. I'd do that while saving for a newer body (D850)....Show more →
I'm renting a D4 from KEH, and thinking it would be fun to eventually have a D850 as a backup. I'm hoping to get my kids interested, and the D850 is something my kids might be less intimidated to use vs a big pro body.
p.1 #5 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
I use a combination of d850 and d500. The d850 really brings out all the detail from good lenses of which you have chosen and, the d500 gives me the extra reach and speed needed for sports and wildlife. You mention the d700 which is a 12mp camera and was outstanding in its' day but, the newer bodies like the d850/d500 offer a lot more high iso performance, shadow recovery, and speed. This is what is working for me but, your mileage may differ.
Now, as for you question as to software, I like and use a combination of Lightroom classic, Photoshop, and Topaz. Lightroom/Photoshop is a subscription and Topaz is a one time deal but you pay for updates. I like my results from this software but, like others have written, software choice is personal.
p.1 #6 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
LostLensCap wrote:
I use a combination of d850 and d500. The d850 really brings out all the detail from good lenses of which you have chosen and, the d500 gives me the extra reach and speed needed for sports and wildlife. You mention the d700 which is a 12mp camera and was outstanding in its' day but, the newer bodies like the d850/d500 offer a lot more high iso performance, shadow recovery, and speed. This is what is working for me but, your mileage may differ.
Now, as for you question as to software, I like and use a combination of Lightroom classic, Photoshop, and Topaz. Lightroom/Photoshop is a subscription and Topaz is a one time deal but you pay for updates. I like my results from this software but, like others have written, software choice is personal....Show more →
I ended up renting a D4 from KEH. I think at some point I should rent a D850 as well...once I get my bearings with a D4 so I might actually be able form somewhat educated opinions on the differences.
I have XXL hands so my natural reaction is to go with a pro sized body, hence my attraction to a D3S/D4. But an D850 would be fun to use with a second lens and something to let my kids try out with a small lens as well.
p.1 #7 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
Similarly, I just got back into photography after a 13 year layoff. I'm trying to easy my way in. I've forgotten so many things. I had to go back to the manuals to relearn how to use my old cameras. Just take one chunk at a time. I've been using Claude (AI) to help relearn some things and help with choosing software, etc. Of course sometimes Claude isn't accurate, but I do find it helpful by-and-large. Good luck!
p.1 #9 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
groob wrote:
FWIW, a D850 is no backup to a D4. The D850 is more capable in every way. I also have sizable hands and never had an issue with the D850.
Good to know. I actually was able to pick up a D700 and D200 as part of a package deal, and am able to hold/use all three side by side. The D4 certainly offers a lot more real-estate for my hands vs the D700, and with the limited use I've had so far is certainly a few steps above the D700. To make it a fair contest I'm wanting to find a MB-D10 and EN-EL4 battery to get the frame rate up to close to D4 levels for kids sports, and see how the two do side by side.
p.1 #10 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
jonshonda wrote:
Good to know. I actually was able to pick up a D700 and D200 as part of a package deal, and am able to hold/use all three side by side. The D4 certainly offers a lot more real-estate for my hands vs the D700, and with the limited use I've had so far is certainly a few steps above the D700. To make it a fair contest I'm wanting to find a MB-D10 and EN-EL4 battery to get the frame rate up to close to D4 levels for kids sports, and see how the two do side by side.
Nice. The D700 and D4 are no slouches. But I would just note that that Nikon completely revamped its AF system for the D850/D5/D500 generation, and the difference was night and day.
p.1 #11 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
groob wrote
Nice. The D700 and D4 are no slouches. But I would just note that that Nikon completely revamped its AF system for the D850/D5/D500 generation, and the difference was night and day.
The D850/D5 aren't in the budget atm but it sounds like I need to keep them on my radar. I'm not a latest and greatest type of consumer, and am ok with older gear at this point as my skills are still well below what a D700/D4 have to offer.
p.1 #12 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
With regard to software, yes, some of the major software apps are subscriptions. Many people use Adobe Lightroom. If you want more processing capability you can add Photoshop. Lightroom is also a digital asset management (a searchable database for your photos). https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html#filter=photography
There is also a package from Skylum called Luminar Neo. You can either subscribe or you can buy the latest version. https://skylum.com/luminar/pricing
There are others as well as freeware. Maybe others can provide some insight to those.
p.1 #13 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
jonshonda wrote:
The D850/D5 aren't in the budget atm but it sounds like I need to keep them on my radar. I'm not a latest and greatest type of consumer, and am ok with older gear at this point as my skills are still well below what a D700/D4 have to offer.
Got you. I'd admittedly lost the thread on what was under consideration. The D700 and D4 are extraordinarily capable, so I sure they'll give you plenty of runway.
p.1 #14 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
I shot high school sports with a D200 for many years before picking up a D500. The D500 was my dream camera which sounds odd now. The extra reach, better sensor for higher ISO and AF allowed me to do more with less without jumping to full frame.
As for software, free is always a good place to start - the Nikon Suite NX Studio. It gives you a lot to play with to start for 0$ including RAW processing.
p.1 #15 · Been Out Of The Game Since 2010...Nikon/Software Crash Course Needed
nlevasseur wrote:
I shot high school sports with a D200 for many years before picking up a D500. The D500 was my dream camera which sounds odd now. The extra reach, better sensor for higher ISO and AF allowed me to do more with less without jumping to full frame.
From what I understand the D500 is still a very capable and highly regarded body. I've got indoor volleyball and then soccer tonight...hoping to get at least one good shot from each. haha
