I just recently had the chance to try out the D2X, 3 SB-800, and 3 lenses. The local Nikon sales rep lent them to me via my local shop along with a trial version of Nikon Capture and Nikon View.
All I can say is WOW, the colour, the tonal range, the colour (did I mention that already), the sharpness, and best of all, the detail. I made several 8x10, and 11x14 prints, along with an 11x14 section of a 30x40 (the largest size I offer), simply amazing.
Holding the camera was like an extension of my hand, I had forgotten how good a camera can feel in the hand.
The Wireless system set up very easily, and aided by an umbrella and custom softbox, made outdoor on-location photography a breeze.
I am currently using a Canon 1D Mark II, and while both cameras are excellent, I'm pretty sure it may find it's way to the Buy & Sell Boards very quickly. I may even sell my Mamyia 645, that's how good it is.
I recently sold my 1D MkII to get a D2X - didn't regret it for a second. Just make sure to budget for some of the swanky Nikkor lenses - most of them are too good for words. It's all good for the photos, although can be bad for the wallet....
it was custom made for a shop in the next town, and they never used it. They sold it to me a couple of years ago for $25, and it was probably one of the best $25 I ever spent
Bobby,
They lent me the 12-24, 17-55, and 70-200. From a photography standpoint, those would be the first three that I would purchase.
I am not sure why but jim mcfadden sticks in my head...
I'll have to reset my memory banks... thats a little button on my underside, I think.
or maybe read your signature line... its not that hard!
But, yeah, the softbox is pretty neat...
I am also going to order an umbrella or three + a couple little adapters so that I can fire the SB-800s into umbrellas during quick location portrait shoots... I need more sb-800s... Maybe for christmas...
Hey Rob where do you typically have your power setting when using the mini Q39? I have wanted these since I saw them a few months ago and would love some feed back as to how they perform on stands using one ore more if you have used them this way? So far my Lightsphere II does the job on bracket 90% of the time, but I am open to hearing your success stories with these bad boys. I would love the option of leaving my strobes at home when these will do the job.
Don't tempt me. I have been toying with going with Nikon for about a year. As a PJ I know lots of folks who shoot with both and they both have great qualities...But I can pick out a picture taken with a Nikon almost every time. The meter system is superior.
I shoot with a1D MK2 no sloutch. A friend of mine just got a D2X. I took pictures of the same flower from the same distance using the same settings with the same lenses both 70-200 2.8 the D2X was awsome. The MK2 was good but no where near the Nikon.
I know this is a great nikon but I am not only talking about their flagship I am also talking about the D-100 and the D2H they are great exposure wise Canon is beat.
Hmmmmmm what to do so much Canon equipment to unload... I must rest now and think
I've only used it on the bracket, but I havent tried to mount it to a lightstand...
Honestly, I can tell you it eats up your batteries a bit quicker and takes a little longer to recycle, but I leave the flash on ttl and I havent tried manual with it...
I think the light is not quite as nice as a nice place to bounce, but its better than anything else I have seen... I havent tried the lightsphere because of the nightmare order stories I have heard, but I also really dont feel the need...
Its a bit bigger than anything else you'll try too, but I really subscribe to the 'bigger light is better' theory.
I'll mount it up and scare the cat in a bit... My wife won't approve of photos of her on here (especially because she thinks fred miranda is my second wife) otherwise she would be my subject...
I am going to use the D2X on Friday. I will post a couple of shots using the softbox and umbrella.
I only use the wireless on (including Canon) on Manual, it gives ultimate control on ratio, etc... The only problem with a speedlight and a softbox, is that you have to have the speedlight set on a fairly wide angle. I use 35mm, but with variable GN speedlights, you don't have a great deal of power and still have an effective softbox. Thus you have to use full or 1/2 power quite often, and it slows down the recycle time, even with NIMH batteries.
I will take a photograph of the setup later this week.
I'm new to this forum and I noticed your post above regarding the mini Q39. I'm new to Flash photography, I usually shoot outdoor and window light. I would like a portable set up to take soft light portraiture (children). I have a D2X and sb800 and am learning it - I thought the iTTL would be the easiest learning curve. I've shot with an umbrella and the light was harsher than I would like. I'm looking for ease of use and portablility. Would you recommend the SB800 and the Q39? I was told it will only work up to about 5' and is not very powerful. The store was recommending a $1200 stobe set up for more power. I also noticed the post of a "custom" bracket. Any recommendation on a bracket would also be greatly appreciated! (I'm using 70-200 2.8 VR, 50 1.8 and 17-55 2.8)
I may even sell my Mamyia 645, that's how good it is.
It is truly an amazing camera, and glad you found it to be!
I would love the option of leaving my strobes at home when these will do the job. 