Nikon DSLR body and lens - low light options - perfect travel camera

viggen · « **Reply #20 on:** 12 Dec 2011, 12:43 am »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 11 Dec 2011, 07:11 am

From what I've seen, that is a very capable lens - right from f1.4 on up.

Plenty of samples scattered throughout this thread... http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/149865-sigma-30mm-f-1-4-thoughts-examples.html

My shots definitely didn't come out as good as the ones on that site. I find the sharpness and resolution marginally better than the 18-35mm 3.5 I used to have which is the worst lens I've owned. Maybe the example I have has focusing issues. But, the colors on the pics were overly warm and saturated too.

I took the camera to San Juan Capistrano and walked about the old town and the mission. I can imagine having to carry a larger camera with the requisite Lowepro Sling Shot on my back to be a bit more than what I am willing to carry in Europe. So, that's another reason why the Sigma is going back.

Lastly, I took some test shots lastnight in low light. Even at 1.4, the subject has less details than my 17-55mm 2.8 at 2.8. So, for low light shots, the Sigma 1.4 does worse than the Nikon 2.8. What's worse is the color warmness is way too high in low light with the Sigma.

I did find this website to view sample photos before I ordered the Sigma. None of my pics came out nearly as good.

http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=278&perpage=12&focal_min=none&focal_max=none&aperture_min=none&aperture_max=none&res=3

It could be the case where I received a dud. But, don't plan on exchanging it because I am hoping I can get away with the X100 as my travel camera.

Jon L · « **Reply #21 on:** 12 Dec 2011, 01:32 am »

If I didn't already own Canon 35mm f1.4L, I would definitely try the Rokinon 35mm f1.4, which is Rokinon/Samyang's best lens to date with excellent resolution. It's manual, but it shouldn't be too much of an issue at short focal length like 35mm, and at around $500, certainly a bargain.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/658-samyang3514fx

nathanm · « **Reply #22 on:** 12 Dec 2011, 08:25 pm »

aside:
Thank you for helping me find D.H. Park's photostream on Flickr. Dude's got some knockout Yosemite shots.

viggen · « **Reply #23 on:** 13 Dec 2011, 02:22 am »

Quote from: Jon L on 12 Dec 2011, 01:32 am

If I didn't already own Canon 35mm f1.4L, I would definitely try the Rokinon 35mm f1.4, which is Rokinon/Samyang's best lens to date with excellent resolution. It's manual, but it shouldn't be too much of an issue at short focal length like 35mm, and at around $500, certainly a bargain.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/658-samyang3514fx

Thanks for your suggestion. That lens might be too large for me for a travel camera though it might be a very good lens. But, as Early B suggested, if I were to upgrade on the DSLR front, I think I will go for the D7000. Then, I can use my 17-55mm 2.8 in more low light conditions.

shokunin · « **Reply #24 on:** 13 Dec 2011, 10:35 am »

I regret returning my x100 when it first came out. It was an awesome camera, picture quality, color, sharpness, were all excellent. The built-in ND filter was great, as well as the super-high flash X-Sync due to the leaf shutter. Unfortunately, mine just kept freezing on me and it was a pain to reset (pull the battery), then it'd consume more power just getting back to where I was and then the battery would run low.. sigh. I've heard they have fixed a number of these issues in more recent firmware upgrades. I'd buy another one, but of couse, the minute I pass my return window, they'll announce the x-200.

However, I'll most likely buy the next revision.

There are always pancake lenses to keep the weight down if that's a concern. The Canon 1.4L is a still rather large and heavy so I bought a Voigtlander 40mm Ultron f2.0. I hardly use it, since it's a manual focus and I get too lazy to focus manually, but it's soo tiny and compact even on Canon 5D2.

http://www.voigtlaender.de/cms/voigtlaender/voigtlaender_cms.nsf/id/pa_fdih7b4lns.html

Jon L · « **Reply #25 on:** 13 Dec 2011, 05:55 pm »

Would love an X100, as I will need a travel camera soon myself..

I wonder when the interchangeable lens version of X100 will hit the streets, which is what I would prefer.
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/11/photos-lens-changing-version-of-fujifilm-x100-leaked/

Then there's the Sony NEX-7, which is looking very promising. Just wish NEX lenses were smaller for travel. Here's hoping Sony improves their 16mm pancake or introduce some other pancakes..

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/sony_nex_7_first_impressions.shtml

viggen · « **Reply #26 on:** 13 Dec 2011, 07:05 pm »

X200 (assuming it is called X200) might be more expensive or be less portable than the X100. Also, need time to learn all the X100's quirks.

Just some reasons why I ordered the X100 instead of waiting for the X200.

rklein · « **Reply #27 on:** 14 Dec 2011, 06:36 pm »

Great choice Viggen

Just saw this thread. I have been a long time user of Nikon/Nikkor products, starting with their FE model back in the 70's.

Currently, I am using the Nikon D50 along with the following lens which I cart around in a LowePro Slingshot bag(great bag BTW!)
Nikon 18-70
Nikon 70-300 VR II
Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 EX HSM Aspherical
Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro

I was in San Antonio on business this past summer and of course took my camera gear. It about killed me lugging around that camera bag in 100+ heat!

I am so glad I happen to click on this thread. The Fuji X100 looks to be the bomb. The more I read about this camera and the more I see the pictures that this X100 takes, the more I want it.

The Nikon D7000 was going to be my next purchase but I am going to put that on hold and probably buy either the X100 or X100(200?) in the next couple of months.

Regards,

Randy

Zero · « **Reply #28 on:** 14 Dec 2011, 07:06 pm »

Interesting thread. I too have both the Sony NEX 7 and the Fuji X100 sighted in my cross hairs. As things stand now, I'm leaning towards going the Fuji route. Then again, I'm the kind of guy that is NOT a fan of post processing and likes to invest a bit of effort into taking good out-of-camera shots.

As for Nikon. I tried the D7000 last year. It's a great camera! I just couldn't stand the bulk. That, and I felt like its JPEG output wasn't all to hot. Anyway, sorry to derail the thread with my ramblings. Just thought it a great place to well... ramble!

Jon L · « **Reply #29 on:** 15 Dec 2011, 12:06 am »

Finally some NEX-7 + 50 f1.8 lens reviews.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/12/10/the-sony-50-1-8-oss-e-mount-nex-lens-review-on-the-nex-7/

djmckaytx · « **Reply #30 on:** 15 Dec 2011, 12:55 am »

Well...this is timely. Don't know if this helps, but...

I'm in Maui this week and this morning climbed up (actually...drove up) to the top of Haleakala with my D7000. In the 45 minutes or so BEFORE sunrise I pulled out my 50mm f/1.4 prime since my 28-300mm was having trouble. I was astonished by the light it picked up...and how well it auto-focused handheld. Other Nikon & Canon people were getting basically nothing at the time I got this shot this morning, including all the tri-podders. Some of them wanted to borrow the lens...yeah, right.

Reduced to 1/2 size, a 95% JPEG. Sure, it's 6400 ISO and a wee bit fuzzy but for the amount of light available it did a pretty nice job.
(f/1.4 at 1/500 sec)

Hope this helps.

viggen · « **Reply #31 on:** 15 Dec 2011, 07:18 am »

Speaking of Nikon FE, here's an image of the FE sitting on top of the X100.

viggen · « **Reply #32 on:** 15 Dec 2011, 07:46 am »

Just opened up the box like 30 minutes ago. First impression, very easy to use. Makes me happy when I hold it in my hands. It's slightly smaller and lighter than the Nikon FE. Design wise, it's sweet.

I am pretty happy with low light pics up to 2500 iso at F2.

Tried to manual focus, but, when using the focus ring, nothing happens at first. Switched on the EVF, then you can see the manual focusing working. Forgot it's not a SLR, so you have to use EVF when manual focusing. Also, manual focusing is a pain on the X100. You turn and turn the dial, and the focus field changes either very slowly or very abruptly. The focusing is not mechanical like on a SLR lens. I wouldn't even use the manual focus unless I have to.

Shutter speed is on a dial and is self pretty explanatory. I think my Nikon D90 has more speeds though. Aperture dial is on the lens. It's easy to turn as long as you are using the knurled protruding portion. ISO is pre-programmed on the function button. Just press the function button and use the arrow button to go up or down on the menu screen or in the EVF.

One dislike is the positioning of the battery and SD card door. It's right next to the hole where you screw in the tripod head release plate. So, each time I need to access that door, I need to remove the release plate.

Another dislike is I tried to plug in a mini USB to try to access the card without accessing the battery door. I couldn't plug the minu USB cord in. The input connection is slightly smaller. Stupid USB port is proprietary. Maybe there is an ultra mini USB connection standard that I don't know about?

I have the Fuji MX700. It's an ancient model from like 1996 if I remember correctly. I haven't used it in quite awhile, but I remember the menu and general GUI to be very similar to the Fuji X100.

Just took a pic of my wife in very low light at 2500 IS F2 at I think 1 sec with a tripod. Pic came out very good. Mosiac-ed out her head. Other than that, no post processing.

viggen · « **Reply #33 on:** 15 Dec 2011, 07:49 am »

Quote from: djmckaytx on 15 Dec 2011, 12:55 am

Well...this is timely. Don't know if this helps, but...

I'm in Maui this week and this morning climbed up (actually...drove up) to the top of Haleakala with my D7000. In the 45 minutes or so BEFORE sunrise I pulled out my 50mm f/1.4 prime since my 28-300mm was having trouble. I was astonished by the light it picked up...and how well it auto-focused handheld. Other Nikon & Canon people were getting basically nothing at the time I got this shot this morning, including all the tri-podders. Some of them wanted to borrow the lens...yeah, right.

Reduced to 1/2 size, a 95% JPEG. Sure, it's 6400 ISO and a wee bit fuzzy but for the amount of light available it did a pretty nice job.
(f/1.4 at 1/500 sec)

Hope this helps.

You're NOT helping because you're just making me want the D7000 even more. That pic is amazingly noise free at 6400iso.

Jon L · « **Reply #34 on:** 15 Dec 2011, 09:56 pm »

Quote from: viggen on 15 Dec 2011, 07:46 am

Just opened up the box like 30 minutes ago. First impression, very easy to use. Makes me happy when I hold it in my hands. It's slightly smaller and lighter than the Nikon FE. Design wise, it's sweet.

I am pretty happy with low light pics up to 2500 iso at F2.

Tried to manual focus, but, when using the focus ring, nothing happens at first. Switched on the EVF, then you can see the manual focusing working. Forgot it's not a SLR, so you have to use EVF when manual focusing. Also, manual focusing is a pain on the X100. You turn and turn the dial, and the focus field changes either very slowly or very abruptly. The focusing is not mechanical like on a SLR lens. I wouldn't even use the manual focus unless I have to.

Shutter speed is on a dial and is self pretty explanatory. I think my Nikon D90 has more speeds though. Aperture dial is on the lens. It's easy to turn as long as you are using the knurled protruding portion. ISO is pre-programmed on the function button. Just press the function button and use the arrow button to go up or down on the menu screen or in the EVF.

One dislike is the positioning of the battery and SD card door. It's right next to the hole where you screw in the tripod head release plate. So, each time I need to access that door, I need to remove the release plate.

Another dislike is I tried to plug in a mini USB to try to access the card without accessing the battery door. I couldn't plug the minu USB cord in. The input connection is slightly smaller. Stupid USB port is proprietary. Maybe there is an ultra mini USB connection standard that I don't know about?

I have the Fuji MX700. It's an ancient model from like 1996 if I remember correctly. I haven't used it in quite awhile, but I remember the menu and general GUI to be very similar to the Fuji X100.

I guess there's a reason many people call X100 "idiosyncratic."

viggen · « **Reply #35 on:** 18 Dec 2011, 02:30 am »

Took a few 30 second exposure pics this evening. Lens was set at F8 and ISO at 200. These were taken under one of those amber colored street lamps. So, it's a bit hard to tell whether color temperature came out accurately or not. But, I think it's pretty accurate.

Levi · « **Reply #36 on:** 18 Dec 2011, 02:53 am »

Nice clear picture + the bike!

When I travel, I always take my Nikon D3 and 17-35mm ED 2.8 Nikkor lens. Nothing beats the D3's cmos sensor when it comes to clean high iso shot. No tripod.

Can you say...sharp!

Did I say handheld?

gary · « **Reply #37 on:** 18 Dec 2011, 03:27 am »

That's a fantastic shot for something that was done without a long exposure on a tripod, it says a lot about the D3 but just as much about the 17-35mm ED glass as I assume this was shot wide-open.

The second shot of the bike is great, I love the star burst effect of the blue light on the handlebar.

gary

viggen · « **Reply #38 on:** 18 Dec 2011, 05:53 am »

That's a great shot Levi. That sky color is my favorite blue.

Levi · « **Reply #39 on:** 18 Dec 2011, 06:02 am »

Thanks! It was taken 30mins-1hr after sun down. Summer.