Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘D90’

Nikon SB 600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

When used in combination with Nikon’s latest digital SLRs, the D70 or D2H, the SB-600 supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a remote Speedlight that can be positioned as one of multiple remote flashes to significantly extend creative possibilities. To assist in such situations, the Speedlight SB-600 also has a readylight located beside the LCD on the rear panel that can be easily seen from a distance. The SB-600 can also emit an audible alert for further assistance. Easy-to-view LCD with 6 simple-to-understand backlit buttons Guide Number of 30/98 [ISO100,m/ft], 42/138 [ISO200,m/ft] (at 35mm zoom) Auto zoom of 24 to 85mm, extendable to 14mm with built-in wide-flash adapter Advanced Wireless Lighting available with D2H or D70 when used as a remote Auto FP High-Speed Sync (with D2H only); use with fast shutter speeds achieves effective blurring of out-of-focus background elements Flash Color Information – optimized white balance makes use of data from the Speedlight FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting Design consistent with those of next-generation D-SLRs, with a triangular design element on the top that complements the D-SLR motif Requires 4 AA Batteries (Alkaline or Rechargeable NiCad or NIMH) for use

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Amazing capabilities and power for the money!
The product description above, and all the other reviews below cover every detail of this flash’s capabilities, so I won’t repeat them.

I just wanted to come on here and add my statment that I simply love, love, love this easy to use yet powerful flash.

I have shot three weddings using this mounted to my camera, two on a D70s and the latest on my new D90. The brides all LOVED the photos.

The later two weddings I used the SB-600 for, I had the Sto-Fen Omnibounce mounted on the flash the whole time. I hardly ever take the Omnibounce off any more, it improves flash photos so much, and it makes fill flashing outdoors a breeze. Bride’s skin tones simply glow with the Omnibounce on the SB-600.

Yeah, I’d have loved to have had the cash to spring for the top-of-the-line, but I am glad I didn’t. The only possible reason I would ever upgrade from this was if I became a full-time pro and wanted the extra power just in case. I’d never use the multiple flash idea, I much prefer Novatron light sets for multi-light situations.

This SB-600 has done everything from snapshots of family around home, fill flash outdoors, to group get-togethers at church, to formal wedding photography with nary a hitch.

Unless you need a gamma-ray burst like the SB-800 and 900s put out, this SB-600 will satisfy you, I promise. (Y’all know I’m just kidding about the bigger flash putting out gamma-rays, right? GR’s will kill ya.)

4 Stars SB-600 Speedlight Flash
Good product; effective lighting of scenes under various difficult situations. It is a bit heavy for my Nikon D60, and I wish some prior recommendations had been published on this. It makes the camera top heavy, and difficult to carry from the shoulder strap without having to hold on to the camera.

1 Star Good Product Bad Business Practice
I just received this product last night. I ordered it using free shipping and received it within 3 workdays which was fantastic. The product is also great as are the images I’ve been able to produce with my D90.

The low score has nothing to do with the product itself but the fact that I received a USED or REFURBISHED product!

I have plenty of experience purchasing products online and electronics themselves and there are visible, obvious signs of use. The plastic wrapping is not quite pristine, the scuff marks, the miscellaneous prints on the glossy plastic parts and worse yet, strange miscellaneous gunk marks.

Nothing was sealed, there was physical folding damage to the manuals and scratches on the hot shoe. Obvious signs of use.

I normally get great service from Amazon directly, this was a severe disappointment. It may have only been used for a short while but with products like these and a set life span, it is unfair to charge me full price for something that is billed as new.

I will be returning it, hopefully for a full refund or NEW replacement.

5 Stars Changes the way I take photos
Having a bright light source off-camera instead of built in really changes the way you take photos. I use my SB-600 wirelessly in tandem with my D80 and it can improve nearly any situation.

I’d say one of the only downsides is the lack of control buttons, most of the options you have to hold down multiple buttons at once to access them.

The SB-600 itself syncs great, is reliable, and nice and bright. It rotates in 180 degrees in one direction and 90 degrees in another (do you need more?)

5 Stars Very happy
After reading the reviews for the sb-900 and how the over heat sensors were too sensitive on them I decided to go with the sb-600 for that reason. I will just have to be carefull not to burn out the flash.

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Nikon 70 300mm f 4 5 6G AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens

A genuine Nikkor 70-300mm: f/4-5.6G zoom lens / Accepts 62mm filters / A “G” series, not “ED” series lens

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Camera Lens – Wonderful
I really really loved this lens. It works perfectly with my camera and has allowed me to take AWESOME pictures. Thank you very much for providing such a wonderful camera lens. Might I add, the delivery was quick and the price…very affordable.

5 Stars Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens
I purchased this lens on 06/26/2009 and received very quickly and from the moment I started using it, it has become one of my favorite lenses. It seems to be very fast and the pictures look great.

I have used it for sporting events, weddings and a few beach photos. Its a great lens but the only thing about it is you have to slide the barrel back and forth to change the focal length, but other that I love it.

5 Stars Nice Lens
I’ve used this lens for a week with my D90. I shoot wildlife and nature. Autofocus is fast and solid. Focus ring is smooth, zoom ring has one snug spot. At this length I’m not worried if flash works at all. I have uploaded several pictures that out of the camera could not be improved!

4 Stars Nikon 70-300mm AF non VR
It is a very wonderful lens. I wanted to get the 70-300mm VR but after purchasing this one, I will say I am satisfied and will not be getting the other one. I take so many great pictures with it on my Nikon D5000. I would recommend it to everyone shooting outdoors. It is not the best lens for indoor pictures. The zoom works so well.

5 Stars Inexpensive quality lens
this is an inexpensive and quality zoom lens. It is amazing to me that I ordered it and the following day it arrived. This lens does need a fair amount of light but it was bought for outdoors shooting. A good product.

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Nikon CF D80 Semi Soft Case for Nikon D80 Digital SLR Cameras

This semi-soft case stores and protects your D80 Digital SLR camera. Protect your Nikon D80 with this close-fitting case. Its rugged polyester/vinyl exterior keeps out the elements, while its soft interior cradles your camera and an attached lens.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Wonderful Case
wonderful product! Took this on my European vacation and it was nice to be able to keep the camera around my neck and still have it protected. Also, I could easily put the camera into my bag without it getting scratched by the things inside the bag.

4 Stars Exactly what was needed
This case was the perfect one for my D90. Enough padding to keep it safe when tossed around, but not enough try dropping. Nothing fancy about it, just something to keep it safe when stored or taking on a trip.

5 Stars Perfet for my Nikon D60
Perfect for my Nikon D60, nice soft case keeps the camera safe when you are not using it…

5 Stars This is a great case for D90
This is a great case for D90. I am using this with D90 coupled with the 18-105mm kit lens. The camera fits in this perfectly without any issues. This case provides basic protection from dust and scratches and in no way can it protect the camera if its dropped.

The leather is soft and feels nice. The cap of the case holds by a velcro but you can fasten the camera by a button which holds the camera strap to the case.

Again…it provides basic support to the camera but not for rugged use. Should use this coupled with a backpack for that kind of protection.

Would definitely recommend it.

2 Stars Design OK, happier with previous Nikon SLR cases
I have had previous Nikon cases with screw-on form fitting specifically for the model, but this one is a disappointment compared to past Nikon cases. As mentioned by other reviewers, it is not that form fitting for my Nikon D80. The case has a small, thin strap which snaps to the camera. This small strap is very weak and if you take the case off and let it hang on the camera, it snaps off easily. My other Nikon cases would easily slide off and on with a secure mechanism (screw bottom), with no fear of losing or falling off by a simple snap. I was on vacation and it fell off when I did not immediately put the camera back in the case and did not know this until a stranger had picked it up for me. For this reason I am only giving it 2 stars. If there were a more secure strap to hold the case onto the camera strap, I would give it a higher rating. Please be aware of this feature when you are considering this case.

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2 Replacement Nikon EN EL3e Batteries and Mini Battery Charger for Nikon D700 D300 D200 D90 D80 D300s Digital SLR Cameras

Kit includes: 1) CTA MR-ENEL3 Mini Battery Charger for Nikon EN-EL3e; 2) CTA DB-ENEL3e Battery; 3) Additional CTA DB-ENEL3e Battery; 4) Precision Design 5-Piece Cleaning Kit. >>> CTA MR-ENEL3 Mini Battery Charger includes: Car Adapter; European Plug; Instructions; CTA USA Warranty. >>> This kit is fully compatible with any Nikon Cameras that use EN-EL3e including D50, D70, D70s, D90, D100, D80, D200, D300s & D700. >>> The CTA MR-ENEL3 Mini Rapid Multi-voltage Charger plugs directly in to your wall outlet or your car’s cigarette lighter and charges your Nikon EN-EL3, EN-EL3a and EN-EL3e batteries in approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Its unique flat pin, foldable design allows easy storage and makes it the most compact battery charger on the market! >>> When used with the Nikon D200 & D80 the EN-EL3e battery also enables use of the real-time fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status. With continuous shooting, especially typical during those once-in-a-lifetime events, your standard battery alone will not usually be sufficient to be relied on as your only power source. More powerful than your standard battery, this 7.4V 1600mAh Lithium-Ion battery will not put constraints on how you want to shoot. It will enable consistent shooting, more flash shots, extended image review and playback ability, and operation in low temperature conditions. Keeping a spare battery warm in your pocket to maximize battery power and periodically switching the cold battery for the warm one can significantly enhance battery performance. Memory Free! This battery can be charged at any time without harm, even if it already has a partial charge, and can be typically charged over 1000 times.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars good kit
Recieved the kit promptly from Cameta Camera. One battery did not charge. Recieved a prompt replacement from Cameta with no problem or difficulty. Charger works well and is much smaller than the Nikon charger, so it’s great for travel. great service and overall pleased with the product.

5 Stars Works with Nikon D90
I saw the previous review and had doubts buying it, after calling and confirming that it works with D90 I placed my order. The salesman confirmed that if it doesn’t work with the D90 they will give me full refund. It works with no problems and I am using it now.

3 Stars Batteries fine, charger didn’t work
I was getting this kit mostly just for the extra batteries, which was a good thing since the charger doesn’t seem to work at all. The light on the unit seems to go through the charging cycle, but the batteries show no charge when I put them in my D80. They’ve worked fine in my original Nikon charger, though, and seem to last just as long as my OEM battery. On the whole, this kit is still worth the money.

== UPDATE ==

I just upgraded to a Nikon D90 and these batteries aren’t recognized by it properly. They show up as empty on the display and the camera will not turn on.

5 Stars Excellent product
Product is precisely as advertised, and delivery/customer service both were efficient.

It is somewhat tricky to get the battery to sit correctly in the charger until one gets used to the “snap and click” required. I’m not sure if mine might just be “tight” given that no one else has mentioned this fact. Otherwise, the unit works perfectly, and both batteries I received are fine.

Unit has red and green lights to indicate charging status, and they are easily visible in both lighted and darkened conditions, from a considerable distance (at least 15-25 meters).

The comment made by another reviewer about the unit being “much smaller” than the Nikon one is slightly off-base. The unit itself is very slightly bigger, but as it plugs directly into a wall socket, there is no cable (unless using the car charger — which works perfectly, by the way), and thus the overall size of the item for carrying around is, in fact, smaller and less bulky, with less annoyance.

Highly recommended.

5 Stars Perfect accessory
The car/wall charger works perfectly, and the extra batteries have saved me a number of times! Amazing deal for the price- now I always have extra batteries on hand, and if I do go through three batteries, I can charge them anywhere! I was a bit weary about buying a charger I was not familiar with, but for the price, it was worth the risk- and worth every penny!!!

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Tamron AF 28 75mm f 2 8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical IF with Built In AF Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

The smallest and lightest zoom lens in the history of fast zoom lenses, the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 lens is designed to meet the performance characteristics of Nikon digital SLR cameras. The lens incorporates the same revolutionary downsizing XR technology employed by Tamron in the development of high-power zoom lenses such as the 28-200mm and 28-300mm. As a result, the lens is extremely compact, making it look and feel like an ordinary standard zoom lens, yet with the versatility of a fast constant maximum aperture that will reshape your photographic horizons. Other details include a minimum focusing distance of 13 inches, a 75-to-32-degree angle of view, and a 67mm filter diameter. All Tamron lenses carry a six-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 28-75mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 16 elements in 14 groups
• Angle of view: 75 to 32 degrees
• Type of zooming: Rotation
• Number of diaphragm blades: 7
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• Minimum focusing distance: 13 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:3.9
• Filter size: 67mm
• Corresponding mount: Nikon
• Accessory: Lens hood
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches long
• Weight: 18 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Fantastic lens, incredible price
So far, so good. This lens its fantastic, even more if you consider the price.

Wide open is sharp, but it shines if you stop down a little.

I read some users complains about focus speed and acuracy, well, in my d90 the focus its just as fast as my 35 1.8 and i didn’t notice hunting, yet.

Also, i was really surprised by the size y weight, not too big, not too heavy

Update

Now, after take hundred of pictures, i notice that from 60mm to 75mm 2.8 is a little bit soft, but still usable, at f5 is sharper than my 18-105 at the same focal length and aperture.

Also i confirm the focus is as fast as nikkor 35 1.8

4 Stars Excellent Light-Weight f2.8 Alternative for Nikon Users
I purchased this lens several months ago for my Nikon D700 and after comprehensive testing took it on several photo-trips. To date I’ve shot almost 2000 images with this lens. The review below is based on the sample of the lens I currently own. Due to possible sample variations other samples may be better or worse than mine.

The pros:

1) This is a very sharp lens at all apertures. Specifically, it is UNIFORMLY sharp across the entire frame at any aperture (with one minor exception noted below and that may be a sample variation). Distortion is controlled rather well at all zoom settings. The lens reaches its peak optical performance by f11 at all zoom settings.

2) Although the lens is not designated as “macro”, the close-focusing capability of this lens makes it a good choice for some macro applications.

3) The lens is very well built, light-weight and compact.

4) Considering its current price and outstanding optical quality this lens is an exceptional value.

The cons:

1) At apertures wider than f11 there is a ~ 1mm area of the unsharp focus on the extreme right side of the frame (camera in horizontal position). This is completely gone by f11. I do not consider this an issue, since the area in question is very easy to crop out. I am noting it here for the sake of completeness.

2) At 28mm to 35mm zoom range I encounter frequent AF errors, but since the focus is constant over the entire zoom range, I focus at 75mm, turn off the autofocus and zoom to compose and shot. Otherwise, the autofocus performance is average and unremarkable.

I have taken one star off to account for the two “cons” above.

Summary:

This lens is at least as good as or better than comparable Nikkors at a fraction of price, size and weight. I highly recommend this lens for all general photographic applications.

5 Stars Good Price/Performance Value
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) with Built-In AF Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I bought this lens for my Nikon D700. This is a full frame lens. The max aperture 2.8 is available on all focal lengths. Tested this at various focal length/aperture/shutter combos under different light conditions.

Here are my observations:

Pros:

1. Awesome value (price/performance). Nikon and Sigma equivalent costs more (nikon way too much).

2. Decent walk-around lens covering key focal lengths of mid range zoom

3. 2.8 aperture available at all focal lengths

4. Relatively fast and quick to focus

5. Great DOF (min aperture 32)

6. Pleasing blokeh effect (shallow DOF)

7. Usable sharp picture at 2.8. Stop down to 4.0 and you can get realy sharp pictures

8. Surprisingly decent close-up performance at various focal lengths (including 28mm). I was able to shoot a 2″ x 2″ object at 28mm at a distance of about 6-8″. This was taken under room light conditions with flash from nikon d700. The pictures were sharp, and usable. (Will post pics later)

9. Less weight compared to other lenses in this class

10. Price, Price, Price !!

Cons

1. Sometimes hunts for focus. This could be my camera setting (I have set focus priority for shutter release. I have to change this setting and try it out)

2. Nikon and Sigma will be better built lenses compared to this (obviously you pay a premium for that built)

3. AF can be perceived as noisy by professional and hard core photographers. I am an average joe. It did not bother me as I was paying more attention to the picture quality. May not be suitable to take pics in a quite setting without drawing some attention to yourself.

I would highly recommend this lens for anyone who is looking for decent zoom with excellent picture quality and on a budget.

I returned Nikon 50m 1.8D lens Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras because I was not satisfied with picture sharpness at wide aperture. I needed to stop down to 2.8 or 4.0 in that lens to get reasonably sharp pics. This lens gives me good sharp pictures at f/2.8 50mm. So I traded that lens for this, so that I can also get some basic zoom for about 250$ more. I am not a professional photographer and do not want to start a religious war between prime lens and zoom lens. Obviously prime lenses are better. For an average customer who wants to take pictures around house, kids birthdays, soccer games etc. this lens is a good bargain.

Also, I bought this elsewhere for about 120$ cheaper than here. You may want to shop around to save some $$$.

Good Luck !

2 Stars built-in motor = terrible autofocus performance!
I bought this lens as a lightweight alternative to my nikkors, to use basically as a walkaround lens. The lens, being mostly plastic construction, is very light, compared to other f/2.8 lenses of the same range. The optics are fine and it is fairly sharp wide open at f/2.8. So, it’s a nice lens, especially for the price, but the autofocus just too slow!

I have 2 other Tamron lenses, the 17-50 f/2.8 and the 90 macro. Both of those are AF-D screwdriver lenses that use the AF motor in the body and both are much faster to focus than this lens with the built-in motor, especially in lower lighting conditions. I was really disappointed with the AF performance of this lens and returned it immediately. I usually like Tamron lenses, which are usually a good value, so I sincerely hope that Tamron fixes this lens so that the internal motor operates more in line with the speed of other lenses with internal motors. As it is, I think I could focus manually faster than with using the motor in this lens.

4 Stars Autofocus failure with D5000 live view @ 47mm
Great lens. Contrary to other reviews, auto-focus is very quick on normal mode, but take note that auto-focus will fail when doing live view auto-focus on D5000 when the lens is zoomed to 47mm and above.

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