Expert: John Oliverio - 4/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have several questions on the lens.   Last fall I bought the Nikon D60 with the intention of trying to become somewhat proficient by now but that has not happened.   At the end of the month we are going to South Korea and Japan for 3 weeks and of course I want to document my trip.  I have 2 lens for the camera   18x55 and 55x200.  I am sure I will be taking close ups and some distance away.   I imagine you will recommend that I take the 18x55 with me.   If you were to recommend a second lens for this trip what would it be?    Will the 55x200 do it or shall I get another?   How critical and or useful would a tripod be?  Next,  if I only take pictures on the Auto setting how much will I be losing.   Considering my inexperience on a SRL camera should I stick with that setting for this trip?   If you were to suggest a second setting to use what would it be?  I have not bought a flash for the camera.

ANSWER: Greg,

Yes, I would suggest you take both of your lenses with you.  But if you could only take one, it should be the 18-55mm.  


You have the two lenses that just about all starting photographers own.  I don't see any reason to suggest another.  A flash is more important than another lens.  

A tri-pod can ALWAYS help you make a better picture.  But they can be a pain to carry.  Unless the trip was specifically designed to take pictures, I wouldn't bother.  You'll resent having to carry it.  And it doesn't sound as if you are in a position yet to realize when it would be really useful in your photographs.

You asked: in auto "how much will I be losing?"  Well...  I can't say that you would be actually losing anything.  I mean, I've got no way to quantify that kind of thing.  Auto is there to help people who just want the camera to do everything for them in a "generalized" fashion.  Nothing wrong with that.  

I can't suggest any other modes...  it dosen't work that way.  You choose the mode you want to use based on the situation you find yourself in and the affect you want.   So yes, I'd stick with auto for now.  

Have a good trip.  I've never been to Japan.  But I visited S. Korea in 1988.  Great food and friendly people.  I was in Osan.  It was the year they hosted the Olympics. (not in Osan)

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you think buying a flash is something I should do for this trip?   If so, can you recommend one?   Maybe the flash would be like the tripod, a pain to carry?

Answer
Greg,

I can't say if you personally would find a use for the flash on your trip. I know I could.  It depends on where you find yourself taking pictures.  I just can't say.   But I feel a flash is one of the most important (and over-looked) accessories you can have.  The word "photography" basically means "drawing with light".  Taking control of the light in you photos is very important...  and many times that means flash.  For example, you will find a 100% improvement in your snap shots and portraits by simply bouncing your flash from the ceiling.  

If your bag is big enough, a flash isn't that much to carry.  It's about the size of your tele-photo lens.

John