Expert: John Oliverio - 3/15/2007

Question
Hi John, a very good afternoon to you (time in Singapore now - LOL).
I happen to click on this page while doing the search engine on internet, hope you wouldn't mind.
Thanks for your expertise in advance to my queries
herewith.
As expertise in Singapore are proud most times,
they feel waste of time answering amateur like me.
I just started taking photos on digital SLR after
almost ten years of film slr camera.
I bought a Nikon D50 last year for a start.
Bought another Nikon D80 recently and passed the
Nikon D50 to my 13 year old son as he picked up
this hobby too.
I have the following :
One Nikon D50
One Nikon D80
- Digital Lens -
Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED
Nikkor AF 28-70 MM F3.5-4.5 D
Nikkor AF 35-105 MM F3.5-4.5
Nikkor AF 80-200 MM F4.5-5.6 D
Nikon Speedlight SB26

I am aware the older version of zoom lens are able to
fit both my D50 & D80 bodies.
I am thinking of trading off my old lens for new
DX lenses although I am still holding one Nikon F50 film
camera, which I can foresee I will not use it anymore.
Will it be wise to trade-in these old lenses ?
Could you also recommend me a tripod & camera backpack
for my right usage.
Thanks alot John, for taking your precious time.
Really appreciate.


Answer
Hi Mark,

I visited Singapore once many years ago when I was in the Navy.  I remember I stayed at a hotel called the Orchard and went to a pub called (I think) BiBi's.  It was New Years Eve 1988.  I had a great time.

Well, three of the lenses you have probably won't be much use now.  The 28-70, 35-105 and 80-200.  Actually, I guess you could give the 80-200 to your son.  Not much use in the other two though.

The 70-300 is a great lens so I would hold on to it.  Unless you wanted the updated version which has Vibration Reduction.

You'll need to replace the SB26 with either and SB600 or 800.  The 26 will not work properly on a digital camera.

Bags are kind of a personal choice.  But I'll tell you what I use:  Lowe-Pro SlingShot.  There are three sizes.  I have the 200 and 300.  They are the best bags I've had so far.  Kind of like a messenger bag.

Tri-pods are also a personal choice. We all require different sizes and features.  I choose to use Manfroto (bogen in the USA).  They have a very well made product and I have several of them.  You'll have to decide for yourself what height and weight is right for you.  They also have a large choice of heads.  I prefer the pistol grip.

John