[R2D2]

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

Just that It felt really weird with all the load on one side of the mount, I was afraid it will break...puts a lot of torsional stress on the camera.

Vivek, I am sorry to state the obvious but using a DSLR lens with a mirrorless camera kind of defeats the purpose of having a compact portable camera, isn't it?

A NEX camera mount is not meant to support a DSLR lens. Solution is to stick with NEX lenses so that you obtain the true advantages of that MLC system i.e. IQ with portability. No shortcuts here I am afraid.

[vivekiny2k]

Originally Posted by R2D2

Vivek, I am sorry to state the obvious but using a DSLR lens with a mirrorless camera kind of defeats the purpose of having a compact portable camera, isn't it?

It depends. Size is one advantage but that shouldn't limit "normal" use of the camera. usually when outside, I don't care about the size and want to use every possible tool.

My next lens purchase is going to be 50mm or 35mm nex, so for occasional long shots I will stick to this sigma which I found much cheaper. I also have a Minolta 50mm F1.7 which I love because of full manual control as opposed to "focus by wire" on nex lenses. So as you can see, interchangeability of lenses is one reason I bought nex over A65 I had almost decided , size is secondary.

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

It depends. Size is one advantage but that shouldn't limit "normal" use of the camera. usually when outside, I don't care about the size and want to use every possible tool.

My next lens purchase is going to be 50mm or 35mm nex, so for occasional long shots I will stick to this sigma which I found much cheaper. I also have a Minolta 50mm F1.7 which I love because of full manual control as opposed to "focus by wire" on nex lenses. So as you can see, interchangeability of lenses is one reason I bought nex over A65 I had almost decided , size is secondary.

Appreciate that you like the flexibility the system permits. But that comes with a drawback. One of them being the issue you highlighted. I am not familiar with the NEX lens mount so not sure about a lens like the Sigma hanging off that mount. What does the lens weigh? 500g? It is probably nearly 2x the weight of the camera.

Nikon does not recommend picking up the camera+lens assembly using the camera when a heavy lens (over 1 Kg) is attached. It probably applies to the NEX as well.

If you buy into a system stick to the lenses that it was designed to take. Experimentation is kind of risky. May or may not turn out the way you wanted.

This is just IMO please.

[vivekiny2k]

The only heavy lens i have is this 70-300 and yes, I always hold the lens when using it. Sony's own 18-200 is not very small either (pic from net). I see some tripod collars on ebay and might pick up once I measure the dimensions of the lens.

[amitk26]

Originally Posted by MadBiker

Has any one used Tamron 24-75 2.8 & Tamron 90mm 2.8 Macro. How good are they in Indoors. Specifically the AF Speed / accuracy?

I'm not expecting it to be as fast as their Pro level counterparts. But general review for Indoor shoots would be helpful.

Tamron SP 90 is very good and sharp AF motor is non-usm but lens is good for indoor shoots and portraits.

[HellwratH]

Originally Posted by R2D2

Thanks HW.

Honestly now that I am back in town, I am reading up on long lens techniques (LLT) which is mandatory to get the best from these lenses. Like my analogy to normal lenses, it's like buying a tractor-trailer or a large Volvo/Merc bus and then learning how to drive it. They are totally different from cars as these super teles are from "normal" lenses. So that's what is happening with me.

I haven't got the hang of it (LLT) yet and will practice my technique before travelling. I plan to visit Nagerhole and/or Kabini this year depending on a few factors.

Believe it or not, I am just as equally excited about the 24mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4. Those will be in use much more frequently for landscapes and candid shots.

Ah yes, the new longer lenses will present a different set of challenges. I am sure you'll enjoy the 24 and 35mm too. They're excellent lenses.

Originally Posted by navin

Excellent post. I often feel the same. My Canon P&S sees more use than my DSLR. For one the P&S is always handy. For another everyone from my wife to my mom to my friends get embarrased everytime I go "John Rambo".

And really for 80% of the shots taken a simple P&S does a pretty good job. Some high end ones in good hands would compete with a DSLR.

I think the new breed of EVIL cameras will suit you well Navin. Why not replace your DSLR with that one and some of them are so inconspicuous and stylish (OM-D) that friends and family wouldn't mind you carrying it around.

Originally Posted by R2D2

The latter, well, just about passes muster. As with other people these 2 cameras get far more use than others. My wife uses the PNS frequently (she's a painter) and I have been considering getting her an OM-D. But that will be for later maybe when the OM-D II comes out.

Ha ha, we know who really wants that OM-D .

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

The only heavy lens i have is this 70-300 and yes, I always hold the lens when using it. Sony's own 18-200 is not very small either (pic from net). I see some tripod collars on ebay and might pick up once I measure the dimensions of the lens.

That's one advantage on the micro four thirds side. Even the native lenses are pretty small.

Originally Posted by Nonstop-driver

This EVIL thing is really cool! Where do I get more information (of course I can google) first-hand? What brand/model are you using Samurai? Any comparative study?

Take a look at the EVIL thread on t-bhp:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadget...l-cameras.html

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by HellwratH

Ah yes, the new longer lenses will present a different set of challenges. I am sure you'll enjoy the 24 and 35mm too. They're excellent lenses.

Yes, these 2 will be used far more frequently than the telephotos. As Navin said, being John Rambo makes you look funny to most folks.

In fact the 35mm will probably wind up replacing my favorite 50mm 1.4 in frequent use.

Surprising thing ALL Nikon lenses that I have read about and eventually purchased are much larger when compared to their older AF-D ancestors. The 24 and 35mm surprised me with their size. Big meaty barrels like on the 85mm F/1.4 which is a part of the F/1.4 family trio released in '09 & '10. They look much smaller in the pictures.

Maybe the addition of the SW motor (and VR where applicable) that forces them to enlarge the barrel.

Originally Posted by HellwratH

Ha ha, we know who really wants that OM-D .

Hee hee! Ok you got me <big sheepish grin> But I'd want her to use the camera. Won't keep it for myself unless she doesn't want it.

EDIT: That's why I hold myself back from seeing or playing with an OM-D at a store or elsewhere. If I do that, I will in all probability wind up buying it. Other than the IQ I am a fan of those classic camera looks.

[neoonwheels]

Guys,

I am getting a Yongnuo flash from US for $75. Somehow the person getting it back may exceed the customs limit. Do you know how much I need to pay from my pocket for the $75 item?

[ajay_satpute]

Guys

Is Canon 550D still a good buy? My plan is to get the kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 prime to start with.

Somehow both D3200 & D5200 don't impress me 100%.

[rajshenoy]

Originally Posted by ajay_satpute

Guys

Is Canon 550D still a good buy? My plan is to get the kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 prime to start with.

Somehow both D3200 & D5200 don't impress me 100%.

Both of them are newer models than 550d
You have any budget constraints?
Since you are comparing entry level models only, if you have budget stretch to 650d else 550d would do fine. I own 550d currently and still haven't got bored with it

There are many Sony fans here too

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by ajay_satpute

Is Canon 550D still a good buy? My plan is to get the kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 prime to start with. Somehow both D3200 & D5200 don't impress me 100%.

With entry level digital cameras (that get outdated every 12 months on an average) it is better to buy the latest and greatest. Your investment will last longer that way.

As rajshenoy has correctly pointed out, both Nikon bodies are later models than the 500D which is now 3 years old. The 550D was introduced in early 2010. You could consider the 600D which was released Feb 2011.

But here's my take - instead of going in for 3 year old crop sensor body you may want to give mirror-less camera (e.g. Sony NEX 5, Olympus EP-L series) serious consideration. If you have the budget consider the Olympus OM-D E5 or Sony NEX6, Panasonic GX1. Head over to the EVIL camera thread for some examples of what the OM-D can do.

[ajay_satpute]

Originally Posted by rajshenoy

Both of them are newer models than 550d
You have any budget constraints?
Since you are comparing entry level models only, if you have budget stretch to 650d else 550d would do fine. I own 550d currently and still haven't got bored with it

There are many Sony fans here too

Originally Posted by R2D2

With entry level digital cameras (that get outdated every 12 months on an average) it is better to buy the latest and greatest. Your investment will last longer that way.

As rajshenoy has correctly pointed out, both Nikon bodies are later models than the 500D which is now 3 years old. The 550D was introduced in early 2010. You could consider the 600D which was released Feb 2011.

But here's my take - instead of going in for 3 year old crop sensor body you may want to give mirror-less camera (e.g. Sony NEX 5, Olympus EP-L series) serious consideration. If you have the budget consider the Olympus OM-D E5 or Sony NEX6, Panasonic GX1. Head over to the EVIL camera thread for some examples of what the OM-D can do.

Thanks guys. Sony NEX-5 is on my list, but only tentative. The NEX-5 is now a old gen camera already and the number of lenses available is less and they are also expensive compared to Canikons I feel.

NEX-6, OM-D EM5 are out of my budget. D5200 has an untested sensor made by Toshiba and I am not sure if its worth investing in that.

I will try and go for 650D if somehow I managed to pull it inside my budget.

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by ajay_satpute

D5200 has an untested sensor made by Toshiba and I am not sure if its worth investing in that.

Don't worry about the sensor - the D5200 is currently ranked 11th on DXO and it is the only crop sensor camera in the top 11. All others ranked higher are far more expensive i.e. medium format and full frame cameras including the Sony RX1 full frame compact that has a MSRP of $2800 (!!).

Originally Posted by ajay_satpute

I will try and go for 650D if somehow I managed to pull it inside my budget.

That IMO would be a better option than 550D being a 2012 model.

One of many articles that may help you:

http://www.digitalrev.com/article/ca.../NjE0Nzc4NTA_A

[rajshenoy]

Originally Posted by R2D2

Don't worry about the sensor - the D5200 is currently ranked 11th on DXO and it is the only crop sensor camera in the top 11. All others ranked higher are far more expensive i.e. medium format and full frame cameras including the Sony RX1 full frame compact that has a MSRP of $2800 (!!).



That IMO would be a better option than 550D being a 2012 model.

One of many articles that may help you:

http://www.digitalrev.com/article/ca.../NjE0Nzc4NTA_A

I Agree with him. If you have the budget, dont look back and go for 650D or 5200. Also i feel you can include Sony A57 to your list(or Sony A65. if you have a 50K budget) Sony has its share of fans here in this thread, plus Canon,Nikon and sony have good range of lens available in india.

Other option is 550D with 18-135mm kit lens(or 18-200mm?) for that extra bit during your travel.

BTW, why you did not like Nikon ?

[joslicx]

Some good news for anyone looking at picking up a competent crop sensor camera.

The Nikon D7000 with kit (18-105) is available for 66k on ebay with a reputed seller. I think it is an awesome deal, given that with most online sellers like Flipkart/HS18 etc it is available for upwards of 75k. I think anybody looking at the likes of D5200/D90 etc should give a double look at this offer. D7000 is a different beast compared to those and could be a better buy.