Now that I’ve had a few days to play with my new camera (the Nikon d800 for those who missed it), I’ve been playing around with my existing lenses to see what new lenses I want to purchase. I currently have five lenses – a Nikon 35mm f/2D, 50mm f/1.8, 60mm f/2.8 micro, 18-200mm and a Sigma 10-20mm wide angle zoom. All of these lenses have served me very well and I will continue to use them, but there’s one problem – only one of them, the 60mm micro, is an FX lens.
My previous camera, the d7000, is a DX camera, so I bought DX lenses. My new camera is an FX (full format) camera. What all of these letters mean is that all but one of my current lenses will not take advantage of my new FX camera body. (Here’s a clear explanation of FX vs. DX from someone who really knows what they’re talking about.) So, I bought 2 new-to-me FX lenses. Until they arrive, I wanted to try the camera with the one FX lens I have – the 60mm. (Is everyone still with me, here? Want me to throw out a few more numbers and letters and mm’s?)
Anyway, I needed to take a couple of new product pictures, so here are the results with the 60mm…
(MMSMP Hemp Oil in the new, easier-to-open bottles.)
I’ve learned that the built-in shelf in the master bathroom is perfect for product shoots like this. Who knew?!
I also took the 60mm for a spin around my office, which I’m in the process of cleaning and organizing…again. I used a tripod and low ISO (100) for the product shots, but took the ones in my office by hand at an ISO of 3200. I usually won’t shoot that high, but thought I would test it out. What you get with a nicer camera body like this is the ability to shoot at a higher ISO (faster film speed) without it getting grainy. With my d7000, the shots started getting grainy above about 400-600.
This sign was created by Laura of the Ironstone Nest.
Stacks of European linens make me happy.
…and this huge stack of antique hemp/grain sack fabric is to sell! I’ll be taking it to the Chapel Market and will put some in my online shop. When I finally open it. I know, I know. How long have I been yacking about the online shop?! Well, a long time, I know. I have stuff to sell. I know people want to buy it. Things just keep getting in the way of me actually opening the shop! What in the world is wrong with me? In fairness, I did actually open the shop a couple of months ago, but we were having some technical difficulties and I had to close it again. I then didn’t want to open it when I was about to do so much traveling. Now, my computer is being repaired and my “inventory” is a mess. So, I’m going to work on it and hopefully get it open in a week or two. Hopefully. No promises!
I do promise that I’m not going to bore you with a bunch of camera/photography posts. It’s just something new and exciting in my world, so hopefully it’s helpful, informative or at least moderately entertaining…
I don’t think the photo stuff is boring, I would actually like to read more, its kind of exciting to me (maybe I am semi-dorky) I started with a bridge camera and have just moved into the DSLR world, and seeing how you are a good teacher, I say keep the camera posts coming. and plus new toys are always exciting 🙂
Okay, good to know. I’m a self/book-taught photographer mostly, so I still have so much to learn, but I can definitely share what I’ve learned so far!
I am not bored either. In fact you have inspired me to actually read about my camera and everything it can do. I took it off automatic focus 🙂 My camer is a Panasonic Lumix LX5 and it can do quite a bit. So everything you tell us about f/stops and ISO is welcome. What program do you use for your RAW pictures? I need to start something I can grow with. Keep up the beautiful pictures they are a true inspiration.
I don’t think the photo stuff is boring, either. I’m just going through the first Shoot Fly Shoot class so I actually know what you’re talking about when you say ISO and 60 mm lens!! It’s perfect timing for me. I can’t wait to learn more!
All this camera and photo info is not boring at all, it is actually very instructive for someone like me who is trying to learn about this stuff before splurging on a new camera. Besides, if it means that you show us more of your gorgeous pictures, please keep it going. Sylvie
Yay for the new hemp oil bottle!
FX vs. DX is why I’ve decided I’m going to make do with the lenses I already have. I don’t want to get a whole lot of money invested in glass and then turn around and have to replace it. My skills as a photographer will soon surpass the limitations of my camera, and while it does shoot breathtaking video, the photo quality leaves something to be desired.
I can’t wait to see the pictures you’ll get out of that beast when you receive your new lenses. The 60mm shots are so sharp!
Please keep the camera/photo stuff coming! I would love to hear more about it!
I really like the photography posts. You explain things well. You may convert me to a real manual type camera.
I love the photography posts- something to learn no matter what type of camera you use 🙂
I really like the camera posts too. Someday I may need more than in iPhone camera and your decision making process, and end results, are super helpful (and informative!).
Well, I don’t know much about cameras, although I’m impressed by your enthusiasm, but I have to say I’m right there with you about the stack of linens!! I Love looking at those! 😉
It’s your blog, so keep sharing the things which fuel your love and gratitude for life. We’ll just keep reading right along with you!
Beautiful photographs! x
I actually really like your photography posts ! Just like everyone it seems from reading a few comments ! The thing is that you are not a professionnal. Which is why your posts are so interesting ! You know what needs explaining and you add beautiful photos. You are always at your best when you are writing about what excites you, so go ahead and keep posting about photography !
Have a nice day !
No…keep it coming! I love all of your photo advice. You speak our language (so much clearer and more fun to read than the technical jargon!!)
I always learn so much from you – even if it’s only one brilliant thing at a time – like this FX advice. So…keep going!!
Linda
The photos looks great!
I love to read your camera posts… keep up with that! Love the beautiful European linen and grain sacks. I totally understand about the opening of a web shop as I am doing the same thing and it takes time!!!!
Thanks for all your share
xoxo
Carolina
Gorgeous pics Marian!!!..Finally had the chance to buy your hemp oil and cannot wait to try it!
No, the photography posts are not boring. In fact, they are great in the way that you present your thought process about ‘growth’. We have cameras that we don’t use well enough, and this helps point us towards which way to go. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
I’m enjoying and learning from your photo info. I have been putting off getting into the manual mode on my camera…I won’t say for how long! You’ve inspired me once again to dive into my creativity! I’m working on my first milk paint project! And can’t wait for your shop! 🙂
Photography posts are not boring!! We’re all soaking up this info like a sponge! More more!
Marian, love your photography posts! I just started forcing myself to shoot using a tripod most of the time and it does make such a difference. I can’t wait to hear what new lenses you buy! When I purchased a macro lense, I went ahead and spent the $ to get the 105mm f/2.8 since Ken Rockwell spoke so well of it and in anticipation of one day upgrading to a full frame.
I was wondering if you considered going with a D4? I know there’s a big price difference (about double!) but just wondered if you considered it. Thanks so much for sharing about your new camera…loving these posts! 🙂
Love reading about the photography! That’s one of the neat things about your blog – there’s always something new and different happening! Surprises are such fun!! I love that you share so much with us. I feel like I’m learning right along with you! Keep up the great work! Thank you!
Not bored but grateful – I’ve wanted a camera, been studying as a beginner and didn’t have a clue until you come along with your gorgeous images and clear explanations – Thanks!
I really enjoy the posts on photography. I am trying to take my camera off auto. I want to learn how to take better interior shots especially when there is a window involved.
Your posts are great.
Thank you!
Dear MMS, As long as you are posting your beautiful photographs of things like a stack of linens, you can write as much as you want about your camera, lol. Hugs, Anne Boykin
What did you say???? I once had a SLR… didn’t dare take indoor pictures because they were a disaster… would love to know more about taking digital photos. But sure does sound complicated. Clearly you know what you’re doing. Just keep sending us those beautiful shots!
Marian, you are a great photographer and I can hardly wait until you open your shop!!!!! I am in love with those linens!!!!!!
Marian, Your photography posts are so helpful especially when you note the f-stop, shutter speed and ISO numbers used. You speak a language I understand!
I have a Nikon DX and currently only have one lens which is an 16-85mm 3.4-5.6. I love shooting Macro, landscape and interior photos. I have been researching different lens options which spoke of DX or FX..lol then you write a post on it? Really? Are you reading my mind? I now know I need DX lens’s.
Sooooo, was wondering what will you do with your DX lens’s? Hummm, I know someone who would love to buy some of them……just saying……
Actually, if you’re hoping to upgrade to an FX body one day, you should get FX lenses. If you think you’re going to stay in the DX world, then you don’t need to spend the extra money, since they are quite a bit more. You would just have to know that you’re paying for more that what you’d be using with a DX body.
Yep, I would lie to sell a couple of my DX lenses, but my husband’s going to use that camera some, so he wants to make sure he doesn’t want the lenses first…
Just keep the photos coming. I like the pictures. Cleaning your office must be exciting.
Please, “bore” me with photography posts all you want. They are SO helpful. “Wanting” to upgrade my Olympus camera has quickly shifted to “needing” to upgrade my camera because it officially bit the dust about an hour after shooting a wedding! Your posts come in handy dandy when getting ready to invest in new equipment.
It was very interesting to read your blog showing pictures of your life with a camera. Thanks for sharing your experience.
What is the name of this small product which is cleaning the office? I will also purchase this product for cleaning the office.
Okay, I want to get a camera like yours. But, I am just a regular camera user. Would this be too much for me?
I would suggest starting with a less expensive camera, like a D50 or D7000 first and learn to use a DSLR for a couple of years. Once you have that camera mastered, you can then upgrade and it will be worth the investment. You can always get nice lenses that will work on an upgraded body as well, so you can plan for growth in the future.