[deadwolfbones]

So far I haven't really needed/used the high ISO, or I would have noted it.

Will post some DoF comparisons soonish.

[rustynail925]

I also wanted to hear your thoughts about having dual systems and more about the nikon brand being compared to pentax

[deadwolfbones]

Well, kinda early to give thorough comments on owning dual systems (just two days!). So far, I like the increased availability/options for Nikon AF lenses, and (shock!) the lower prices for the low-end primes. The build quality of the 50/1.8 is pretty chintzy compared to the FA50s, which aren't exactly stellar themselves, but it gets the job done. The 180/2.8 and 85/1.8 are much more solid. The camera itself, as said above, is quite nicely built.

[rustynail925]

What about the lack of SR. Like Shooting the 50 1.8 how low can you go to have clear sharp images?

[jsherman999]

The 50 1.8 and 35 2 (& 1.8) are pretty small lenses - I can hold mine steady down to about 1/15s. The larger/longer lenses are the ones that really benefit from in-body SR.

Congrats DWB!

Nice job getting the 180, too. Personally I think my 180 is incredible, equal to any Pentax lens I've shot save the 77ltd. My first copy BF'd, my second was spot-on - if I had the D700 at the time, AF fine tune would have fixed the first copy.

While I think my 77ltd is better than my 85 1.8, the 85 1.8 is no slouch, and can AF so much faster on the D700 in low-light. Here's a shot from my 85 1.8 wide open:

ISO 3200, f/1.8 85mm:

[edl]

The 85/1.8 is a great lens, but if you can splurge the 85/1.4 is worth consideration too. It's my favorite portrait lens. ISO400, 1/100s, f2.2.



The 35/1.8 AF-S, while being designed for crop does pretty well on the D700 in FX mode, provided you use it almost wide open and at close focal distances. ISO640, 1/80s, f2.8.



Another from the 35/1.8 AF-S - ISO200, 1/50s, f2.2.

[edl]

What about the lack of SR. Like Shooting the 50 1.8 how low can you go to have clear sharp images?

I can't speak for DWB, but I can easily get sharp images at 1/30th with the D700 + 50/1.8. With my K20D + FA50 I could go to 1/15th or 1/8th with care. But that's bad technique for static subjects. If shutter speeds are going that low, I really should be using support.

Another problem with low shutter speeds is that my subjects (people) are usually moving. So even 1/30th is too slow to freeze any movement. I really enjoy that fact that ISO3200 on the D700 is better than ISO800 on the K20D. Less noise, more dynamic range, and more shutter speed or aperture, take your pick.

As far as dual systems - once I got my D700 I found less desire to use my K20D. I sold it and all Pentax AF lenses after two months of non-use. I kept the MF lenses, if I ever really desire to use them I'll probably get a Canon 5Dmk2 for that.

[edl]

DWB - I don't know if you saw this thread on FM, but I found it useful:

D3/D700 Tricks and tips - FM Forums

I particularly like "easy exposure compensation", csm B4.

Re: Vignetting wide open - you never see it on crop cameras, because they don't use much of the lens There is a Vignette Control in the Shooting Menu. Also in the shooting menu, you can force the camera to always stay in FX mode (no auto-crop mode for DX lenses).

Last, if you shoot JPEG, try the DX2 Mode 1 colors (download picture controls from Nikon's website). Very nice low-saturation output.

[rustynail925]

Very nice shallow DOF images.. Are the all lenses on APS-C compatible w/ the D700?

[SuperAkuma]

Very nice shallow DOF images.. Are the all lenses on APS-C compatible w/ the D700?

If the lens says DX on it you can not use it on the D700 at 12mp. You can still mount the lens and use it but it will change the camera to the "crop" mode where it shoots at about 5MP or so instead of 12mp.

[deadwolfbones]

Sort of true. As edl hinted above, you can force the camera to use DX lenses in FX mode, and some work well that way (like the 35/1.8).

[deadwolfbones]

Just had another lunchtime walk with the D700. Brought along my Quantaray 24/2.8 Macro AF, which is a rebadge of the Sigma Mini-Wide II. Incredibly sharp lens for the price ($85 on eBay). A total steal. Only issue is flare when shooting within 90 degrees of the sun, which can be pretty annoying.

[jsherman999]

Just had another lunchtime walk with the D700. Brought along my Quantaray 24/2.8 Macro AF, which is a rebadge of the Sigma Mini-Wide II. Incredibly sharp lens for the price ($85 on eBay). A total steal. Only issue is flare when shooting within 90 degrees of the sun, which can be pretty annoying.

Oddly enough, I bought a Sigma super-wide II 24 2.8 on ebay a couple days ago, should be here in the next couple days ($59 before shipping, rough cosmetically though.)

My WA choices are now: Nikon AF-D 20 2.8 + Sigma 24 2.8. I hope to snag a non-BIM Tamron 28-75 2.8, and at some point pick up that Tokina 16-28 2.8 when it arrives.

[deadwolfbones]

Oddly enough, I bought a Sigma super-wide II 24 2.8 on ebay a couple days ago, should be here in the next couple days ($59 before shipping, rough cosmetically though.)

My WA choices are now: Nikon AF-D 20 2.8 + Sigma 24 2.8. I hope to snag a non-BIM Tamron 28-75 2.8, and at some point pick up that Tokina 16-28 2.8 when it arrives.

Nice deal you got there.

I tried using the Nikon HS-9 hood that I picked up from some family friend with the Quantaray/Sigma, but there was significant vignetting with it, even through the viewfinder. I guess that makes sense, since the hood was made for a 50/1.4. I'll need to find an appropriate wide angle one for it.

[edl]

If the lens says DX on it you can not use it on the D700 at 12mp. You can still mount the lens and use it but it will change the camera to the "crop" mode where it shoots at about 5MP or so instead of 12mp.

You can use DX lenses at 12MP with no "crop" but most will have heavy vignetting. The 35/1.8 AF-S is one that you can get by on, provided you use it nearly wide open and at close focus distances. It is also very sharp, has a rear gasket, and is dirt cheap.

Anyways, here's how to do it: SHOOTING menu --> IMAGE AREA --> AUTO DX CROP = OFF. CHOOSE IMAGE AREA = FX.

Page 84.
http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/noprint/D700_noprinten.pdf

Since we're on the subject, you can assign "CHOOSE IMAGE AREA" to one of the buttons + control wheels. I have a shooting profile for sports where I use that function, it's somewhat useful to change between crop and full frame on the fly. 5 MP is still usable for most things.