Photogs

i personally have a canon 1dmki with 70-200 f/4 lens, but i do like to borrow a 100-400 f/4-5.6 lens when i can. the extra reach is definitely helpful.

that is a good body to shoot with, you can find them for super cheap now. just make sure the lens you are talking about is nice quality. thats where most of the quality comes from. post a link to the lens or something

also might be worth looking into the d70s over the d70, shouldn't be too much more money

 

Its all about budget my friend.

If money were no object, then a D3 at nine frames per second at $5,000 and a 400mm 2.8 at about $7,000 is the rig you want.

Other than that, it depends on what you want to spend. You can PM me if you want.

 

depends on where you're shooting. I usually rock a 70-200 f2.8 or a 100-400f4-5.6. A monopod is a good investment as well, since most of the lenses are heavy.

 

In NJ, I shoot with a 300. You're not gonna need any more than a 300 on the east coast.

I rock a D40x with 70-300VR. Looking to upgrade to a D300/D300s when I get the chance. I'm not really worried about the video, so if I can get a good price on a D300, thats fine with me. I'd love to go D700/D3 for full frame, but can't justify spending that unless I win the lottery. I wanna get a 300 f/2.8.

Fatoldguy. If you put it to a DX crop, the D3 hits 11 fps. Still at 8mp, which is plenty for any shoot.

 

I'm not sure about Nikon, but I've been shooting with a Canon 50D and 100-400L 4.5-5.6. Also, monopods are good, but I've found that having a tripod really helps because you can actually let go of the thing and don't have to hold onto it the whole time. Such a pain to only have one hand to grab stuff out of ur camera bag or something like that.

 

Nikon D-200 & D-70s

The D-200 is quick, feature filled, and solid. The D-70s isn't bad either. Nikkor lenses, 50mm f1.2, 20-80mm zoom, and an 80-300 zoom. Since the D-200 is a 10 mgpx camera, I usually crop with very good results and the image doesn't suffer too much. The D70s is only about a 7-8mgpx camera, but I keep it as a back up.

 

35mm format (FX/FF) I'd like to have a 400. But for a DX crop where the mag is 1.5x, my 300mm is equiv to a 450mm on 35mm format. And, it looks perfect.

 

ever see the lens the surfrider photographer takes out of that suitcase? now thats a lens.

 

Damn, you guys need to come out to visit San Diego. We have like two Photogs in the whole city, and when we know where they will be it's a freaking zoo....

Seriously, there are NEVER cameras around here. Sometimes I've gotten sessions with the surfshot.com guys, but other than that, its Joe Ewing and Nobody.... Thats why there are NEVER any good photos of the cliffs. Ever. Cause there is never anyone out filming other than japanese tourists!!!!

I use my Fiance as my photog. Shes pretty good. But I video most of the time. She has a nice 35MM with only a 200 lens on it. Its ok at the beach breaks, but its not enough on the cliffs. Too far away, but my video camera works great on the cliffs. Im 400 yards out and she can zoom into my facial expression..

 

Heh, thats true. One of my friends (an older man) Has an old Nikon Manual film slr. He's got an 800mm and 900mm f/4 I believe. They are freaking HUGE. If you put a tripod by the camera mount of the lens, it would still topple over.

 

It is ALL about the glass! If you are going to shoot surfing, you are going to want something in the 300-400mm range. Teleconverters are also helpful in extending your reach and will be a necessity unless you ae going to drop BIG bucks on a BIG lens . You will lose several stops though.

 

i use a disposable camera

 

"...send a body..."

Ahhh, a "Cleaner" are ya? Good on ya, Mate. I'll keep that little nugget handy for when next I need a body disposed of...Thanks.

 

Teleconverters aren't that great. You can get double the range, so my 300mm will be a 600mm... but it'll start at f/11.2. Unless I'm shooting in the middle of a summer sun. I'm gonna need to have the shutter so slow that it shows the movement. If you got good glass, say a 200mm f/2.8 it makes some sense. cause you can have a 400mm at 5.6, which is in the normal aperture for cheaper glass, but you can still go down to 2.8 when it starts to get dark at the loss of some zoom.

 

Teleconverters

Not to mention the tendency to REALLY soft focus in the edges of most teleconverters. Basically, you get what you pay for. Mirror lenses are an option, but they have gremlins of their own like multiplying flare in the shape of your iris leaves.

 

You are absolutely right, there is a trade off when opting for a teleconverter and personally I'm not a fan of them unless shooting in solid daylight. Although a FANTASTIC lens, the 200mm f/2.8 alone doens't always have the reach to get a tight shot (depending on how far out in the water the subject is). I'm under the impression this guy probably isn't looking to drop $1500 on 100-400mm pro glass or even more money for a lens that is over 400mm. Although using a inexpensive 70-300mm lens on a tripod right at the water's edge is always an affordable option, again depending how far out the person is in the water.

I saw a mention of film. Shooting film is great and you can learn a lot from doing that. Just go digital, you'll find the learning curve closer to what you want Do some research then find a DSLR kit on E-bay or craigslist. That is a relatively inexpensive way to begin to dabble in the world of photography.