Episode Summary 
DTown TV is a weekly show brought to you by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski with KelbyTraining.com.
Episode Summary
In this week's episode, Scott and Matt discuss:
- Scott & Matt share their favorite lenses for shooting weddings
- Scott Diussa shows more examples for when using Auto ISO might be useful
- Scott gives a tip about using the D90 and D5000 to shoot video
- Matt talks about using the Lensbaby for a special effects look
- Scott shows how to turn the beep off to be less distracting
Great Show… As a D90 shooter with a 50mm 1.8 it really comes in handy in low light situation compared to my 18-200 3.5-5.6
I have been waiting all week for this… and it didn’t disappoint! Wondered if you guys were able to comment at all on the Sigma alternatives to the Nikon lenses. The fixed aperture Sigma’s are a lot cheaper but seem to get pretty decent reviews. If people have $800 to spend on a lens (e.g. 70-200 f2.8), would you say the Sigma’s are worth it, or would you advise people to wait until they can afford the twice the price Nikon ?
My wait for part 3 begins!
Paul
Hi there, ill guess you have to be a millionaire or just have a big pile on money lying around to get any value of this episode. My guess are that many people following this show are photo beginners whit a limited budget, wouldn’t it be great if you presented the best low budget lenses for all os us who have a very limited budget?
is it allowed to burn the shows on a dvd and give it to friends ?
Andreas from Germany
Kinda surprised you guys didn’t mention the 85 1.4
btw,great videos.may I publish the links on my website??
go ahead Scott and Matt
Wolf
I would like to see in one of the next editions on lenses a video on how the PC-lenses are working when you use them.
Now I want a fish eye lens even more! thanks guys
This is show about nikon, so the ‘holy trinity’ is not a surprise. I wouldn’t expect some comparissons with alternative lenses (bummer) [go to proper sites for that i guess]. Lensbaby/fish-eye example shots would also be nice.
I love your show(s). It is hard to wait until the next episode is online. I think it could be an option to show some example images. So we could imagine what type of photo could be possible.
It was such a pleasure to read Matt’s interview on “Weekly Photo Tips” (Blog: http://weeklyphototips.blogspot.com/)
Take care.
Rossi (from Germany, too)
Let’s hope people shooting weddings reading this are not amateurs. But, professionals willing to spend the investment on the best lenses money can buy. Otherwise, it’s really an injustice to your client. I heard Cliff Mautner speak at WPPI about lenses for weddings and he was adamant about having amazing lenses in your bag. Your clients are paying for the best images you can provide, it’s unfair to cheap them out of that. I was also surprised that the 85mm 1.4 wasn’t in there. No other lens can give you that sort of sharpness in low light. A MUST have. imo.
cheers.
Sadly I don’t have an extra $1600.00 for the 70-200mm 2.8 lens. So I guess I’m what you might consider a lower budget wedding photographer. I use a 18-200 VR on outdoor weddings, and the 50mm 1.8 along with a 24-85mm 2.8-4 (Japan glass). Luckily the brides have been very happy with their photographs. But then again, I don’t charge them $3000.00 for their wedding package. There is a market out their for photographers who take great shots, but don’t yet have the really expensive glass. Carry on wedding warriors.
Great show guys. I also think sample images would be helpful – and inspiring.
Another great show!Especially since I am shooting a wedding this weekend. Thanks for the tips, I have had the 24-70 and 70-200 on my wishlist for three years now, and finally in May my husband bought the 70-200 for me!Woohoo! Next Thursday can’t get here fast enough! thanks again
Yeap I think you need to show people Pics with lens your talking about.
Another great show! I have been waiting all week for this…
There are things the D90 has I haven’t even explored. What really got me on this episode was the auto iso. I am going to try it out. Great stuff. Keep it coming.
If you can’t afford these lenses and you are shooting weddings for money just rent the lenses. I’ve rented lenses in the past. Most of these $2k lenses can be rented for under $100.
I’d love to start seeing the show integrate lighting technique and composition in to the show, demonstrating how Nikon DSLRs can be used to complement these techniques.
For example, teach us about:
Sunny 16, Shady 8 and Perfect 11, marrying Nikon DSLR settings to these classic rules. Same goes for Rule of Thirds and grid lines. you get the idea.
Great show, guys. Thanks.
Q
I’m a Canon shooter [please don't flame me]… And I love your show.
I think all the features you’re explaining are great!
I love the insight on which lens, and what you might use them for.
I also think I might someday buy a bunch of Nikon gear – just cuz it’s got a slew of features that are really interesting!
Thanks! Keep it up!
Can we get an image quality comparison btw the 50mm 1.4 and the 50mm 1.8.
Thanks.
For next week or the week after or whatever, can you guys show us a few tips on how to quickly change lens on the go?
Like the first commenter requested – would love to see a quick tip on how you guys quickly swap lenses!
Thanks for another great episode!
i have a multi problem. first as we are talking about lenses. i’d like to see what you would suggest for a fine art photographer that does a fair amount of time shooting landscapes such as mountains, wild animals when can get close enough and whatever i see that i feel might be a salable image. i used to have a Nikon 70~200 that i loved the quality of the images of but was talked out of the mid range lens i had which was something like an 18~70. i also use an 11~18. i was talked into getting rid of the mid range lens i had and got a Nikon 18~200, but it does not give me the quality file and therefore print that i need.
i am planning on replacing an old Fuji S3 body this fall and don’t know if i should wait until Nikon replaces the D300 or if i should try out the D700. my foreseen problem with the D700 is it’s weight. i can not hold a heavy camera in my hands and keep it steady. i’d like to find the impossible, a full frame body weighing about what my D200 weighs so i can hand hold the camera when i do portrait work.
do you have any suggestion for the above?
Thank you,
Olympus shooter here but I enjoy the show a lot!
Another great show. I always talk about your show at work and how good you are on what you are doing.
One thing that I was troubled about in this weeks show was that you didn’t even show ONE picture of your lenses, like with that fish-eye or the lens baby.
I’m intrested on listening how you shoot in studios, some examples of lightning with studio flashes and what it takes to get that magazine photo.
Again, a GREAT show. Can’t wait for the next one!
Regards
Richard, Sweden
Great show guys!!!
If you could display more example images based on the scenarios you are talking about that would improve the show greatly, especially for beginners.
I’d propose adding the great Nikon 16mm Fisheye to the list for full frame shooters. I’d also mention that if you’re a full frame shooter and you use the 70-200 F/2.8 you will see vignetting when shooting wide open. I switched back to the older 80-200 F/2.8 AFS lens to avoid having to spend time correcting the vignetting. Great show Scott and Matt. I know how much work something like this is and I appreciate the effort very much.
Ha! Turn the beep off. I was amazed when I went to a wedding that I was not shooting, the photographer was beeping away! It seemed so unprofessional.
Great show as usual! I hope next episode to be about lenses for nature photography
Keep the good work!
Thank you, Matt and Scott. Another wonderful show. You guys are great!
Guy
Auto -ISO:
This feature is also great for street photography. On a recent trip to Morocco, I used a wireless shutter release, put the camera on auto ISO, and strolled around with the camera tucked into the crook of my arm. I wasn’t looking at the subjects as I released the shutter with the controller in my pants pocket – just ripped off five or six shots as I walked by. The focal length was about 40-60mm (24-70mm, f/2.8 Nikon lens) and the shutter speed was about 1/1000 sec. It was a great way to get candid shots without hassles. See:
http://www.pshawphoto.com/Morocco%20Photos/
Great shows overall!
The two lens episodes are heavily oriented to $2K pro lenses though. Good commercial for Nikon lenses. BTW I thought the 50/1.4 and 50/1.8 were supported already on FX – ref Scott’s comment on that.
Pros already know about this stuff and may not use it anyway. They want to make money, a lot use consumer lenses due to the good ISO performance from the new DSLRs. Lots of good 3rd party lenses out there, especially with Nikon boosting prices on their pro lenses this year.
The shows recently are not really into camera operation tips as they started out. I think a session on the new Autofocus capabilities on the recent models would be very usefull.
Scott is presenting very natural on DTown. My compliments Scott.
Lex
Netherlands
Hey Guys, another great show; I have a question about Auto ISO. I was under the impression that auto ISO worked in Manual mode. I like to shot in manual mode so that I can have total control. The instructor on your show stated that you use it in “program” mode. Can I use “Auto” ISO in manual mode? Only when lighting is sometimes tricky and I am in a rush.
Scott and Matt:
Another great presentation. I look forward to each week and consider your information valuable. I usually have my D700 in my lap when watching so I can apply your suggestions to my camera. I have been dedicated to NIKON since my first Nikon S rangefinder bought while serving in the US Army.
Actually accumulated more than 75 rangefinders including a black SP w/ motor drive. I had every RF lens also, except for the big guns. My collection is long gone…only memories. I love digital and even at 76 can keep up with all the latest NIKONS.
Thanks.
Dr. Mel Wilner (NYC)
Hello Scott and Matt,could we download the episodes like we do on Photoshopusertv ?? thanks for the tips I enjoyed very much!
your show is off the charts. i have learned so much since you started this show and i never miss it. moose talked about how to hold your camera on a strap in a crowd and my question is on that. i am not a pro. i’m just a mom who shoots vacations, baseball, partys, kids, and life in general. i do tons of shots of other peoples kids to just give away. i have never used anything but nikon (even film). so now i have the d90 which i think is the greatest camera ever made.
my question is: what can a mom with kids to keep up with and crowds to fight use to help with the all day weight of my camera on my shoulder. i only take one lens a day usually the 18 200mm or the 28 300mm. i also use the battery grip which adds more weight. is there some kind of magic device or tip that can make my disney days more enjoyable.
thanks for listening.
With the Fourth of July coming up, how about some tips on shooting fireworks to get the best results that make friends go Ooo, Ahhh?
Another great show, got a suggestion, when you introduce the lens, could you show us more example photos to help us to understand the differences between them. Thanks!
Have watched all episodes from number 7 to latest. Where can i get or watch the earlier episodes.
I swear by ziplens.com for all my rentals.,….excellent speed and brand new lens,,,they ship all over!
I love the shows, all tips / tricks are great fun and of good use. It would make it better when the tips/thoughts you present are “fleshed”-out more. More in depth examples, discussion, pro’s/con’s etc of such tips or lenses or ISO settings etc.
Pleeease, show us examples and photos when you talk about your favourite lenses and when/where/how you prefer to use them. I’d like to learn more from you professionals.
Been with you since ep.1, love your show.
Greetíngs from germany.
Great show guys. It would be helpful for your audience if you highlighted the difference between FX and DX in terms of equivalent focal length, and how this may impact which lens you select. For example, while a 24-70mm will work for either a DX or FX shooter, a 17-55mm 2.8 lens would be a good alternative for a DX shooter.
Hey guys! Awesome episode, as always!
Since you are doing lenses, is the Nikon 35mm F1.8, is as good as or at least close to the Nikon 50mm F1.4 you mentioned in this episode? The Nikon 50MM is like $200 more than the Nikon 35mm that is why I’m checking if that is also a good Wedding lens. Thanks!
Also, can you suggest a vendor where we can buy a good, sturdy Photograper’s suit case. Is Pelican 1650 a good case for my 2 rig (Nikon d80 and a Nikon D300) and a couple of lenses?
Thanks in advance! ;O)
Evan
Streamwood, IL
Those asking about swaping lenses in a hurry without worrying about caps…..
shootsac!
by jessica claire.
you can store all your lenses at the hip and you don’t have to have the caps on because the bag is neoprene. I cannot live without mine.
Hallo guys, why do you constantly knok on the table???
Good show
ciao form Italy
Saimon
I love the show, but pleeeease maximize the audio! It would also be great if you could use lav mics like on Photoshop User TV, or at least put some sound panels on either side of the camera to stop the voices from bouncing back off the rear of the room.
Like I said, I enjoy the show, but it requires a lot of concentration to listen to, which is bad. I have to turn my bass all the way off and the volume up significantly, which means the next audio event on my computer is alarmingly loud (albeit thin).
I’m sure with all the great people on your production team you don’t need advice on the issue, but I wanted to mention it since we’re on episode 17 and the audio hasn’t improved.
Great Show Scott kelby and matt. I love the tips on lenses for wedding photography I might grab a fish eye and ultra wide angle lens for some creative shots.
I also love scott diussa tips on auto ISO settings and maybe you can also include topics for picture control settings for D90 because I want to find perfect settings for D90 picture control that has a very good skin tone for portrait photography.
I hope Scott Diussa will share some perfect picture control settings for D90 to achieve great SKIN TONES.
Hi, would you consider shooting your weekly shows in a real environment (i.e. photo studio) instead of a green box? It really looks awful at edges, hair, even on hands if moved over the background.
Talking about wedding photography and portraits — why don’t you mention how to use a compact flash in these situations? Especially in rear flash mode (as explained earlier) with off-camera flash, I get nice results. Photography is more about light then about lenses, I guess.
Another great show guys, the Auto ISO portion helped out a lot. When I first got my D300 I accidentally had the ISO on, but some of the pictures I took looked awful until I figured out that I had left the Auto ISO on. Since then I have learned quite a bit about this topic and learned alittle more from you guys today. It would be great to see an episode on how to shoot in direct sunlight and some quick tips to set up your camera for this.
Thanks again
When you discuss technique, you should include a few example shots. I would love to see a few wedding photos taken with a fish eye or a lens-baby. That would make a great episode even better!
I love the show and have learned several things in each episode. I was curious to know how you travel with your gear. I have this debate with myself as to what I’m going to carry on and check in at the airport. Do you bring limited gear so you don’t have to worry about checking anything in and losing it?
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Rick
Here is an example of a D90 w/50mm 1.8 & Tiffen pro mist 1 filter. We were trying for a warm rich mood shot.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdeschamps/3652066301/
Great show, gentlemen. I have a quick question that I’m hopeful you can answer for me. I am getting ready to do a serious camera upgrade to the D700 (I currently have a D80, yikes!). I am extremely interested in the 10.5mm fisheye, but it is a DX lens and I’m concerned it won’t take great photos on the full frame camera.
Could you give me some insight on this?
Appreciate your time and effort,
Kristen
I just purchased my D5000 a few weeks ago and have learned alot from this site, you guys are awesome.. Keep up the good work! … Would you be able to do a feature on nightclub photography? Tips on flash / lenses / diffusers / reflectors …
Thanks again!
[...] Lenti parte 2 [...]
great photos Luke
you are totally right, I Have Sigma lenses, i just saved almost 3k dollars and test with other friend Nikkor, they just get amazed Sigma just work.
C
Remember Guys, This show is sponsored by NIKON, so no other equipment will be mentioned, Period!!!!
Sorry for the typo, s/b out there instead of out their.
for something like weddings maybe, but in many situations alternative brands could get you almost identical pictures at a much more reduced cost… it’s whether you want 100% quality or are ok with 98% for 50% cost (still $800-900)… obviously they would need to be high quality and not the uber cheap plastic things.
I shot my first wedding in 1970 with a Yashica Twin-Lens Reflex. It cost me $29.50 at the post exchange at Kelly Barracks, Germany. I used Tri-X professional 320 ASA film. The bride and groom were thrilled with the results. I made $100 bucks!!!
Don’t get over taxed by the technical specs. Today’s average camera and lens far far exceed the technical specs available just a few short years ago unless you shot with a Linhof with a Schneider 210mm lens on a Gitzo tripod. It was $400 in 71. Not portable. tripod dependent. I did that too. I missed a lot of shots. But the ones I got were Zone-System perfection. However, I missed a lot of candids.
Joe
yes wolfang, i love this show, too !!!
Agreed. Fish eye and Lens Baby lenses were perfect opportunities to show pics.
Yes why don’t you discuss tamron, leica, Quantum power pack, Fujifilm SLR, Vivitar, etc. Yes, less Nikon more 3rd party gear.LOL
Scott & Matt another great(But short) show.
Still though, Sponsored does not mean Bought. They should still be free to do and review what they wish.
It’s of much more value when they show all sides of the story.
I’ll ‘third’ that request. Lens cap management included please; that’s the part that ALWAYS screws me up!
Great shows; I’ve referred a bunch of folks to them…
set the lens you want to put on the camera face down. Loosen the rear cap. Remove the lens from the camera. Set it next to the other lens. Place the rear cap on the removed lens. Put the new lens on the camera. Tighten the rear cap on the removed lens. All takes about two seconds…
For shooting artwork, always use a prime lens – something like a 50mm 1.4 or 1.8.
Prime lenses (usually) offer sharper focus over any zoom, because with the optical elements not moving in relation to each other, there is less chance of introduced focus error or chromatic aberrations.
Richard a good option before buying a new camera would be to rent the body (D300 or D700). There are companies out there that rent the bodies for a reasonable price. Two sites I have used to rent lens and bodies are http://www.lensprotogo.com and http://www.prophotorental.com.
I’m a Canon user. I love the show.
I couldn’t care less about brands…I’m in it only what the gear will do for me. The marque could say WalMart and I wouldn’t care, as long as it did what I wanted.
I agree completely. For instance, show some lensbaby examples, or the other week you mentioned rear sync flash. Show us what it does, and what the effect is. You kind of started this last week with the aperture examples, but we need more to see what exactly you are showing us. Otherwise, another great show.
+1
By your command:
http://lensbaby.com/gallery-photo.php
Great way to get some good street photo’s — What camera was you useing?? as the camera shutter does make a lot of noise!! Unless the street nosie was real high they sould have heard your shutter clatter.
Jim
Chris,
Yes, you can use Auto ISO in manual mode… I only mentioned Program mode because when I travel and want to just take pictures in ever-changing situations it’s just easy to turn the Auto ISO on and shoot in P. I give control to the camera when I know what the camera is going to do with that control. It just makes life easier sometimes. Sorry for any misunderstanding.
Thanks for the question,
Scott
Hi Scott,
When I use manual mode on my D300 the autoISO is kicking in before the minimum shutter speed set under autoISO menu. Is there a way to set the camera so that it won’t work in manual mode or work in manual mode only if the shutter speed is set less than that set in AutoISO menu? I’m finding my exposure running away all the time even in manual mode because of autoISO
Thanks, Scott, for expanding on that. You gave me the impression that Auto ISO could only work in Program mode…so auto ISO works in all the advanced modes? Also, I would love it if you could go over the Program auto exposure shift. I have tried to use it, but it doesn’t seem to work like I thought it would or maybe it lets me shift the exposures once. If you guys could cover Program auto shift, that would be great! Thanks for all of your shows. I have told several people about DtownTV…was just wondering how many viewers you get every week.
Just do a search on itunes and you should find the show
There are two ways to look at the purchase of lens. Inexpensive lenses may be all you can afford, but it can be less expensive in the long run to save and get good glass than to buy low and then eventually trade up. I know that I wasted a lot of money by not knowing the difference in the speed / quality of lenses. Even if you think you can’t afford good glass this program explains the differences so that you can make an educated decision.
Well, I’d seriously leave the battery grip at home when your going to be moving a lot. I use it when I’m primarily at the same spot (also with a D90). It gives me more stability and ease with portraits.
The weight you loose is so much you can put a SB-400 on there, which WILL make a difference in your photo’s as a fill light.
And a neopreen shoulder strap realy helps in taking away shoulder pain. It’s quite astonishing in how it makes the D90 feel less heavy.
Hi Coolmom;
I found a new camera strap just before I left for my trip to Asia that you might be interested in. Let me start by saying…I really dislike camera straps! When I shoot weddings or portraits or scenics etc, etc I never have a camera strap on. I find they just get in the way…especially for verticals!
But I wanted something to give me peace of mind while I was traveling. This strap…although not perfect was the best alternative that I have found to date. It is called the R-Strap from http://www.blackrapid.com/
It really reduced the feel of the camera weight and I could quickly disconnect it from the camera so I could use it the way I prefer. Then just reconnect it while I was being a tourist and it would hang behind me out of the way. I see they now have a new connection for the bottom of the camera which looks like it might be better then the bracket because that would interfere with my hand for the vertical shots.
Hope that helps
You might want to leave the zooms at home too. Go with a 35 or 50 prime
on the d90 and save the shoulder!! You’ll use the manual (foot) zoom!!
Coolmom,
Try another strap – my wife had the same complaint and I got her the R-Strap by Blackrapid. It is a cross body strap and it really helps distribute the weight evenly. It also has a nice padded section where it rest against your shoulder.
Cheers
I would agree that more info about third party lensen would be in order. Otherwise you may create a “nikon branded and funded” show. Which (I think) is not true.
For instance the Tokina 11-16mm F.28 is great value and sharper then the Nikon 12-24mm!
I’ve had great results with the standby 50 1.8.
Open it up and hand hold at maybe 1/30. Hold arms against
the body to steady the camera. Play around. You’ll be
surprised at what you’ll get.
Bet you couldn’t tell the difference, except the 1.8 is
WAY cheaper!!!…..
I would also like to see examples. It helps me visualize what your talking about.
Love the show and keep up the good work.
Aung,
Without having a camera in front of me I have a question for you… Is the minimum shutter speed set in the Auto ISO menu lower than the shutter speed chosen for the exposure? For example: The Auto ISO shutter speed in the menu is 1/125 and the shutter speed set manually in the exposure is 1/500. Does the Auto ISO kick in when it goes below 1/500? I have a feeling that is what’s happening…
Donna,
Yes, Auto ISO works in P,S,A and M modes. I just showed it working in P mode to keep it easy. The Program shift is an interesting feature. It works sort of like Aperture Priority mode is a way. If you are in P and you want to make an adjustment to change the depth of field or the shutter speed, depending on the subject, then just rotate the Command Dial with your thumb. It will quickly give you alternate exposures to achieve what you need. I don’t really use this very much… I’d rather use A for most everything that P doesn’t work for…
Try it out and see what it does for you… just a different way to get from A to B.
Thanks guys for the advice. i looked at the blackrapid r strap and it looks really promising. i am ordering one and maybe it will do the trick.
Thanks you so much for the advice.
coolmom
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your reply!
Your right! I set my minimum shutter speed in AutoISO to be 1/80 (1/focal length). However, when I shoot with Manual mode at shutter speed 1/200 or something AutoISO still kicks in and Kind of defeat the purpose of using manual mode. I do not like AutoISO to activate in manual because it can usually overexposed my images
I am an event shooter so manual mode really need to be manual to handle tricky situations & I usually do not have time to go in the menu & turn autoISO off. Is there a way to set so that AutoISO will not work in manual mode?
Hoping to hear from you soon…
Uhhhh…..yes, it is Nikon funded. They are not about to talk about third party lenses. From the About Us tab:
“DTownTV, which airs each Thursday and runs 10-12 minutes, is sponsored by Nikon ® and produced by Kelby Training”
Beautiful job, Cate!
The 10.5 fisheye wont work well on a D700 however the Sigma 15mm 2.8 fisheye works fine Nikon do one as well i think
You could look at the AF Fisheye-NIKKOR 16mm f/2.8D as well…
Agreed. Any suggestions on lenses, what apertures and shutter speed for nightclub photography… especially for non-professional level Nikon cameras such as the D40. That would be much appreciated!!