Chapter 11 Working with Lenses

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you significant yen—or dollars, or whatever currency you use.) In its worst manifesta- tions, sufferers find themselves with lenses that have overlapping zoom ranges or capa- bilities, because one or the other offers a slight margin in performance or suitability for specific tasks. When you find yourself already lusting after a new lens before you’ve really had a chance to put your latest purchase to the test, you’ll know the disease has reached the terminal phase.

In this final part of the chapter, I’m going to discuss some specific Nikon lenses that I have experience with, and provide some recommendations. That’s not to say that I use only Nikon lenses; I absolutely love my 10-17mm Tokina fisheye zoom lens, and could- n’t afford a zoom that reaches all the way out to 500mm if I hadn’t been able to pick up my 170-500mm Sigma zoom lens second-hand for an excellent price. But there are so many lens options available that it makes more sense to confine my comments to the true-blue Nikkors that I’ve had experience with.

The Magic Three

If you cruise the forums, you’ll find the same three lenses mentioned over and over, often referred to as “The Trinity,” “The Magic Three,” or some other affectionate nickname. They are the three lenses you’ll find in the kit of just about every serious Nikon pho- tographer (including me). They’re fast, expensive, heavier than you might expect, and provide such exquisite image quality that once you equip yourself with the Trinity, you’ll never be happy with anything else.

Until, perhaps, now. Nikon has muddied the waters recently by introducing some new lenses that have displaced the original magic trio. Moreover, D7000 owners just might be happier with a triad-plus-one that I’m going to describe.

The Original Magic Three

For a significant number of years, the most commonly cited “ideal” lenses for “serious” Nikon digital SLRs (meaning the D200, D300, and D2xs) were the 17-35mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8, and 70-200 f/2.8 VR. The trio share a number of attributes. All three are non-DX lenses that (theoretically) work equally well on film cameras, the full-frame Nikon D3/D3x and D700, as well as DX cameras like the D7000, making for a sound investment in optics that could be used on any Nikon SLR, past or future.

All three incorporate internal Silent Wave motors and focus incredibly fast. They all have f/2.8 maximum apertures that are constant; they don’t change as the lens is zoomed in or out. All three are internal focusing (IF) models that don’t change length as they focus, and include extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. And, all three are expensive, at $1,400-$1,600. But, as I discovered when I added this set, once you have them, you don’t need any other lenses unless you’re doing field sports like football or soccer, extreme

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Nikon D7000 manual Original Magic Three

D7000 specifications

The Nikon D7000 is a mid-range digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that has garnered a reputation for its impressive blend of features and user-friendly design. Released in 2010, the D7000 marked a significant step forward for Nikon, appealing to both amateur photographers and enthusiasts seeking a robust and versatile camera.

At the heart of the D7000 is a 16.2-megapixel APS-C (DX) CMOS sensor that delivers sharp, high-resolution images with rich colors and stunning detail. Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processing engine, the camera excels in low-light performance, allowing photographers to shoot at sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, expandable to ISO 25600. This flexibility empowers users to capture clean images even in challenging lighting situations.

The autofocus system of the D7000 is another highlight, featuring a 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors. This advanced system ensures fast and accurate focus, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, from portraits to fast-action sports photography. The camera also includes full HD video recording capabilities at 1080p, with options for frame rates of 24, 25, and 30 frames per second, providing videographers with quality and flexibility.

The D7000's build quality is robust, with a magnesium alloy body designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. It is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture, making it a reliable choice for outdoor shooting. The camera features a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, allowing for high-clarity image review and menu navigation. The 100% viewfinder coverage gives a true-to-life perspective when composing shots.

Additional features include in-camera HDR, multiple exposure capabilities, and a comprehensive set of scene modes that assist users in achieving the best results in various conditions. The D7000 is also equipped with dual memory card slots, supporting both SD and SDHC formats for ample storage and backup options.

With its combination of high-quality imaging, advanced autofocus, robust build, and versatile features, the Nikon D7000 stands out as a powerful tool for photographers looking to elevate their craft.