d7000

I'm getting dangerously close to GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), as I've just purchased a dream lens (the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR), and now I'm thinking hard (probably too hard) about whether I should sell a couple other lenses and get a nice f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens.

The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 is an amazing lens (D3, 70-200mm @ 70mm).

I know that lenses don't define pictures (nor do cameras!), but 95% of my shooting is indoors, and most of that is without any artificial light... meaning a fast lens is never fast enough. I often use a 50mm f/1.4 prime (my 'light vacuum' lens), or a 35mm f/1.8, both of which create pleasing photos on my D7000. However, I've almost always wanted the ability to zoom, because moving back and forward isn't always an option, and switching lenses is a pain.

I bought an 18-105 VR lens, thinking VR could help me get past the slow f/3.5-5.6 aperture... but alas I'm still not happy with this lens. I fear that I won't be satisfied until I try out and acquire either the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 DX lens, or the 24-70 f/2.8.

I've been reaching out to some fellow photographers on Facebook and Twitter, and gotten some good advice, but what do you think? I'm probably going to look for a used copy of the lens to save 30-40%, and I'll probably end up selling a combination of primes (I have the 35mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4 and 180mm f/2.8 right now) to fund this new lens. I would probably end up selling the 18-105 VR as well, as I don't think I could ever go back to more than f/2.8 once I dip my toes in that water :).

[Aside] Another cool photo resource I found recently, which explains the Nikon AF system used in the D7000 quite well, better than Nikon's own manuals: D7000 Focusing Guide. (I was always a bit confused by the different AF-C modes and zones... and it'll be fun to try them sometime at a sporting event).

The video below simply shows some clips I shot in front of my condo during this year's major snow and ice storm that's hitting St. Louis as of the posting of this blog entry. The video was shot handheld, and you can hear the loud and constant patter of the sleet hitting the ground.

So far we have half an inch of sleet, but the sleet should be changing to snow soon. Some areas of Metro St. Louis should have over a foot (approaching two feet!) of snow.

Since about a week after it's introduction, I've been shooting with the D90 as my primary camera, and it's been a great run. The D90 is almost the perfect photo-making machine for me. I was thinking of either upgrading to a D300s, or possibly a D700 (all my lenses would work with either FX or DX), but then came the D7000.

I was instantly thrilled with the specs, especially since the D7000 body is almost exactly the same dimensions as the D90 (meaning I wouldn't need to get used to a bunch of new button placements). So, after a little consultation with my bride, I bought the D7000 (it was in stock, momentarily, from Amazon.com).

I have been playing around with it today, making pictures and videos, and I must say that I am very happy with the upgrade—a lot has changed between the D90 and D7000... and most of it is under the surface.

Check out my full review of the Nikon D7000, which includes the following videos:

• Nikon D7000 Shutter Sounds + Quiet Shutter
• D7000 with External Lavaliere Microphone

I'll be filling in the blanks over the next few days. The big test (for me) comes in May, when I'll be shooting priestly ordinations in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (see some older pictures, taken with a D3, here)—a venue that throws off even the venerable D3's white balance, sensor sensitivity, etc.