Cheap 85mm f/1.4 lens alternative

By [NR] admin | Published: April 16, 2009

Bower 85mm f/1.4 lens for Nikon (manual focus, aspherical IF, badged also as Samyang, Polar, Vivitar):

bower-lens

Here is the Vivitar version:

vivitar-lens

The lens sells for USD 350. If you are lucky you can find it on Amazon for less. FYI the Nikon AF version sells for over USD 1200. The manual focus Nikon 85mm 1.4 (discontinued) sells on eBay for over USD 400.

Some reviews of this lens:

Samples:

Posted in Nikon Lenses| 59 Comments

Nikon D90: another price increase (UK) and LV bug

By [NR] admin | Published: April 16, 2009

Amateurphotographer reports another 10% price increase of the Nikon D90 in the UK starting next month (May, 2009). The reason – exchange rate fluctuations. Expect this price increase to trickle-down to other countries as well. Now, the D5000 pricing will not be so close to the D90 price.

According to this post in dpreview, Nikon support confirmed the D90 LV bug “in LV mode the shutterspeed is frozen at the value taken at the moment of activation” and a patch is expected soon.

Posted in Nikon D5000, Nikon D90| Tagged | 50 Comments

What is BJP talking about?

By [NR] admin | Published: April 15, 2009

This was published by BJP just few hours ago:

“As BJP went to press, Nikon unveiled two new digital SLRs – one entry level and another semi-pro – as well as new lenses. Both new DSLRs come with a high-definition video mode, with the entry-level model, the D5000, also offering a swivel LCD screen – a first for a Nikon camera.”

Is this a clue that the next Nikon semi-pro model (D400?) will have HD video?

Posted in Nikon D400| 96 Comments

What to expect from Nikon in 2009

By [NR] admin | Published: April 14, 2009

According to Kamera & Bild (Sweden):

  • In 2009 Nikon will release as many products as in 2008: 3 DSLRs, the D5000 being the first one (from the translation it is not very clear whether Nikon said that). I am sure someone from Sweden will clarify.
  • Nikon has a long list of lenses that are almost ready for release – is the translation correct here? Hallelujah!
  • The author also speculates about a “diet version of D5000”. I also got at least one report of a D4000 being released soon after the D5000.
Posted in Nikon D3100| 71 Comments

Nikon D5000 and new lens now available for pre-order

By [NR] admin | Published: April 14, 2009

Pre-orders are always first-come, first-served:

Nikon 10mm – 24mm f/4.0G ED-IF AF-S DX @ Adorama

 

Ritz (US): Nikon D5000 (body only) / Nikon D5000 kit

UK: D5000 pre-order option

Japan: D5000 pre-order option / 10-24 lens pre-order option

Post updated

Posted in Nikon D5000| 45 Comments

Nikon D5000 and Nikkor 10-24 polls

By [NR] admin | Published: April 14, 2009

Posted in Nikon D5000, Nikon Lenses| Tagged | 74 Comments

Nikon D40 firmware update v1.12 now available

By [NR] admin | Published: April 14, 2009

Modifications enabled with A Firmware Ver. 1.12:

  • Remaining battery charge is now accurately detected for Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL9a.With firmware Ver. 1.11 and earlier, the number of images that could be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a was used was less than when an EN-EL9 was used.  By upgrading A firmware to Ver. 1.12, EN-EL9a performance is maximized so that more images can be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a is used than when an EN-EL9 is used.  
  • Number of shots possible (battery performance) with EN-EL9a (1,080 mAh)
    • Single-frame shooting mode:  Approximately 510 shots (with testing according to CIPA standards*)
    • Continuous shooting mode:  Approximately 2,400 shots (with testing according to Nikon standards*) 
      *See the D40 user’s manual for details on test conditions.  

Windows link

Mac link

Posted in Nikon Software| Tagged | 12 Comments