JT's D3500

But, I want it NOW!!!    Thanks for the help Nikonian. Just part of the learning process and I will have to learn it. Even though this was an 'entry level' camera, I don't think I'll talk my wife into another camera for a LONG while. 

John

Good Morning Nikonian,

Thanks for the ideas. With your prompting, I think I can provide SOME of the additional data during the problems I experienced . . .

1) Now that you mention it, camera may have been in continuous mode, live view

2) I think most were outdoors, cloudy bright. There could have been an event with early morning or late evening. Lenses I was shooting

     a\ the most was Nikon DX VR AF-P Nikkor 70-300 1:4.5-6.3 G ED

     b\ Also could have been with my Nikon DX VR AF-S Nikkor 18-140 1:3.5-5.6 G ED. So, not 'fast' lenses.

3) Memory cards in use

     a\ SD Lexar Platinum II 16 GB Class 10

     b\ micro SD SanDisk Ultra Plus 64 GB Class 10 in a SanDisk microSD Adapter (had not planned on using the micro in my camera. Through a MAJOR SNAFU, left my newly purchased SD Cards at home. Had this micro in my phone and the reader in my computer kit, formatted it and tossed it into service)

     c\ bought while traveling Delkin Devices Advantage 32 GB UHS-I

4) Settings . . . I'm sure you have some specifics in mind, I'll guess at a few:

     a\ as mentioned, probably occurred 'Continuous' Mode

     b\ Started out shooting RAW + JPEG fine. Ended up shooting JPEG fine when I falsely thought I was running out of storage space

     c\ Image Size - Large

     d\ Focus Mode: Viewfinder AF-S; Live AF-F

     e\ for the 70-140mm lens: Focus 'A' and VR 'On'

Thanks again for the help. LOTS to learn in these cameras! Back in 35mm SLR days I understood the basics and this is leapfrogging those with the power of even a 'basic' camera like the D3500.

John

Thanks for this information ScottinPollock, just placed an order for these, along wih a Manfrotto Pixi Evo. 

John

I have used Wasabi batteries and chargers for both Nikon and Lumix cameras for years without issue. They are based in the US, claim to use Japanese cells, and offer a three year warranty.

 

https://www.bluenook...n-el14-en-el14a

Greetings Marat,

I'm getting back into photography with a first DSLR . . . bought for an upcoming trip to Alaska. I'm HOPING that we might see some Northern Lights on the trip. If we do, I'll be that much more prepared, thanks to your great article.

Cheers!

John

@Snorky - had read that some of these lenses had plastic bodies. Guess that's what you get when you don't pay $800 for a lens? <grin>

Watched a photographer's YouTube video about shooting with a 70-300 lens toward the 300mm end of things, with and without tripod. The gist of it - if you have VR, you can probably get away with shooting without a tripod.

Ted's Electronics on the Bay has a brand new Nikon 70-300mm VR AFP f/4.5-6.3 DX ED, with some accessories for $187.98. Very up front about it being 'Grey Market':

 

 

Every item purchased through TEDS Electronics has a 1 yr. warranty covering manufacturer defect starting date of purchase which can be upgraded to a 3 yr. Mack warranty at a min. fee.


This item may be grey market, but since it has a warranty it does not necessarily matter…. 

There are also Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens - Refurbished by Nikon and sold by Adorama; 90 factory warranty and 1-year protection plan from SquareTrade - $14.99. That might be the way to go.

John