New Camera

[Doug Crisp]

wife just got me a new camera a Nikon D5200 does anyone use this model camera to shoot storm pics ?? if so what lens and settings do you use ? I am going to attempt to learn this camera before spring. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mark H]

I have a Nikon D3200...haven't been able to go on a chase with it, yet....but....it's best to use the presets until you learn the camera...read thru the
owner's manual....or if you can find a copy of the book Nikon D3200 for Dummies.....it's great for reference

 

[Skip Talbot]

wife just got me a new camera a Nikon D2200 does anyone use this model camera to shoot storm pics ?? if so what lens and settings do you use ? I am going to attempt to learn this camera before spring. Any input is greatly appreciated.

There are lots of good DSLR beginner's guides online that you can Google for. The guide should give you in depth information on how ISO, aperture, shutter speeds and f stops work, and how they impact your photo's quality, noise level, depth of field, etc. Once your understand the theory behind it, it's just a matter of getting proficient using your camera. That means using it a lot and shooting lots and lots of bad pictures as you learn.


It's January now so read up and shoot a few hundred pictures inside the house and outside and I'm sure you'll be working your camera competently by March when storms start to roll around.

 

[Doug Crisp]

Thanks Skip i am doing my best and taking all kinds of pictures and reading up on it as well as watching a few Videos . Can't wait till spring.

 

[Doug Crisp]

Well hope we both get it right by spring .

 

[John Olexa]

Just about any camera today can do the trick. Like Skip said Learn basic photography skills than learn everything your camera can and cant do. If that's a pic you took for your avatar, you're off to a good start. One thing, if possible, again.. if possible, try to position yourself so you can exclude objects like that pole. Might not always be able to and any shot is better than none, but try if possible ,little things like that will make for better images.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

I've had my DSLR for 4 years now and I'm still learning.

 

[Doug Crisp]

OK let me ask you guys this what lens do you feel is the ones you use more during chasing ?

 

[Doug Crisp]

Thank you John and yes that is one i took i have more pictures and video on my chaser page on facebook Just look up Doug Crisp storm chaser also i would love to hear your input on the other pictures i have on my page Thanks again.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Wider angle lenses are much better while chasing. I rarely use zoom while chasing.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Canon 10-22 and Canon 24-105L are the lenses I use.

 

[Doug Crisp]

Thanks Ben I have two lens for this new camera at this time so i have to get a few before chase season any suggestions that i may want to consider that would work for the Nikon D5200. wife did manage to get me two Lenses 1st one is the Nikon DX AF-S 18-55 VR and the 2nd being the 55-300 NikonDX.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

I'd say you'd use the 18-55 more than the 55-300 for chasing. I'm using a 18-135 canon lens. I would like to step up my game and go full frame with a 24-70 lens though.

 

[Doug Crisp]

i know a good wide angle lens would be a good thing to have so iv'e been looking for any good deals i can find before chase season. Also i have been checking out the settings on the Camera and learning new things so at least i have time to get familiar with it.

 

[Jason Foster]

Wider angle lenses are much better while chasing. I rarely use zoom while chasing.

This is a very true statement. More so than just a image style thing, a physical challenge with a zoom is to get the shot with all the wind and vibration found in and around the storm environment. I have an awesome 35-350mm L series and almost never seem to go over 200mm in a storm environment. I definitely like having it to zoom and get a "prove it" shot (done a bit here in FL with small/distant waterspouts), but they are NOT photogenic shots. The 70-200mm WITH Image Stablization (2.8 L series) or the Nikkor equivalent are probably the best option zoom wise. But honestly, there is just nothing like a 10-20mm option for storm structure shots.

Also recommend budgeting for a suite of filters. Polarizer, Neutral Density, graduated (used in my profile pic for example) are all great tools to have, even with the cheaper lenses.