Mischa,

When you go from an SLR film camera to a digital, such as the Nikon D70, you must do a conversion regarding focal length. For example: if Sharon were to take her 55mm or 85mm lenses and use them on the D70 she would then have to do a conversion using a 1.5 multiplier.

These multipliers will be slightly different between manufacturers. I think the Canon is 1.6 times the old focal length.

So, the 55 becomes 82.5 and the 85 becomes 127.5. I try not to get to deep into the reasons for the conversion, maybe I knew at one time but have gladly forgotten.

It's also important to know that after you make the conversion, the old benchmarks will remain the same. For example: if 80mm was the optimum focal length (many fixed length portrait lenses are somewhere close to 80mm for all the reasons Sharon mentioned) then it will still be 80mm after the conversion. This is my understanding, if someone can correct me here please do.

Most distortion comes when you descend below 50mm.

Mike,

I think that happens when you go to a larger format, like a Hasselblad.

I just talked to a wedding photographer and, actually the numbers are lower in a digital zoom. The focal lengths in the camera Mischa is interested in might be fine, but he should check with his camera proffessional.

Mike, Sharon, thank you for your help.

I am to purchase my camera from a photo shop here in Bad Homburg. The owner has been around for some thirty years and he commented that the 18-70mm lens is excellent for portraiture. My thought on the matter, being that this is all new to me, is to ask you all for advice.

So, please share your experience with me.

Thanks again.

mischa

My understanding of the focal length multiplier is that it is present on most of the digital SLR's that we discuss here. For a more complete discussion you can read up at this link:

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=...gth+multiplier

I've tried to condense the information down as much as possible for our own narrow purposes. When I shot 35mm film with my lens at 50mm, that same 50mm lens setting transported to my D70 would take on the attributes of a 75mm focal length.

I think ...

Mischa,

How fast is that lens? I does not seem like the correct lens to me. I think it is too slow.

Why do you need a zoom? Can't you get by on an excellent and fast 55mm, and use the superb Nikon 85mm f1/4 as well.. If the lens is slower than f 2/8 I would NOT get it.

The 55 mm f 2/8 micro and the 85 mm f 1/4 was recommended to me by a good friend who worked for the Magnum photo group. The 55 is great for figuratives, closeups, and copying art. The 85 is one of the best portrait lenses around.

The lens is not a cheapie it goes for about $350 and comes as part of the kit. It is a Nikkor 18-70 mm fast f/3.5-4.5 G; the cheapies are all f/3.5- 5.6. The 18 - 55 is a cheapie, but good.
This 18 - 70 is similar to a 27 - 105 mm on a 35 mm film camera.

Mischa,

I read that that is a decent lens. That said, another good friend of mine, a wedding photographer prefers faster lenses, around an f2/8mm for a zoom. It all depends on whether or not you are shooting in available light or using a strobe.

He had a slower lens and had to ditch it because it was not fast enough for available light photography that is necessary for wedding photoraphy. He is using the Nikon 28-70mm f2/8, but it is expensive at about $1500. He loves it.

Personally, I would use a faster lens, but I know cost must be an issue.

Mischa,

Another thing you have to consider is the light you are photographing in. If it is indoors, I know with available light, in my south facing studio, my speed and aperture is something like 5.6-11 @ 60 with an f 2.8. This is on a clear day. A slower lens would not give you much wiggle room or depth of field.

If I were to get a digital today I would go for the new 12 megapixel, yours is fine for now, but I would invest in two really great lenses.

The equivalent of my old 55mm f2.8 micro is the 60mm f/2.8 AF-D@ $389.
This is superb for figure shots and copying art.

The best telephoto ( best for portraiture)Nikon AF today is the fast 85mm f/1.4. It is about $900-1000. Shop around, maybe you can get a used one.

In my opinion, the lens you are getting with this camera is way too slow. I have been photographing subjects for over 30 years and I would NOT use that lens.

But if you feel this is the lens for you, by all means get it. I have had my lenses for 25 years. You can always upgrade the camera.

Sharon, Mike,

Thank you for taking the time and for your consideration.

I do apologize for bringing this up and I hope Jesse will forgive me.

I purchased my D70s today. Even though the investment set me back a chunk of change i believe it is a good investment. The 18-70mm lens is part of the kit and is included in the price. I was not able to exchange it for another. So, it was not for the lack of trying. To be honest I did stretch my self with this purchase. I do plan to get additional lenses but until then, I need to make some sales.

Thank you again,

mischa

Misha,

Since you have the camera, keep the other lenses in mind. You can always add and this is a good beginners package. In the future DO consider the lenses I mentioned, you will have them for years and will never need anything other.

I know from years of experience in all kinds of light what works and doesn't work, but those other lenses, I know, are expensive.

I am sure a talented person like you will be able to make it work.

I also want to apologize to Jesse, another very talented young man, who we buried somehere here, but I hope he learned from this as well.