Hi! I've got a D50 that I'm still figuring out, and while I am trying to read as much as I can about aperture and shutter speed, I'm still trying to figure out how to directly relate the info to my D50.

Right now I mainly use a Tamron 19-35mm lens, but I'm thinking of trading in some of my zooms and primes for the 18-200VR. I tend to take candid photos which require high shutter speed, but in low light I get way to much blur. I hate using the flash, so I'm trying to figure out some of the manual settings on the D50, but while I'm learning, are there any setting suggestions anyone can offer? What works well for you in low light without a flash?

Hi! I've got a D50 that I'm still figuring out, and while I am trying to read as much as I can about aperture and shutter speed, I'm still trying to figure out how to directly relate the info to my D50.

Right now I mainly use a Tamron 19-35mm lens, but I'm thinking of trading in some of my zooms and primes for the 18-200VR. I tend to take candid photos which require high shutter speed, but in low light I get way to much blur. I hate using the flash, so I'm trying to figure out some of the manual settings on the D50, but while I'm learning, are there any setting suggestions anyone can offer? What works well for you in low light without a flash?

You have a slow lens and that 18-200 is just as slow. You need good light or a flash with that setup.

Use a higher ISO number to speed things up.

Try a 50mm f1.8 or 1.4 .

Hi! I've got a D50 that I'm still figuring out, and while I am trying to read as much as I can about aperture and shutter speed, I'm still trying to figure out how to directly relate the info to my D50.

Right now I mainly use a Tamron 19-35mm lens, but I'm thinking of trading in some of my zooms and primes for the 18-200VR. I tend to take candid photos which require high shutter speed, but in low light I get way to much blur. I hate using the flash, so I'm trying to figure out some of the manual settings on the D50, but while I'm learning, are there any setting suggestions anyone can offer? What works well for you in low light without a flash?

You have a slow lens and that 18-200 is just as slow. You need good light or a flash with that setup.

Use a higher ISO number to speed things up.

Try a 50mm f1.8 or 1.4 .

I agree ... but then I would, I have one for sale (Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8). PM if interested ...

Thanks, but I already have a 50mm 1.8! I rarely use it, because I find it limiting to use and I don't often bring it with me.

I made the jump and got the 18-200VR today, any tips on getting good results with it in low light/no flash settings? I'm still figuring out when to use each of the manual settings, M, A, S, and P, I think I should use A for this, but I'm not sure....

Any advice other than manually pushing the f-stop to as fast as I can make it?

Any advice other than manually pushing the f-stop to as fast as I can make it?

Remember, there are 2 types of "blur" - motion blur caused by the subject moving and camera shake due to the focal length of the lens. Always try and shoot faster than the focal length of the lens...ie if using a 200mm to be on the safe side use a minimum of 1/200 sec to reduce blur.

For someone walking, 1/250 should be fine. Although newer "digi cameras" seem to show more "movement" than older cameras as the pixel size is bigger. I use 1/320.

If in lowlight/at night, with the Nikon VR you should be able to shoot 1/60. Maybe shoot at 135mm instead of 200mm. Keep still, hold your breath and shoot in burt's. Should get one sharp

It's a bit like being on a rifle range

If you're using aperture priority the camera will set an outrageously slow shutter speed. Try shooting shutter priority. If you're a stop under you can correct it in photoshop. You might want to shoot RAW if you do this.

RAZZ

Thanks, but I already have a 50mm 1.8! I rarely use it, because I find it limiting to use and I don't often bring it with me.

I made the jump and got the 18-200VR today, any tips on getting good results with it in low light/no flash settings? I'm still figuring out when to use each of the manual settings, M, A, S, and P, I think I should use A for this, but I'm not sure....

Any advice other than manually pushing the f-stop to as fast as I can make it?

I use the 'A' (aperature priority) setting almost all the time.

This chart will help you determine what will be in focus at a particular aperature setting.

Depth of Field Calculator:

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

You are going have problems getting sharp shots in low light with that lens. Sorry, but that all in one lens has limitations.

I'd return it and go for the 24-70 f2.8. Amazing lens.

Your only option with the 18-200 is going with a high ISO or flash.

A Tripod or Monopod can help, but then you should be turning off the VR.

Check out this site for some creative use of flash.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02/welco...o-strobist.html

I better mention the 28-70 f2.8.

This lens is legendary and is going for about $900usd on ebay.