Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi all,

I would like some advice regarding an upcoming trip to NYC.

I'm heading down to the Big Apple on Friday and I'm renting a Nikon 85MM tilt shift lens. This will be my first time using such a lens but I've been wanting to try one for quite a long time.

My question is whether or not you think that the 85MM might be too long. I'm shooting on a D200 so there is a magnification factor to take into account.

My other option would be the Nikon 24MM tilt shift lens.

I generally think that the 85MM would be too long in the tight environment of NYC.

I don't know what exactly I'll be shooting though I think likely it'll be architecture, buildings etc and maybe some people (candid) photos.

Thanks!

You will find that the t/s effect will be more pronounced and easier to achieve at longer focal lengths due to compression. If you can find elevating shooting positions (which shouldn't be too hard in NYC) you will have lots of opportunities to shoot crowds and vehicles and buildings and such and get nice effects. Key is you need to be elevated from your subject and at some distance. ... if you're *not* going for the so-called toy-trainset effect then perhaps the 24mm would be a better option if you want to go for architectural subjects.

I run a page of links devoted to information about t/s photography and equipment, btw.
http://hame.ca/tiltshift.htm

Thanks for the info!

I definitely want to try out the "toy-trainset" effect.
I pick up the lens on Thurs night and I'm off to NYC Friday morning. I'd better learn how to use the lens quickly. lol

I am not a fan of ts lenses,but that wasn't your question
I'd say you need a wide angle. I loved shooting there with my 20mm+5dII
70-200 didn't come out even once.

I advise that you go to the Carneigie deli and have one of their big sandwiches!!

I will likely shoot on the wide end of the spectrum though I just want to try out a TS lens

Lol! Sushant! I want to return from NYC alive. I think I'll have a heart attack just thinking about trying to finish one of those sandwiches lol

You ate one of those?? I only seen them on TV and sushant, you're a small dude

GOod show

if you're shooting people, the 85mm on a crop frame is perfect. i think shooting buildings, you'll be a little tight. a 24mm, 45mm, or something wider would be perfect for buildings. you'll love the TS lens. GL.

Even 24MM won't be enough with the crop factor. I just got back from NYC and my most used lens for buildings - by far - was a 10-20, with most shots on the wide side. After some work in PS and PT lens every shot came out great (need to remove the keystoning). You won't be able to move back too far to get the shot in many cases so the wider, the better.

Make sure you check out the Summer Restaurant week which I think is extended. I just came back after a few days there. You can't beat a three course meal for $35 at some of the top restaurants in NY. You can book online here : http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=8&ref=412&pid=69

I highly recommend NoBu Next Door for Japanese and the Carlyle for great food and exceptional service. Inagiko in the Waldorf Astoria is also excellent.

Went to NYC last september. I had the tamron 17-50, canon 70-200. Never touched the 70-200. There were times I wished I could go wider than 17mm though.

I'd bring an uwa lens if it were me.

like others have said, get a 10-20mm or something in that range and call it a day if you're going for buildings. otherwise, you'll love what you can do with the TS lens and shooting people... CRAZY effects.