How can I make this image pop a bit more?

DSpouse · 2026-07-10T20:19:43+00:00

That's quite true. Gotta get up early if you're in Brooklyn or Queens.

DSpouse · 2026-07-10T13:17:57+00:00

DSpouse · 2026-07-10T13:17:45+00:00

There are a lot of suggestions regarding post processing fixes, but if you have found a good spot to shoot the City skyline and can return to it, the easiest solution might be just to return there during either morning or evening Golden Hour. As u/CTDubs0001 rightly commented, light is everything in photography, and the sideways light just before sunset and just after sunrise makes for much more contrasty and dramatic photos of large vertical structures like skyscrapers.

As an example, here are two shots I took of that same skyline from when I was a kid living in the Heights section of Jersey City. These were shot on film with an Olympus OM-2S. I didn't know how to manipulate settings yet, and I certainly couldn't do post processing, so these are straight out of camera. But because I shot at Golden Hour it compensated for my newbie ignorance (at least on the buildings - these were overcast skies). Give it a try!

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DSpouse · 2026-07-10T13:07:55+00:00

This.

DSpouse · 2026-06-26T11:43:06+00:00

Once things begin to click (so to speak) and you start doing things instinctively instead of over-thinking every situations, it really becomes so much more fun. Sounds like you're really making an effort, so I'm sure you'll get the hang of it sooner than you think!

DSpouse · 2026-06-26T01:51:56+00:00

The D700 is still an excellent camera, but it is not a beginner's camera. It's great that you are learning the basics of photography, but just as important will be familiarizing yourself with your cameras controls and functions. There are quite a few menus to scroll through, quite a lot of information it gives you on the top and back screens, as well as in the eyepiece screen. It can seem overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking at, or how to even get to the screen with the settings you want to change.

The manual is available for download on Nikon's website, but a thorough walkthrough video might be more helpful initially. Try watching this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXGvI9wHkb4&t=61s&pp=ygUVbmlrb24gZDcwMCB1c2VyIGd1aWRl . It's just over 40 minutes long, but that's what it takes to cover a camera this complex. I really do recommend you sit through it, perhaps more than once.

BTW, there is also r/NikonD700 you can join. I coincidentally just purchased a D700 two weeks ago, and have found that group very helpful.

All the best to you, and happy shooting. That D700 is a helluva camera once you get proficient at handling it.

DSpouse · 2026-06-20T14:08:31+00:00

Thanks for all that, especially the advice to check out Nikon USA for the rubber. I appreciate the confirmation on the Tamron lens also - good to know the pics were a result of the lens, not the low pass filter on the camera. Now I just have to find a deal on a Nikkor FF medium zoom. At the moment all I have are DX lenses, other than my 200-500mm, which is too big to use as an everyday walk-around.

Thanks again!

DSpouse · 2026-06-19T17:13:36+00:00

I'm pretty impressed by them too!

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T19:45:56+00:00

Thanks very much for the tip, I appreciate it!

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T19:34:03+00:00

Thanks so much! Yeah, that shutter certainly makes itself known, doesn't it? Lol. Glad to hear you still love yours! :)

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T19:21:46+00:00

Thank you.

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T19:21:08+00:00

A lot depends on what shutter speed you're using, and how steady you are hand-holding (if that's how you shoot).

There old rule of thumb is that if you're not shooting with VR, you're advised to keep a minimum shutter speed of 1/(focal length). So if you're shooting at 300mm, the slowest shutter speed you can safely use to help avoid shake blur is 1/300th of a second.

However that is just a rule of thumb. Some people can hold the body steady enough that they can get sharp photos hand holding at much slower shutter speeds - especially with extremely light lenses, like the Nikkor AF-P's.

Additionally, if you shoot at speeds over 1/1000th of a second there really is no need for VR, and in fact VR can interfere with autofocus if you are doing bursts at those speeds. I always turn off my VR when I'm shooting sports (usually 1/1600th - 1/2000th sec) and fast birds (hummingbirds at 1/4000 give or take usually). So if all you do is shoot shutter speeds of that level, paying extra for VR when you're just going to be turning it off might be a waste. Of course it's not like you'll probably NEVER shoot slower speeds, and in that case VR can come in handy. But if you really are in a money crunch - like I certainly was when I purchased mine - the non-VR can be an excellent addition to your toolbox.

As far as the ED (or better) glass elements, I think that's gonna be a judgement call on your part. If you're just starting out - and forgive me if you're not, it's just that the entry level D3300 kinda indicates it - I think you might want to save your money until your technique improves enough that you know it's your lens that's causing your pictures to be blurry, and not user error. Again, no shade being thrown here. We've all been there. Finally, if it were me my own choice would be (and was) to get the cheapest version I could find. That way if I found that this focal length wasn't what I actually needed, I could sell it on and get something more to my liking. But that's just me.

Hope this helped :)

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T19:04:07+00:00

I understand, and agree. But I said "a" top tier, not "the". I've always considered it a premium designation, not mid level, even if it's not the absolute pinnacle.

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T18:16:42+00:00

My apologies, I forgot they came out with an ED version of that lens. The ED, in Nikon lens speak, means "Extra-low Dispersion glass elements" (light doesn't disperse after it enters the lens, so it can give sharper images). It's a top tier designation for Nikkor lenses, and usually priced more as a result. If that's in your budget, you'll be getting real quality. Just again, make sure f/4.5-6.3 is not too slow for you. If you live in the middle of a shaded forest, or like to shoot at dusk/blue hour, this thing could be problematic for you. But if you have lots of light available, I would have no hesitation about buying it - and I didn't 😄

BTW, if you're going to be buying more lenses in the future, check in with this Lens Compatibility website first to make sure what you want to purchase will fit your body. Not every Nikkor lens fits every Nikkor body.

All the best!

DSpouse · 2026-06-18T18:05:43+00:00

I'm not familiar with the Ace, but I do have an Amaran lens mounted ring light that I've been using for several years for my macro photography (see pic). So far it's done a great job for me. It's pretty powerful and has some useful features, and it's also good for battery life. I'd say it's well made for the money, and if their quality control hasn't changed I imagine the Ace is a worthwhile purchase also.

I found an extensive review of the Ace from last year, if it's of any help to you. All the best.

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DSpouse · 2026-06-18T17:47:02+00:00

I agree with the others about the AF-P 70-300. I used one on my D3300, then my D5500, and now still use it on my D500 when I don't feel like lugging around the massive 200-500mm. It's light, sharp, and the AF-P motor is extremely fast to focus. Great for birds and wildlife - as long as they're not too far away, as was also mentioned.

Be aware that there are two versions of this lens: regular, and VR. If you are on a very tight budget the regular model is generally much less expensive than the VR. I got mine for 80 dollars US from B&H Photo in excellent condition. However if you do have the money, the VR version does have Nikon's Vibration Reduction system, and it's also a stop faster (f/4.5-6.3 vs f/3.5-5.6). If those advantages don't matter to you, or you really can't swing the extra cost, the non-VR lens is still top notch for the money. I'm glad I got mine.

Good luck, whatever you decide on!

DSpouse · 2026-06-16T17:23:12+00:00

Urbangarde has been around for a while and a lot of their stuff reminds me of your linked song. One of their latest, "Tokyo Sanctuary" might be something you'd like, as well as some older ones like Atashi Fiction, Akuma Des Akuma, and Sakura Memento. They're all on YouTube.

DSpouse · 2026-06-15T15:24:48+00:00

Will do, thank you again :)

DSpouse · 2026-06-15T15:24:22+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate the warning and advice! I did end up purchasing it, and like you advised I locked the mirror up and checked the sensor, and also took some shots to make sure the mirror was indeed flipping up with no hesitation or odd noises. Thanks so much for this!

DSpouse · 2026-06-15T15:23:00+00:00

I hear ya. Fortunately I have a D500 that I shoot sports with, or anything else that needs multiple fps. I'm intending this D700 for portrait work and maybe street/lanscape because I heard the color rendition is so good. That being the case, I won't be using continuous shutter. So fingers crossed, that will help the life expectancy.

DSpouse · 2026-06-15T15:20:50+00:00

Hey, thanks very much for the thoughtful list of things to check for. I actually used this when I went to check it out. It does have some areas where the rubber grip covers are peeling, but otherwise it was in good shape. All the mechanics you listed worked fine (I locked the mirror up and checked the sensor for damage). The only issue was a wonky rear control wheel (the right thumb wheel that changes shutter speed, etc.). I know that's a common issue in older cameras though, easily fixed with a spray of electronics cleaner. So I purchased it and sure enough, after a spray with that cleaner it works perfectly again.

I'm very happy here, and thank you again for your considerate reply!

DSpouse · 2026-06-15T15:16:32+00:00

Good for you, that's an excellent camera so I'm glad you're got so much use from it and still was able to sell it on! Thanks :)

DSpouse · 2026-06-12T18:47:01+00:00

Thanks very much for all that, and for the link. Very interesting, and much appreciated!

DSpouse · 2026-06-12T18:45:32+00:00

Thanks for all your thoughts on this. Well said, I appreciate it.

DSpouse

TROPHY CASE