Sungura wrote:I only have one lens built for a dSLR, kinda an "all-in-one" lens, Nikor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 with VRII (the later type of vibration reduction on their lenses). I kinda doubt it's a pro lens? but maybe, it was $750 on sale.
A reasonable lens, but like virtually any lens there's always a compromise. "Super zooms" like this (which range from wide/super wide to super telephoto) are highly convenient but often at the expense of optical quality and build quality. I once bought a Tamron 17-270mm which was a little cheaper than your lens, but the image quality sucked and the zoom mechanism failed after 3 weeks. I got a full refund, and learned my lesson. That said, if yours does what you need - then that's all that really matters. Technical reviews on the lens are fairly positive, and this review compliments the autofocus performance.
Your other lenses sounds interesting. Do you have friends with Nikons? The best way to play is to try shooting with a range of other lenses, even if only inside (or outside) your local camera store. I do it all the time. Last week camping in Denali, I encouraged an Australian guy to try my lenses on his Canon so we switched for a while. Most people who are really interested in photography (not just taking snapshots) generally enjoy talking shop about it, and checking out each others gear. Just like a few other interests I have.
flashguns...yeah I think I need to get one of those...I've tried reading about them but I can't figure out shit about them, something isn't making sense. I thought they'd just be something I could press a button and BAM light from it but everything seems...so much more complicated than that. Wire cables or sensors or needing to change bulbs every time like they only work once or something and then die? this and that and everything else....what, there's not just a magic button to press and make a big flash o' light so I have a great off-camera source without lightpainting? Is that so hard to ask?
Virtually all flashguns do have a test/fire button. You can just put your camera on a tripod (or handhold it in the dark) and hit the button on your flash for instant illumination. Or you can synchronize it with your camera via a cable or by adding a light sensor which picks up a sudden flash and instantly triggers your flash.
Also you may be experiencing some confusion between flash bulbs and flashguns. Flash bulbs are those old-fashioned antiques that are one-shot deals. Hit the button (or shutter release) and POW! A huge flash of light and then you throw it away and get a fresh one. Electronic flashguns go POP, with a faster, less-intense flash. But you can usually control how bright they are (duration of flash pulse), and one flashgun unit will usually last you tens of thousands of flashes.
Any night school photo classes offered near where you live?