Just found out about this subforum today, which is pretty awesome. I love photography, and I'm always open to critiques as well as sharing ideas and knowledge.

I sold my D80, two lenses (the kit & the 50 f/1.4) and all of my lighting equipment recently so that I could start over and upgrade. I was suppose to get the D3S but they are currently on backorder... like forever. I couldn't stand not having a camera so I bought the D700 for the time being. Don't get me wrong, the D700 is a frick'n awesome camera with great low light capabilities (wish it had video so I can try my hand at indie film making) But I'm still gonna sell that sucker once the D3S gets back in stock (or if Nikon releases something else that catches my eye)

So far I have the Nikon 35mm f/2 & 85mm f/1.8
Looking to get an AB800 & AB1600 w/softbox (maybe a grid as well) later on, and the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Micro will be my next lens purchase. As you can see I'm a prime-aholic.

I recently got my Nikon 180mm f/2.8 and wanted to test it out.
I did this shoot today. It's my younger brother's car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/tekno0o/Eclipse201004111.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/tekno0o/Eclipse201004112.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/tekno0o/Eclipse201004113.jpg

The rest of the photos were shot with the 35mm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/tekno0o/Eclipse201004114.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/tekno0o/Eclipse201004115.jpg

and here is a picture of fish for kicks (one of my first shots with the D700 to test out the High ISO Low Noise hoopla)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/tekno0o/DSC_2207.jpg

Can't wait to do street candids with the 180mm (specifically Japanese streets)

d700 is so smooth. nothing wrong with being a prime-aholic if what your shooting at the moment allows for the time for it! and if you're willing to spend the cash.

i'm surprised to hear you sold the 50 1.4 though. i think that is my favorite lens that im currently using. but shooting with a D90 (or anything cropped) its more like 75mm. the 35mm is a sought after lens because in relation it is so close to an actual 50mm. and you sold yours! ?????

oh and obviously... sharp shots you took ;-) very pleasant for the eyes.

Yea, I knew someone was going to be surprised by that decision.

I sold it after basing it on my shooting preferences, as well as performance issues.
Before I get into that, the 50mm 1.4 (as well as the 1.8 ) is a wonderful lens being that it's fast & normal/standard range as well as cheap (1.8 = ~$100) so it's great for someone starting out to get a feel for aperture control & framing.

Having the 18-55mm I pretty much figured out that I don't like the 50mm range, and never really used it. The 50mm 1.4 also has horrible CA when shot wide open, of course when stopped down it will go away. The G version of the lens doesn't really fix it but goes the opposite end of the CA field, giving a reddish fringes, rather than purplish blue in the D version. It's not a huge problem if you don't always shoot wide open. So I sold it due to range and CA issues, not really a big deal for most people, so it's nothing against the 50mm. Plus now that I'm in the D700 sphere, I don't need the lens to be that fast for low light situations anymore.
*Edit: also I didn't like the 7 blade diaphragm design, produced polygonal bokeh rather than the smooth circular bokeh (personal preference), the G version changed to 9 blades so the bokeh is creamier.

Being with the D700 (soon the D3S) with it's FX full frame sensor the 35mm is the perfect range for me doing general work, as well as for close quarter party settings. The 85mm 1.8 is the perfect range for my portrait work (as it was raved for by many). The 180mm is one of nikon's sharpest lenses ever, as well as being one of the most compact telephotos in it's class (70-200 2.8 and the 200 2 are huge, the 135mm doesn't have the reach I desire at the moment, but I may get later on) Great subject isolation and compression of the Fore/background (signature of teles) and wide open at 2.8 it is still very sharp. Great size and weight to use for paparazzi style street candids. I may get an ultra wide later on for fun shots.

I don't know jack about Nikons (Canon FTW :P) but those are great shots. Also that is the nicest Eclipse I have ever seen. Well done on both parts.

Nice upgrade. The low light capabilities of the D700 is the main reason I want one so bad. How do you like the 85mm so far? It's next on my purchase list along with a 20mm f/2.8.

The 85 1.8 is sharp even when wide open. No CA that I can see, if any. Awesome short tele for portrait (good subject isolation) & bokeh (9 rounded blades) Range offers a comfortable distance between subject & photographer (although this is from a full frame perspective) Great build, solid, fast.

Needless to say I love it.

nice ride haha