What did you do with your Z today

onzedge · 07-07-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

why? those things are just noisy. get the HPS tubes and K&N drop-ins. same thing... if not better.

Yes, I have the Stillen Gen II. I go them because I was not keen on pulling the bumper just to inspect/clean the air filters.

In hindsite, I think I would have gone a route like the honorable Kenchan suggests. The Stillens are cool and all, I just don't know if there is enough benefit to justify the cost. they definitely improve the throttle response and sound (and likely HP).

Cmike2780 · 07-07-2011, 11:28 AM

Ken, skip the circular polarizer and just wait for dusk or wake up at dawn to take pics outdoors. Direct sunlight shots will always look "washed" no matter what lens you use. You might be able to get away with it if the subject is in the shade, but even then its a bit tricky. A circular polarizer will cut reflections and looks great in some cases, but really not needed in most situtation. In other words, you don't want it on all the time.

Now all you need is a speedlight flash to take good indoor shots, a "fast" low aperture lens (like a 50mm f1.8 which is really inexpensive) and of course a tripod & remote trigger.

Also, in addition to a UV filter, a lens hood is a good addition if your lens allows it (might be unlikely if you have the 18-55mm kit lens though).

Red__Zed · 07-07-2011, 11:38 AM

^ agreed, except on the d3000, go with the 35mm 1.8. Freaking amazing lens for the price.

Ken, come hang out in the photography thread!

kenchan · 07-07-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Ken, skip the circular polarizer and just wait for dusk or wake up at dawn to take pics outdoors. Direct sunlight shots will always look "washed" no matter what lens you use. You might be able to get away with it if the subject is in the shade, but even then its a bit tricky. A circular polarizer will cut reflections and looks great in some cases, but really not needed in most situtation. In other words, you don't want it on all the time.

Now all you need is a speedlight flash to take good indoor shots, a "fast" low aperture lens (like a 50mm f1.8 which is really inexpensive) and of course a tripod & remote trigger.

Also, in addition to a UV filter, a lens hood is a good addition if your lens allows it (might be unlikely if you have the 18-55mm kit lens though).

hey thanks for the insight. although i have some change and some toys to play with, i just dont have the luxury to choose which time to take picts. being a dad and working all week long i only get like 2-3hrs per morning on weekends to really play with my cars. which means, i dont get to choose sunny or cloudy.

if rainy then obviously i just stay indoors. that said, i need a setup that could work on sunny days as well...and that means i need to have a circular polarizer, no?

nikon offers a factory hood for the lens, i think i will pick one up as well.

im not sure how the polarizer works, but does the hood need to come off when i use the polarizer?

you see, such newb questions...

kinda like some of you folks asking... so how to use washlet. do i just press a button and enjoy myself?

wow, that's some strong schit!!

onzedge · 07-07-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

hey thanks for the insight. although i have some change and some toys to play with, i just dont have the luxury to choose which time to take picts. being a dad and working all week long i only get like 2-3hrs per morning on weekends to really play with my cars. which means, i dont get to choose sunny or cloudy.

if rainy then obviously i just stay indoors. that said, i need a setup that could work on sunny days as well...and that means i need to have a circular polarizer, no?

nikon offers a factory hood for the lens, i think i will pick one up as well.

im not sure how the polarizer works, but does the hood need to come off when i use the polarizer?

you see, such newb questions...

kinda like some of you folks asking... so how to use washlet. do i just press a button and enjoy myself?

wow, that's some strong schit!!

The hood and polarizer will work together.

I was not suggesting using the polarizer all the time, just when around glare. A polarizing filter was the first filter I ever purchased for my first SLR, a Canon FTB I got in 1974 or so and I have always had one available for my lenses from all of the film SLRs I have (and have had) to the lenses I use on my DSLR -- a Canon EOS 7D.

Cmike2780 · 07-07-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

hey thanks for the insight. although i have some change and some toys to play with, i just dont have the luxury to choose which time to take picts. being a dad and working all week long i only get like 2-3hrs per morning on weekends to really play with my cars. which means, i dont get to choose sunny or cloudy.

if rainy then obviously i just stay indoors. that said, i need a setup that could work on sunny days as well...and that means i need to have a circular polarizer, no?

nikon offers a factory hood for the lens, i think i will pick one up as well.

im not sure how the polarizer works, but does the hood need to come off when i use the polarizer?

you see, such newb questions...

kinda like some of you folks asking... so how to use washlet. do i just press a button and enjoy myself?

wow, that's some strong schit!!

You can use a cicular polarizer with a hood, but depending on the lens and hood, it might be hard to use together. To use a circular polarizer, use need to be able to adjust it. It's not like a UV filter that you just put on. You turn it to adjust.

You might be better off with a neutral density filter with direct sunlight shots.

kenchan · 07-07-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onzedge

The hood and polarizer will work together.

I was not suggesting using the polarizer all the time, just when around glare. A polarizing filter was the first filter I ever purchased for my first SLR, a Canon FTB I got in 1974 or so and I have always had one available for my lenses from all of the film SLRs I have (and have had) to the lenses I use on my DSLR -- a Canon EOS 7D.

sounds great!

yah, first issue i have with taking picts in the daylight with my digital cam or my droidx is glare and werd/fuzzy contrast. i want the depth so will get the polarizer for the times i need it for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

You can use a cicular polarizer with a hood, but depending on the lens and hood, it might be hard to use together. To use a circular polarizer, use need to be able to adjust it. It's not like a UV filter that you just put on. You turn it to adjust.

You might be better off with a neutral density filter with direct sunlight shots.

thanks.... huh, 'neutral density filter'... yet another new term i need to study.

Cmike2780 · 07-07-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

sounds great!

yah, first issue i have with taking picts in the daylight with my digital cam or my droidx is glare and werd/fuzzy contrast. i want the depth so will get the polarizer for the times i need it for sure.

thanks.... huh, 'neutral density filter'... yet another new term i need to study.

Sorry to bombard you with all these terms. Basically, these filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens.

Here's an example of a ND filter

Makes it easier if you see what each one actually does. Best way to learn is to try stuff out and see what works for you.

kenchan · 07-07-2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Sorry to bombard you with all these terms. Basically, these filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens.

Here's an example of a ND filter

Makes it easier if you see what each one actually does. Best way to learn is to try stuff out and see what works for you.

wow! that looks great. i will definitely look into getting this as well.

thanks!

PapoZalsa · 07-07-2011, 02:20 PM

Got it out of the garage so the AC people could fix the extreme leaking from it. So I went to work, get a text from the old lady that she pull the car in the garage. My garage is a real tight space one...so I say to myself, ooh $hit..she has never driven my car.

Well got home and the car is all sideways in the garage. How she managed to park it that way and get off the car... don't ask me. Luckly there is no scratches or dent that I did notice at lunch time.

FromG2Z · 07-07-2011, 02:24 PM

^ I'd check that again man... just to be 100% sure. And if you do find something, well, let's just say they'll be hearing from you...........

lazywolfe · 07-07-2011, 03:18 PM

Getting an alignment as we speak...er..type?

kenchan · 07-07-2011, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PapoZalsa

Well got home and the car is all sideways in the garage. How she mange to park it that way and get off the car... don't ask me. Luckly there is no scratches or dent that I did notice at lunch time.

so she did a burn-out dorifuto into the garage?

anyway hope you dont find any scratches...

btw, i can't find the Neutral Density filter at B&H.... where to buy such filter lens?

Econ · 07-07-2011, 03:59 PM

Mike, your so badass at cameras.

your like the darth maul of light sabers

Masa · 07-07-2011, 04:02 PM

I took a mf towel and some quick detailer and quickly wiped off the dead bugs that accumulated on my bumper and hood from my commute into work this morning before they had a chance to dry up.

07-07-2011, 11:28 AM	#3542 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 29	Ken, skip the circular polarizer and just wait for dusk or wake up at dawn to take pics outdoors. Direct sunlight shots will always look "washed" no matter what lens you use. You might be able to get away with it if the subject is in the shade, but even then its a bit tricky. A circular polarizer will cut reflections and looks great in some cases, but really not needed in most situtation. In other words, you don't want it on all the time. Now all you need is a speedlight flash to take good indoor shots, a "fast" low aperture lens (like a 50mm f1.8 which is really inexpensive) and of course a tripod & remote trigger. Also, in addition to a UV filter, a lens hood is a good addition if your lens allows it (might be unlikely if you have the 18-55mm kit lens though). __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

07-07-2011, 02:20 PM	#3550 (permalink)
PapoZalsa A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Not in Sunny Florida Posts: 6,358 Drives: 16 Nismo w/Tech Pack Rep Power: 4500	Got it out of the garage so the AC people could fix the extreme leaking from it. So I went to work, get a text from the old lady that she pull the car in the garage. My garage is a real tight space one...so I say to myself, ooh $hit..she has never driven my car. Well got home and the car is all sideways in the garage. How she managed to park it that way and get off the car... don't ask me. Luckly there is no scratches or dent that I did notice at lunch time. __________________ 2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs Last edited by PapoZalsa; 07-07-2011 at 09:33 PM.

07-07-2011, 02:24 PM	#3551 (permalink)
FromG2Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fields of Opportunities Posts: 1,406 Drives: '12 5.0, kona, 6MT Rep Power: 18	^ I'd check that again man... just to be 100% sure. And if you do find something, well, let's just say they'll be hearing from you........... __________________ 2012 5.0 GT Prem, Kona Blue, 6MT, HID, Brembo, 3.73 -- Ordered: 9/20/11, Born on: 10/20/11, Delivered 11/15/11"Marilyn" GT500 mufflers/flaps, MGW shifter, FRPP K springs, BMR panhard bar, Boss coil covers, 3DC spoiler, Llumar Tint (35% and 20%), 3M ClearBra

07-07-2011, 03:59 PM	#3554 (permalink)
Econ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York City Posts: 2,546 Drives: Fiat? Rep Power: 19	Mike, your so badass at cameras. your like the darth maul of light sabers __________________ 2014 Triumph Thruxton 900 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth 2009 Nissan 370z

07-07-2011, 04:02 PM	#3555 (permalink)
Masa A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 2,237 Drives: Family Cars Rep Power: 20	I took a mf towel and some quick detailer and quickly wiped off the dead bugs that accumulated on my bumper and hood from my commute into work this morning before they had a chance to dry up. __________________ BMW 340i Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

07-07-2011, 11:38 AM	#3543 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 120	^ agreed, except on the d3000, go with the 35mm 1.8. Freaking amazing lens for the price. Ken, come hang out in the photography thread!

07-07-2011, 03:18 PM	#3552 (permalink)
lazywolfe Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MD Posts: 66 Drives: 2011 370z SR M6 Rep Power: 14	Getting an alignment as we speak...er..type?

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