Customer Reviews

The Nikon Field Guide: A Photographer's Portable Reference

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is very good, but slightly out of date. For example on Kodak's website, the data shown indicates better reciprocity performance on Kodak Gold 100/200 speed film than for 400 speed(or 800 speed), but in this book it has different information. Also some newer Nikon lenses like the 70-300mm 4-5.6 D zoom lenses are not included in the charts. It doesn't contain very much information on data backs or Photo Secretary either, but does contain very complete operating instructions for the cameras that it lists (The F5, F4, N90s/F90X, N70, and FM2). It includes quite a bit of information on techniques and some helpful tips.

As an avid user of Nikon cameras and accessories, I very much appreciate what THE NIKON FIELD GUIDE offers: a comprehensive guide to using Nikon equipment to produce high quality photographs of a wide variety of subjects under varying conditions, along with reference sections devoted to the F5, F4, N90s, N70, FM2n, F100, and N60 cameras. Conspicuously absent from the camera sections, however, is the F3. That one of Nikon's most successful and recognizable professional system cameras of the past twenty years would be given short-shrift here is perplexing and disappointing, especially considering the fact that the F3 is still listed in Nikon's product guide. That's a minor criticism, however, and I would still recommend this book based on the wealth of generic information it provides.

I just bought a NIKON F3hp camera, and together with the NIKON field guide I am ready to start learning the art of photography. This book is very detail in both the technical aspects of photography and also some basic rules that most photographer may overlook. Every time I read through this book I found something new and interesting to learn. This is the only Photographer handbook you will ever need to buy. This book has become the fixed item in my camera bag, and I will never never leave home without it.

This is a very informative and concise book, and packed with very useful technical and practical details and hints about filters, Nikon lenses, flashes, cameras and shooting tips.

I could have rated it 5* if it covered F100, the camera I like most. Some people may find the technical information overwhelming which is a minor problem. For those of you invested in Nikon equipment, this is a very useful reference book.

So far, the book looks like a great buy. However, I was sorely disappointed after purchasing it, it did not cover the Nikon N80 body which I had just bought. It covers in great detail the most popular but not all Nikon cameras/flashes. If you are thinking of buying this book, look at the sample pages (index) to ensure that it covers your camera!!!

This is a GREAT book for Nikon enthusiasts. There are several caveats that the reader should be aware of which, unfortunately, several of the previous reviewers were not. First and foremost, the back jacket of the book states clearly that CAMERA information is aimed at users of the F100 (one reviewer states it doesn't cover the F100 but this edition DOES cover it from page 232-251), N60/F60, F5, F6, N90s/F90X and FM2n models. Second, this 2nd edition was published in 2000 and though Mr. Hogan would love to update it with a 3rd edition, he doesn't own the rights and the publishing company that does own them has gone bankrupt, making the rights currently unavailable, which is why it is now out-of-print and probably won't be available other than on the used market so get one when you can!!!

As for the reviewer who complains...
"The author has given no creedence(sp) to readers who havn't(sp) invested heavily in purely Nikon gear such as lenses and flash units. Descriptions of shooting scenarios are too concise and again apply specifically to all Nikon apparatus."
the title of the book IS, after all, "THE NIKON FIELD GUIDE" so of course it applies "specifically" Nikon equipment.

This book also extensively covers Nikon/Nikkor lenses, Nikon Speedlight models SB-25, -26, -27, -28 as well as basic flash/lighting techniques, general shooting tips, filters, outdoor and wildlife techniques and macro photography. Plus it contains exposure guides, short cuts and very useful photography-related equation charts such as the Sunny 16 rule, Exposure Value (EV), Hyperfocal distance, Depth of Field and more.

As I stated above, this is THE book for Nikon enthusiasts as besides the detailed instructions for the cameras and flash units listed, it also contains a wealth of photography ideas and information. If you find a used copy of this book, BUY IT! It is well worth it!!!

Costa Rica 8-Feb-10
Mr. Thom Hogan: thom_hogan@msn.com
Let me begin by saying that I am an avid reader of your guide books and I would probably not be using a Nikon camera today if wasn't for you. Your books are well-written and contain sound, practical advices that are immensely appreciated.
I have read the Nikon D300 To Go, and I have to say that it GOES with me everywhere..... from the tropics of Costa Rica (where I live) to the city streets of New York. It's a must read for anyone using the D300. I highly recommend your book and DVD to all photographers out there currently using the Nikon D300. Your professional and expert knowledge in handling specific issues related to the Nikon camera are extremely important given that the Nikon company has continually failed to do so through their own manual. Their manual that comes with the camera requires you to read information on dozens of separate and separated pages to follow one idea from beginning to end. They should be paying you!!! You have a gift for discussing typical Nikon problems and resolving them in clear constructive ways. I look forward to reading your next informative work. Thank you!
A very grateful photographer,
Jose Volio
Costa Rica
May I suggest that you allow readers the option of making comments (notes) on your .pdf manuals.

I don't have a camera yet but bought this book to gain information. It contains quite a bit about what I would assume to be the Nikons most likely to be found on the market but is NOT a how to book for the uninformed amateur. I found the lists and diagrams interesting but especially liked the tips about how to do and take care of things outdoors. Most books don't really cover the effects of cold on you and your equipment or how to deal with it or dangerous wild animals.

I own numerous Nikon cameras. This book is great as a quick reference, and for ideas on how to handle exposure for various situations most photographers don't experience. It has great tables and such.

I didn't find much in this reference confusing. I read books on photography, plus various magazines.

This is one of two small references I carry with me in my bag when I'm shooting. The second, I got at the Nikon School.

Good reference book for field. The size and the weight of the book feels right but I find some equations confusing.