Fostering Cameraderie

Having just purchased a Nikon D60 about a month ago, i felt the need to upgrade my lens because it just didn't suit my lowlight situation needs, and the Manual Focus on the lens was a bit tough to operate (who the hell needs better MF on an AFS lens? Me! LOLs) After some research, i considered getting a Sigma 17-70 Macro HSM, but the price was a bit steep, so when the opportunity came to swap my lens to a 18-70mm AFS, I grabbed it.



It was well worth the trade, IMHO, sure, the 18-70 was around 2 years old, but the build quality sure is good and the AF, a hell of a lot faster. I appreciated the extra 15mm reach but if you like taking Macro shots, unlike the 18-55VR, this lens has a hard time focusing on close up objects, you have to back up by at least 2 feet. But the lens was fast, heavier, has a 67-mm filter ring which means that you'll have to buy the more expensive CPLs and NDs, but for my needs, I think it'll suit me just fine.

Planning to invest in a 50mm/1.4 prime next, with an extension tube so i'd be able to do macro shots.

For those newbies who's in the same dilemma as mine, here's a link for an extensive side-by-side review of the entry-level DX lenses 

I've also included a list (I got this from Tipid PC) of the stores where you can get the best bargains to satisfy your gear acquisition needs:

Mayer Photo - MRF Club! ^__^
Address: 111, 113, 115 C. Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila
Tel: 733-7598, 733-7722, 314-7786.

Henry’s Photo Supply
Address: 310 P. Gomez St., Quiapo, Manila
Tel: 733-7723, 734-6198

Avenue Photo Supply
Address: 712 R. Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila
Tel: 733-2761, 733-5474, 734-3307

Watson Photo Shop
Address: 312 P. Gomez St., Quiapo, Manila
Tel: 733-7697
Look for: Philip King Tan Tang
Products: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Sunpak, Olympus

JT Photoworld
Address: 1132 Pedro Gil St., Paco, Manila
Tel: 523-4396, 536-6590, 536-6591
Fax: 521-3621
Contact: Jerome Tan

Island Photo (For Cokin Filters, Manfrotto items and Kata and Natgeo Bags)
Address.: 108 Gamboa St., Legaspi Vill.,Makati City
Tel No(s) : (02)894-5108

DP Online Store
1082Pasong Tamo St., Makati City
Tel No(s): (02)8972561, (02)8995018


EchoStore
Buendia-Taft area, Pasay City
Tel No. (63 2) 551-7394 /(63 2) 551 7394


Tay Hua Trading
620 Sto. Cristo St., Binondo, Manila
Tel. No. 242-3152 & 382-5211

Aperture
Room 5A, Prosperity Center
395 Banawe St.
Quezon City, Philippines
Phone: +632 732 8991

Makati branch:
1170 Chino Roces Ave.
Corner Estrella St.
Makati City, Philippines
Tel. No. 893 3656

I've also included some tips for those planning to visit Hidalgo for the first time:

Pinoy Photography's Hildago Buying Tips 

I've also included a map on how to get there: