B&H has the Nikon D600 refurbished for only $1584 (compare to $1996.95 new). Check it out here at B&H Photo.
Best Lenses for Nikon D600
DxO Labs has rated the best lenses for the Nikon D600 according to their overall scores based on tests in DxOMark. 72 different lenses were tested with the highest score going to the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G and the AF-S 85mm f/1.8G lenses both getting a DxOMark score of 40.
It’s interesting to see the dropoff in scores from prime to zoom lenses. The highest rated zoom lens was the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED with a DxOMark score of 28.
Below are the top 10 primes, followed by the top 10 zoom lenses. [Read more…]
Nikon D600 for $1,599 – Deal Alert
B&H has the Nikon D600 refurbished for $1,599 (compare to $1,996 new). Check it out here at B&H Photo.
LockPort USB Saves USB Ports for Canon 5D Mark III & Mark II
LockCircle has announced its new LockPort USB, which is designed to help avoid damaging your 5D Mark III and 5D Mark II mini USB camera port.
Previously, LockCircle released the LockPort HDMI port savers, which proved successful and led to the logical development of a port saver for USB ports on HDSLRs. LockPort HDMI was eventually developed and released for Nikon D600 and D800 HDSLRs, so I would expect a LockPort USB model to be in the works for those cameras as well.
LockPort USB is available for $139 direct from LockCircle. More details here on LockCircle’s website.
Nikon NEF Codec 1.18.1 Adds D600 Support for Windows
Nikon has released NEF Codec Version 1.18.1, which adds support for D600 .NEF files on Windows PCs. You can download the new codec here on Nikon’s website.
Nikon ViewNX 2.7.5 and Capture NX 2.4.2 Updates Available
Nikon has released ViewNX 2.7.5 and Capture NX 2.4.2, which fix a bug with Nikon D600 files as described below.
When RAW images captured with a D600 running C firmware Ver. 1.01 at an Image area setting of DX (24×16) 1.5× and any Active D-Lighting setting other than Off were opened in Capture NX 2, a bright (whitish) diagonal line was visible. This issue has been resolved.
You can down the updates from Nikon’s website at the following links: ViewNX 2.7.5 | Capture NX 2.4.2
$80 Battery Grip from Vello Now Available for the Nikon D600
The third-party Vello battery grip is now available for the Nikon D600 for only $79.95. Compare that to the $274 for the Nikon MB-D14 battery grip for the D600.
I previously tested the Vello grips for the Canon 5D Mark II and 7D, and found them to be solid performers – especially considering the price. Check out the Vello grip for the D600 here at B&H Photo.
Mastering the Nikon D600 – New Book
Mastering the Nikon D600 is a new book from photographer Darrell Young, who has authored several other books in this series on Nikon DSLRs.
“This book explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user’s manual. It guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles.”
Mastering the Nikon D600 retails for $39.95; however, it is currently available for $21.07 from Amazon.com.
Nikon D600 w/ Free ME-1 Stereo Mic – Deal Alert
Adorama has a deal on its Nikon D600 kits that include a free Nikon ME-1 stereo mic. Check out the D600 body only or the D600 w/ 24-85mm VR lens kits for the deals.
Nikon D600 Service Advisory
Nikon has finally issued a service advisory for the Nikon D600 with regard to the dust accumulation on the sensor. Those hoping for a fix for the abnormal amount of dust and debris on the D600 sensor, however, will be disappointed to learn that Nikon essentially says that this is perfectly normal behavior “generally attributed to the natural accumulation of dust.”
The solution?
Have the D600 serviced by a Nikon service center.
The full service advisory is reproduced below. [Read more…]