
Would anyone recommend the Sigma 100-300mm for Nikon D5000?
I have a Nikon D5000 and want a new lens. I have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lenses but want a new lens and have seen only good things on the sigma 100-300 and by the pictures that people have put on flickr etc it seems to take good quality pictures. With this lens I'm looking to take pictures of sports, beach photos and portraits. Is this lens good for that and are the colours and sharpness good quality?

Right now I'm looking to buy a dslr. I'm looking at the Nikon D3100, but is there a better Canon? I'm really confused at the whole "this one is better" thing. So if anyone could give the pros and cons of each brand and what they would recommend?

First strobe what do I need to buy?
So I've been using an sb900 speed light and would like to buy a strobe for indoor shots. What do I need. I have a nikon d5000 do strobes have hot shoe triggers or is it all pc. Also do I need something to prevent the strobe from shorting out my camera. How is the strength controlled. Do I need to buy a unit to control flash strength or is it built on to the strobe unit itself like a speedlight.

Nikon D3100 kit vs Sony a290 kit + Tamron 18-200mm lens?
The D3100 is a bit better I think, but the Sony + lens, has much more zoom.
But I'm new at DSLR cameras, and the price for the 2 are almost the same. So which would you recommend and why. (Or if you have other DSLR's in the same price class to recommend)

Nikon D7k vs D90? Trying to juggle options here?
I've been out of the photography loop for a few years now and have been looking to start fresh.
Really thinking about grabbing the D90 since the price went down because of the D7000 release. I can get the D90 w/ kit lens, 2 SDHC cards, a couple of UV filters, and a 55-300mm lens for the same price as the D7000 with just a kit lens…
But then I'm sacrificing the 1080p video, weatherproofing, magnesium body (I understand it's just the top and rear) and the use of ISO 3200 for more sensitivity with image quality similar to ISO 1600 on the D90 in low light. But will that really matter if I'm shooting with a f/1.8 prime? One of the annual events I LOVE to shoot is Universals Halloween Horror Nights, which is primarily dark as hell. I could really use that telephoto lens though. It's like $100 cheaper in the bundle than if I bought it separately too.
I'm just worried about the future. I feel like a D7000 would last me longer, as it's the newer model.

I want to be a portrait photographer, what is my next step?
I currently have a Nikon D70s (this is my first camera) I have taught myself how to take good shots, and it is something which I really enjoy. I get a buzz out of taking a picture and editing it to make it look fantastic. I have previously been taking pictures of everything, but have recently decided I want to take shots of people - I find it a lot more interesting and I want to capture every moment.
What is the best lens to purchase which will be fantastic for portrait photography? Baring in mind that I'm 17 so do not have lots of money! I have put my name down to do photography at college next year. I also would like a portrait studio kit, which I can use at home… Just to try out and get the hang on things! I'm also thinking of purchasing Photoshop.

I've recently outgrown by Kodak point and shoot and have been looking to upgrade to a DSLR. I've been kind've looking into refurbs and used cameras as my budget is a bit tight. I found a Nikon D50 on Craigslist for sale for $350.00 USD including a Tamron 18 - 200 AF Macro lens. I don't know much about the D50 model (as I had been looking for something more along the lines of the D40). I do know (according to the seller) that this particular camera has less then 5, 000 shutter releases and is 4 and a half years old.
Is this camera still worth it to a beginner? Or has the D50 seen better days?

I want to start photography. I'm 15 yrs old. I was considering getting the Nikon D3100 as a beginner camera to use. If i get the camera I would get the standard lens it comes with. It also has HD video which is a plus. Do you think this is a good camera for a beginner to start with who is serious about photography?

Good camera for someone wanting to start a business?
I'm in the market to upgrade to a more professional camera. My current camera has taught me about as much as it can and now it's time to move on.
I would like suggestions on what type of camera I should be looking into. I know Canon and Nikon are the most recommended. I've been looking into both brands. I think I might have settled on the Nikon D5100. Reasons for that, I don't feel that I'm ready for the more fancy, high end cameras yet. I don't want to purchase something that is too far past my knowledge and ability to learn quickly. I have minimal knowledge of the manual settings for iso, f-stop, shutter, etc. I study and practice almost daily, but I don't want to be overwhelmed with a camera that is just "too much" for me.
I appreciate your feedback and any suggestions you may have.
Thanks in advance.
Added (1). Say what you will, but I'm not going to jump into a business blind. There's a point where you know you love something, you know you have a lot to learn, you are willing to do just that and then you start putting things into motion to get you where you want to be. I'm not going to lie and pretend I know everything there's to know about this field. I'm spending my days studying. Not just about using a camera, but what it takes to be in business. It always seems that established persons forget that they, too, once had to learn everything about their fields, and their art. Usually, that learning to took time, and most keep learning even well into being a master of their craft. Don't be so quick to judge me. If my honesty sounds idiotic to you, so be it.
Added (2). My camera has taught me HOW to use the manual features, but the quality is not where it should be, or where I want it to be. I'm not satisfied with the limits my camera puts on me. I love to shoot everything from people, whether it be portraits or not, nature; trees, animals in their own settings, pets, anything that catches my attention and inspires me to shoot.

Black fuzzy line on pictures when using external flash?
I received a brand new external flash today (Yongnuo Flash Speedlite Yn-460ii for Nikon Canon Pentax) for my Nikon d3000. The flash works great but there's a black fuzzy line at the bottom of each of the pictures. Can someone help me fix it?
Added (1). If I bring my shutter speed down too low the photo becomes blurry.