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11/15/2005 01:45:29 PM · #1 |
I don't have alot of money to spend on lenses but I'm going crazy with my Nikkor 35-135mm f3.5-4.5 as it is lacking wide-angle, long telephoto, and a fast aperature. I started on a Canon S1-IS which had good long, wide, fast, and macro shooting; I miss these features but do not have the budget to spend the equivalent of an S1-IS on each lense.
I've been hunting and I see three which are very affordable (under $200cdn each) and seem to fit my needs at first glance:
Nikkor AF 50mm f1.8D (low-light general-use)
Nikkor AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 G (long telephoto)
Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED (wide angle)
If you have any experience with them, good or otherwise, I'd like to hear it.
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11/15/2005 01:53:43 PM · #2 |
| Don't have any of those myself (hoping for the 50mm f1.4 for Christmas), but if cost is keeping you from getting what you want, I recommend checking out the B&H used department. My boyfriend just got a Nikon 50mm f1.8 from there for under $70 (US). Admittedly, it's manual focus and an E series, but it's in great condition and seems to do an excellent job. With the B&H used department, you can shop used equipment online, the condition of which is rated by the B&H staff (who I assume actually know something), so you really know what your getting and it's all shipped direct from their store or warehouse. Much safer than eBay or the like. |
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11/15/2005 02:17:39 PM · #3 |
I don't know yet what it is going to cost, but the new Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom might be a good option instead of the less than perfect 18-55 and 70-300. The 50 is a bargain.
Link to announcement
Whoops, I see a price of app 750 euro (including 19% sales tax) at my dealer. Not cheap, but not expensive either for an AF-S VR lens with such a range.
Message edited by author 2005-11-15 14:20:58.
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11/15/2005 02:43:21 PM · #4 |
Thanks for the used suggestion. I find it interesting that my local camera shop sold me a used (mint condition) 35-135mm for $130cdn while b&h is quoting $234cdn used.
That 18-200 looks very tempting, especially the VR addition, I'll wait and see how that comes in to the market over here.
Any other comments?
Message edited by author 2005-11-15 14:44:35. |
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11/15/2005 03:21:20 PM · #5 |
Look at the Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO Super Macro. Not sure on CN pricing, but on ebay in US$ you can get it new for under $200. It is a great lens for hte money, and has macro capability.
From what i hear the Nikon 50 1.8 is a very good little lens.
As for the 18-55 choice...not sure about it. I think nikon has an 18-70 that is rated pretty good, or Sigma's 18-50 2.8 EX DC is excellent, but about $500 US is beyond your quoted budget.
I hate to sound like a cliche, but it is worth waiting for good glass. Cause once you get good glass, you will not like your 'cheap' glass.
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11/15/2005 03:45:54 PM · #6 |
I have the DX 18-55mm (D50 kit lens) and it sure is pretty much useless. Don't waste your money on that, rather buy the 18-70 version (D70 kit lens). I've read poor reviews about Nikon's 70-300G as well but hadn't tried it myself. Based on what I've read I'd go with the Sigma already mentioned (Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG).
50/1.8 is awesome (I've got an old 50/2.0 MF but it rocks as well!). Buy it. |
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11/15/2005 04:03:59 PM · #7 |
I have the Nikkor AF 50mm f1.8D, the Nikkor AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 ED, the Nikkor 18-70mm F4-5.6 (the D70 kitlens), and the Tokina 12-24mm F4. The 50mm 1.8 is a no-brainer: it's cheap and it's a great lens, sharp, nice contrast, very good for low-light situations. I use it a lot. The 70-300 ED is a disappointment, even on a tripod I'm not impressed with the results. Also, the AF is slow and loud. Supposedly the 70-300G is even worse. The 18-70 kitlens is quite a good lens, the range is very nice, but the image quality of the 50mm is better. I haven't used the Tokine 12-24 very much yet, but my first impression is very good, sharp, good AF, good contrast.
I'm considering getting the Nikkor 35mm F2 for low-light situations where I need a wider angle than 50mm. I'm also considering selling my 70-300 ED because I use it so little, but I haven't decided yet on what to get instead.
Hope this helps! |
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11/15/2005 04:09:03 PM · #8 |
If you can afford good glass then buy it. Research it first. I have things in my kit now that I rarely use because I bought on an impulse thinking it was a good buy. I'd rather have one good lens then the three or 4 mediocre ones I have.
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