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11/30/2005 10:48:26 AM · #1 |
Hey all,
I know I dont post much around here but here goes my question. I am getting a Nikon D50 at the end of December. I have 2 options basically for the lens set up, and need some help figuring this out. My options are this:
Body and a Tamron AF18-200MM F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II OR I can get the Kit lens and the new Nikon 55-200 lens.
Im confused for this reason: A friend of mine, told me to stick with the Nikon glass, that I would get better images. I have to beleive the guy, he does awsome work. BUT the sales people are trying to convince me that I will get better results with the Tamron glass, and that the Nikon stuff sucks.
I understand no matter what I get, the quality will not be great as all of this is cheap glass, but it is allI can afford right now. My next buy will be a 50mm 1.8 Nikon lens, but thats a few months off.
HELP!!!!!! |
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11/30/2005 11:03:42 AM · #2 |
Personally, I wouldn't use a zoom lens with over 3x zoom (The 18-200mm has 11x)
I would suggest getting one lens to cover up wide-angle and one to cover your tele needs. The 18-200mm is also slow. The Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 is a whole stop faster at the tele-end and gives you 100mm more. Plus, you can use it on a full-frame sensor (Not really much use with Nikon though). The sigma 70-300/4-5.6 APO DG goes for around $230 ($30 less for the "old" version without the -IMHO- quite useless DG coating)
And 3rd party lenses aren't all that bad. There are some really great 3rd party lenses out there. The Tamron 28-75/2.8 for instance, is pretty highly regarded.
Nikon has some very good lenses in their lineup. If you are looking to buy a super-zoom, you might want to wait for the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR. It's rumoured to cost around $800 when it's released. Might be well worth the price, but then again. I haven't yet seen proper shots taken with it.
Message edited by author 2005-11-30 11:10:23. |
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11/30/2005 11:28:33 AM · #3 |
| I could get a Nikon 70-300 as part of this kit, but im not finding many good rewviews on it. I am planning on using this camera for school and also hobby. Boy is this getting confusing. |
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11/30/2005 11:47:22 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by steveh552:
I could get a Nikon 70-300 as part of this kit, but im not finding many good rewviews on it. I am planning on using this camera for school and also hobby. Boy is this getting confusing. |
The Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 APO is probably the best bang-for-the-buck sub-$250 tele-zoom. I'm sure you'll find lots of happy reviews on that. |
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11/30/2005 12:04:51 PM · #5 |
The Nikon kit lens is actually a good performer optically. Getting that and the 55-200 might be an option. I havenot read any reviews of the 55-200 though, so I can't really comment.
As previously posted, I'd certainly stay away from the "hyperzooms", the quality is really compromised for the zoom range.
Whatever way you go with zooms, I'd strongly recommend that you also buy the Nikon 50/1.8 prime, both for its f/1.8 speed and for sharpness. It's a steal at $100.
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11/30/2005 12:20:38 PM · #6 |
I second or third the Sigma 70-300 APO lens
nikon version samples canon verision just cause there's more to see
I hear the nikon kit lens is decent. If you want to stay at 17 or 18mm wide (which you should) there are not a lot of options. Sigma has 2, a cheap one and their EX line 18-50 2.8 lens (nice lens) but at $500 it may not be in your budget. The Tamron 28-75 2.8 is excellent, but there is a big difference between 28 and 18. If you want to stay with one lens (for now anyway) Tamron's SP 24-135 3.5-5.6 is fantastic. canon samples there is only one nikon sample.
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11/30/2005 12:28:49 PM · #7 |
i've seen bad reviews of both the tamron and sigma 18-200 offerings, so i'd stay away. these hyperzooms (to steal kirbic's word) are about convinence, not quality photography. one lens to walk around with on vacation.
as for the cheaper 70-300mm's, i hear the nikkor and sigma are decent. i have the tamron and don't like it much...
and yes, kirbic's right.... buy the 50mm 1.8
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11/30/2005 12:32:54 PM · #8 |
| the 50 1.8 may come when tax season gets here, depends on what all i need to get for the kids (swing set and a such). im not sure the camera shop carrys the Sigma lens, I will have to check, but I may just stay with the Nikon glass they have to offer. I hate decision making, LOL. |
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11/30/2005 12:36:03 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by steveh552:
the 50 1.8 may come when tax season gets here, depends on what all i need to get for the kids (swing set and a such). im not sure the camera shop carrys the Sigma lens, I will have to check, but I may just stay with the Nikon glass they have to offer. I hate decision making, LOL. |
b&h photo online has this lens. I got mine on ebay (new) as well as other lenses.
Locally i deal with Garcia Marketing - nice folks with good prices. Not sure they carry sigma, but i bet they can order it. Garcia Marketing Incorporated
400 9TH St
Conway, PA 15027-1663
(724) 869-0100
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11/30/2005 01:05:47 PM · #10 |
| I was considering the same options (Sigma or Tamron 18-200 vs the Nikkor 18-55 & 55-200). Reviews on the 18-200s seem to be mixed, and which is better seems to be highly dependent on the individual examples in question from what I could gather. Despite few reviews of the two Nikkor lenses, I opted for them. For sure they are low end lenses, but they cover the range I need, and once I get a feel for what aspects of a lens are most important to me (this is my first DSLR) then I can upgrade as necessary. So far I used the 18-55 very little, and have been shooting almost exclusively with the 55-200, so if that trend continues I'll probably get a nicer telephoto at some point. I have little to compare with, but I have been pleased with both lenses so far, given the price. |
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11/30/2005 01:46:16 PM · #11 |
There's been a lot of trashing of the 18-200 lenses. But how does a DSLR with an 18-200 compare to a P&S? The Canon Pro1 has a 28-200 lens, and the S2 IS has a 36-432 (all 35mm equiv). Is a DSLR with an 18-200 beter than a P&S with a similar lens range?
At the risk of being branded a heretic on this site, sometimes you just want to walk around and experience the moment, and not be burdened with a ton of equipment. And the camera (or lens) you have with you is a whole lot more usefull than the one sitting at home in the closet.
Also, sometimes you don't want to change lenses because of sand, etc; sometimes you need to zoom from near to far subjects quickly, etc. Often, I don't want to bring a lot of lenses on a business trip but may want to bring a camera.
The 18-200 is lower quality than 3x zooms (which are lower quality than primes). But its great for walking around outside, where you may need both a wide angle and a telephoto and you have good sunlight (so you can use f/8).
The nice thing about a DSLR is that you can change lenses to suit your needs.
IMO, get the 18-200 then add great glass. The 50 1.8 is a good start. That way you'll still have a good outside walking around lens, and some great lenses that you can use for when you do photography for its own sake. If you get the kit lens and the 55-200, you'll evantually end up replacing them. |
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11/30/2005 01:52:21 PM · #12 |
There's a lot more to consider than just the range of a lens. The quality of the optics comes into play as well.
When deciding whether to go for a short or long zoom, consider what Hank had to say about the shooting conditions. They are just as important.
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11/30/2005 02:01:13 PM · #13 |
Maybe this will give some idea of what I do.
I currently mostly photograph my children, sometimes posed, sometimes candid, indoor and outdoor. I have four of them (children that is), ages almost 9, almost 5 and one year old twins, but 3 of the four, I dont see but every weekend or 2.
I enjoy wildlife photography, unfortunally, where I live, and with the times im able to shoot, birds are my target. Normally they end up a good ways off, since they tend not to like people. Iv shot some flying ducks, find that is hard. Landscapes also get shot quite often
People other than my kids, I enjoy doing nudes and glamour/portraits. I dont do much, that is due to many reasons, mainly, im not into approaching strangers and asking, and I dont hang out with many people right now, since my time is devoted to my children (no complaints there).
I will be taking a digital photography 1 and 2 course as part of my digital media degree course in college (www.digitalmediadegree.com) that I am starting in January. Im not sure what our assignments will be at this point.
Currently all of my work is done with a Fuji S5000, you can see samples of my work at www.photocentral.us That camera has a 10x optical and 2.2 time digital zoom, and I typically shoot in RAW only mode.
Maybe this will give some insight in what I am doing with my cameras. I was thinking the 18-200 for the reasons Hank stated. Id like to get some good quality shots, and I dont have the $$$ for good glass right now, I hardly have the $$ for the camera. |
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11/30/2005 02:12:23 PM · #14 |
With your circumstances explained I would stick with the Nikon two lens kit and then add the Nikon 50mm 1.8 as soon as you can. That would give you the most versatility and a good learning set of glass. One good thing about Nikon lenses is their US warrantee, 5 years.
As for wildlife you can fool around with the 50-200 for awhile but you will eventually need to spend real money on good long glass, 200mm is the minimum and if your going for birds you will need much longer lenses.
P.S. - my guess is they are pushing the Tamron becasue their markup is better. I have the Tamron 28-300 and it was "adequate" but had issues at both ends. I never was totally happy with it but it did serve me well for a year or so.
Message edited by author 2005-11-30 14:15:47. |
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11/30/2005 02:27:31 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
As for wildlife you can fool around with the 50-200 for awhile but you will eventually need to spend real money on good long glass, 200mm is the minimum and if your going for birds you will need much longer lenses. |
Not if you get the birds to come to you!
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11/30/2005 02:28:50 PM · #16 |
| Good point jbsmithana. Iv had a SLR before, an old N55, I sold it with the glass I had back when my divorce started, so now im going back to the swing of things. Id love a longer lens, or better glass, but it will be awhile. In a few months, I will get the 50 1.8, not sure how much use it will get, I tend to use the zoom over the wide. |
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11/30/2005 02:29:29 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by :
Not if you get the birds to come to you! |
NICE
Message edited by author 2005-11-30 14:30:11. |
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11/30/2005 02:33:58 PM · #18 |
Try that with a hawk!
Steve - You mentioned you like doing portraits of the kids and some nude work. The 50 mm 1.8 will work well in low light for you on those and give a much sharper photo.
Another thing to think about is adding a SB-600 flash unit if you plan to do alot of indorr shooting. Very nice flash. I even use one (the SB-800) with a flash extender on outdoor bird work.
Good luck. |
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12/01/2005 10:03:30 AM · #19 |
yes the sb600 is in my eye, it will prob be one of those extras i get in a few months, after iv had a chance to test the camera capabilities.
Thanks for the replies all. |
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12/01/2005 10:11:54 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
Steve - You mentioned you like doing portraits of the kids and some nude work. The 50 mm 1.8 will work well in low light for you on those and give a much sharper photo. |
That reminds me--my father only had a 50mm lens on his camera, and used slide film. He left us a lot of great pictures. The 50mm will give you the equivelant of a 75mm on the D50, and you can get a lot of great indoor pictures, things like candids, portraits (face shots) etc.
Try using your current camera, set it for ISO 100, set the aperature to 3.5 (if you can) and see what shutter speed you get in a room with normal lighting. Now divide the shutter speed by 4 to see what shutter speed the D50 gives you at ISO 400. (the D50 gives good pictures at ISO 400 or even 800). Remember, indoors you'll probably be working with the wide end of the lens, and you get f/3.5 there.
Message edited by author 2005-12-01 10:26:48. |
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12/01/2005 10:51:58 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by steveh552:
Maybe this will give some idea of what I do.
I currently mostly photograph my children, sometimes posed, sometimes candid, indoor and outdoor. I have four of them (children that is), ages almost 9, almost 5 and one year old twins, but 3 of the four, I dont see but every weekend or 2.
I enjoy wildlife photography, unfortunally, where I live, and with the times im able to shoot, birds are my target. Normally they end up a good ways off, since they tend not to like people. Iv shot some flying ducks, find that is hard. Landscapes also get shot quite often
People other than my kids, I enjoy doing nudes and glamour/portraits. I dont do much, that is due to many reasons, mainly, im not into approaching strangers and asking, and I dont hang out with many people right now, since my time is devoted to my children (no complaints there).
I will be taking a digital photography 1 and 2 course as part of my digital media degree course in college (www.digitalmediadegree.com) that I am starting in January. Im not sure what our assignments will be at this point.
Currently all of my work is done with a Fuji S5000, you can see samples of my work at //www.photocentral.us That camera has a 10x optical and 2.2 time digital zoom, and I typically shoot in RAW only mode.
Maybe this will give some insight in what I am doing with my cameras. I was thinking the 18-200 for the reasons Hank stated. Id like to get some good quality shots, and I dont have the $$$ for good glass right now, I hardly have the $$ for the camera. |
You have to ask yourself if you want to get into photography as an art or a hobby, or is capturing memories more important?
Your kids will change, and at those ages the change will seem like it comes on a daily basis. Landscapes don't change that fast, and one mallard looks pretty much the same as another to me.
If you're willing to postpone wildlife in order to get better indoor shots, check out the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8. Its reasonably fast, and has a good zoom range for indoor shots. You may have to walk (or run) closer to your kids outside, and candids may be tougher. Its probably ok for portraits of kids, but if you want to minimize someone's big nose you're out of luck :-)
You may then want to get a 55-200 or 75-300 as your next lens. |
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12/01/2005 11:37:40 AM · #22 |
Ok, Decision has been made, and now i just need to get the money at the end of this month, here is what I am getting:
Nikon D50 with the 18-55 and 55-200 kit lens sets
Nikon 50 1.8 AF lens, with USA warranty
Lexar 1gb 40x mem card (will check locally and buy here if cheaper)
3 52mm uv filters (used)
Nikon Remote for camera
Nikon 1500mah battary (extra)
All for a grand total of $1226 shipped next day air via UPS from B and H.
Does this sound like a good deal?
Message edited by author 2005-12-01 11:38:08. |
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12/01/2005 11:51:17 AM · #23 |
| I can't comment on price really, since I think in $ CAD. I will say this though, I would either get an additional 1gb card or I wouldn't bother with the extra battery. You can easily fill 2gb on a single charge, and probably more depending on how much you used the display and flash. Unless you are in a situation where you can dump the card to the computer, but you don't have time to charge the battery (only a couple of hrs), you'll definitely be storage limited rather than charge limited with that setup (IMO). |
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12/01/2005 12:04:32 PM · #24 |
Both Nikon lenses you are about to get are horrible. You'd end up using only the 50mm. I'd recommend Nikon AF-S 18-70/3.5-4.5 G IF-ED DX if you want to stick with Nikon or much praised Tamron AF 28-75/2.8 XR DI LD.
Message edited by author 2005-12-01 12:09:03. |
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12/01/2005 02:02:16 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by jansku:
Both Nikon lenses you are about to get are horrible. You'd end up using only the 50mm. I'd recommend Nikon AF-S 18-70/3.5-4.5 G IF-ED DX if you want to stick with Nikon or much praised Tamron AF 28-75/2.8 XR DI LD. |
I did not see that lens on B and H, but I will have to stick with a budget. Unfortunally, I cant afford the best glass right now. |
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