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 12/18/2006 02:58:14 PM · #1
This is kind of a branch from a thread I started yesterday that I want to take a different angle on to simplify it for me.

Here's the situation. I'm getting a Nikon D80 around my neck for Christmas from my boyfriend thanks to cheesy diamond jewelry commercials. I originally wanted an 18-200mm VR lense that is harder to get ahold of than it might be worth.

So, if it were you which one or two lenses would you want for under $1000 (total) that would allow macro and some decent range. They don't need to be VR's. They don't have to be Nikon brand, but I don't want to regret going 3rd party.
 12/18/2006 03:41:26 PM · #2
I see everyone is having just as much trouble picking as me.
 12/18/2006 03:50:33 PM · #3
If I am reading right then, totalling $1000?

Then I would go for two totally different lenses.

I would go with the Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro.

And the 10-20mm Sigma Wide.

That way you can do so much stuff. Both are $500 or less each. And if you have a little left over, get an extra battery or somethin'.

I have both of these lenses and also I have some awesome expensive lenses too, these are still perfect for that variety of shot.

You definitely will not be upset with the performance or quality.

12/18/2006 03:55:44 PM · #4
I'd change Cutter's suggestion to the Tamorn 28-75 f2.8 and the Sigma 105 Macro. Both top of the line lenses that would offer the most range. My next lens would then be a super wide like the 10-20 or a 12-24.

J.B.
 12/18/2006 03:59:37 PM · #5
Kinda depends on what you're most interested in shooting.

check out this great thread.
 12/18/2006 04:00:56 PM · #6
I waited a long while for the Nikkor 18-200mm VR
and it's worth it. Why settle for something else
if you already know what you really want ?

Besides, Express Camera have it in stock for $999

//www.expresscameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=477950&start=1

p.s. And you won't regret it. :) Happy Holidays.

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:02:00.
 12/18/2006 04:01:47 PM · #7
I've always heard that the Nikon AF 50mm f1.8D is a great lens. I don't own one but I managed to get an old film SLR 50mm f1.4 off of Ebay and I love the fact I can take decent pictures in really poor light (especially Christmas lights!). Of course it doesn't have auto focus, I can't use the on camera flash and I have to estimate shutter speed. Anyways the f1.8D has all of that and the portraits you get from it are terrific.

Link here (Canadian Site)

Here are some DPC shots done with it

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:04:04.
 12/18/2006 04:05:14 PM · #8
A lot of folks could post their favorite lenses for you to take a look at Michelle, but honestly, if they don't know how you shoot or what you like to shoot or where you shoot it, their suggestions would only realte to the way they shoot. It might not really be of much help to you. The 18-200 VR is a 3.5 - 5.6 and may not be fast enough for some types of applications.

I guess it would help to know more about what you like to shoot and the kinds of challenges you are trying to overcome with a new lens.

I have a Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR and I hate it with a passion. not because it isn't the perfect lens for someone who likes to shoot that type of work, It's just not my kind of shooting.

I hope that helps in some way.

Here are a couple of my favorite lenses (because they work well with my style of shooting) and as you can see they are not all that popular with the DPC folks.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/18/2006 04:06:37 PM · #9
Could you not but the D80 with a kit lens as it works out cheaper, 18-70 or 18-135 are good.
And then buy the sigma 10-20 and sigma 105mm which are both excellent.
 12/18/2006 04:07:32 PM · #10
Nikon prime 50mm 1.4, maybe 1.8 if you want to squeeze for budget.

Tokina 12-24.

The Sigma macro 105 that everyone's raving about.

Also think strategically - not much fun, maybe, but people upgrade cameras and/or buy or receive new ones in kit form so that they have one of those little kit zooms to sell. How long can you wait before you get a mid-range zoom?

Save up for the 18-200. Or be patient. Or both (of course). If you take pictures outdoors and out and about then it's a terrific lense. If you use a tripod and take portraits etc then maybe it isn't what you need.

I'm just confusing you - I know I'm confusing me :)

Anyway, the 50mm primes are very good lense for money.
 12/18/2006 04:11:49 PM · #11
try this website :

//www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom_00.html

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:18:09.
 12/18/2006 04:18:31 PM · #12
Originally posted by aliqui:
This is kind of a branch from a thread I started yesterday that I want to take a different angle on to simplify it for me.

Here's the situation. I'm getting a Nikon D80 around my neck for Christmas from my boyfriend thanks to cheesy diamond jewelry commercials. I originally wanted an 18-200mm VR lense that is harder to get ahold of than it might be worth.

So, if it were you which one or two lenses would you want for under $1000 (total) that would allow macro and some decent range. They don't need to be VR's. They don't have to be Nikon brand, but I don't want to regret going 3rd party.


Nikon Just Released the 70-300VR ED very nice :) (about $700)

and for the "shorter end of the stick", perhaps Sigma's 18-135? Decent wide angles to short telephoto, good performance all around. I've been "eyeballing" this one myself for some time now and have tried it on several occasions and really like it :)
 12/18/2006 04:20:32 PM · #13
I'm looking all these lenses up as they're posted. Thanks guys.

As for my style:

1) I take a lot of macro shots.
2) I live in beautiful Oregon and would love to take more landscape shots which I feel very limited doing right now with my Sony F707.
3) I don't take portrait shots at all. People frighten me.

I was thinking of getting one of the kits 18-135mm was what I was going to get before I saw the 18-200mm VR. I figured that might keep me happy for awhile. Then I started thinking about getting the 18-55mm kit and getting another slightly more powerful lense with that. I just don't know. I'm going nuts.
 12/18/2006 04:21:14 PM · #14
Originally posted by Gringo:
A lot of folks could post their favorite lenses for you to take a look at Michelle, but honestly, if they don't know how you shoot or what you like to shoot or where you shoot it, their suggestions would only realte to the way they shoot. It might not really be of much help to you. The 18-200 VR is a 3.5 - 5.6 and may not be fast enough for some types of applications.

I guess it would help to know more about what you like to shoot and the kinds of challenges you are trying to overcome with a new lens.

I have a Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR and I hate it with a passion. not because it isn't the perfect lens for someone who likes to shoot that type of work, It's just not my kind of shooting.

I hope that helps in some way.

Here are a couple of my favorite lenses (because they work well with my style of shooting) and as you can see they are not all that popular with the DPC folks.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED


Pricey choices :

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED - $1,279.00
and the
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED - $2,495.00
12/18/2006 04:24:10 PM · #15
Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF is $1499 not 2495

I would go with the 18-70 Great lens, the 50 1.8 and a used 80-200 AF-S

You should be able to get all that for under a grand.

ETA: For the macro go with the 60 or the 105mm Nikon

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:24:54.
 12/18/2006 04:24:38 PM · #16
Originally posted by aliqui:
I'm looking all these lenses up as they're posted. Thanks guys.

As for my style:

1) I take a lot of macro shots.
2) I live in beautiful Oregon and would love to take more landscape shots which I feel very limited doing right now with my Sony F707.
3) I don't take portrait shots at all. People frighten me.

I was thinking of getting one of the kits 18-135mm was what I was going to get before I saw the 18-200mm VR. I figured that might keep me happy for awhile. Then I started thinking about getting the 18-55mm kit and getting another slightly more powerful lense with that. I just don't know. I'm going nuts.


The 18-55mm has a very plastic feel to it, granted it's very light.
Why not get one with the 18-135 and then get a
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Close-up Lens for $849.00 ?
//www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=106&ref=cag&utm_source=CAG&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NK10528GVR&sku=NK10528GVR

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:25:34.
 12/18/2006 04:26:06 PM · #17
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:
Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF is $1499 not 2495

I would go with the 18-70 Great lens, the 50 1.8 and a used 80-200 AF-S

You should be able to get all that for under a grand.

ETA: For the macro go with the 60 or the 105mm Nikon


Still pricey and over her budget, no ?
Besides, I read that the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Nikon
is a more economical lens, excpet for the F4-5.6 disadvantage.

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:28:37.
 12/18/2006 04:26:36 PM · #18
Yeah so
 12/18/2006 04:37:03 PM · #19
I'm cheap / poor at least as far as photography is concerned.
I use the 50mm 1.4 quite a bit (I think this is under 300$).
It cannot be matched for what it does IMO. I also REVERSE the lens on occasion using a reversal ring which allows reall shallow macro at about 6 inches away (not something everyone want, but it can be fun.

I'm also waiting for the 18-200mm VR but I bought a sigma 28-200 super cheap and will not be recommended by any serious photogrpahers (I'm not serious BTW).

So - my vote: 50mm 1.4,
and the 10-20mm sigma,
use a point-and-shoot or super-chaep lens for other stuff 'til 2 years from now when the 18-200mm VR is 600$ and in stock.

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 16:37:52.
 12/18/2006 04:54:52 PM · #20
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
I'd change Cutter's suggestion to the Tamorn 28-75 f2.8 and the Sigma 105 Macro. Both top of the line lenses that would offer the most range. My next lens would then be a super wide like the 10-20 or a 12-24.

J.B.


I got them all and think for under $1000 the Tamron 28-75 and the Sigma 105 macro are what you are looking for. If you need some extra distance you can always get a tele-converter cheap and use it with the Tammy.

There's also a Nikon 70-300mm (non VR) that's inexpensive, good and sharp.
 12/19/2006 06:22:30 AM · #21
Before I left for work I kind of had an idea what I wanted, but since I'm back home I'm back to being torn in every which way. If I can get my ass out of bed in the morning I'm going to head out to a couple local shops and play with lenses. I need a personal guide and an extra grand, heh. Gah!
 12/19/2006 06:30:48 AM · #22
Aliqui
Go for the Nikon VR 18-200mm. I bought mine through B&H (I kept looking every morning early to see if it is in stock and bought one within a week of starting to look). It is a great lens for everyday stuff. I would complement that with the Tokina 12-24mm - an awesome lense for the price - really sharp and fantastic for landscape.

I beg to differ with the writer that suggested that the cheap 70-300mm from Nikon is a good lens. I have found it to be a little blurry (even on a tripod) and really isn't used much now that I have the 18-200.
 12/19/2006 06:34:15 AM · #23
Originally posted by pccjrose:
Aliqui
Go for the Nikon VR 18-200mm. I bought mine through B&H (I kept looking every morning early to see if it is in stock and bought one within a week of starting to look). It is a great lens for everyday stuff. I would complement that with the Tokina 12-24mm - an awesome lense for the price - really sharp and fantastic for landscape.

I beg to differ with the writer that suggested that the cheap 70-300mm from Nikon is a good lens. I have found it to be a little blurry (even on a tripod) and really isn't used much now that I have the 18-200.


If the 18-200mm VR was easy to get there'd be no question. I've been checking B&H for awhile now and they've never had it. They have it paired with the D200 for $2369. I'm tempted.. very tempted, heh.
 12/19/2006 07:20:46 AM · #24
Hi there. I shoot with a D200 and have a variety of lenses. The sigma Macro is a fantastic lens (I just sold mine here)

The 50mm 1.8D is one of my fav lenses great in low light and sharp.

The 18-55mm kit is a pile of CR%&&P to be honest, but very light, fast focusing and pretty good for a first time lens (same as Canons cra&&&p 18-55 kit)

Tokina 12-24, I cannot praise this lens enough.. FANTABULOUS I LOVE IT, great build quality tack sharp, well priced. get one.

the thing about the 18-200VR is that, firstly, they are as rare as rocking horses poo, and to be honest with you I think it gives the lens a lot to do for a single zoom..18-200? thats a lot of internal movement going on there and something will have to give, never tried one but im sure they have a few bouncing light issues.

I have, and LOVE, the older (similar priced....wonder why) 24-120mm VR, perfect companion to the Tokina, the VR is excellent and a lot more usefull at the zoom end... who needs VR for wide angle?...

I have the 18-70mm Kit (i got it with my D70 years ago) it's brilliant and I am reading and hearing great things about the 18-135 too so if you choose to get a kit go with any of these 2 great lenses.

Camera..... hmmm tough one really, as I said, I have the D200 and I recently took my Doctor, yep my real DOCTOR to buy a Nikon D80 with a grip and spare battery (I went to Bristol on a GTG and found a single battery just does not do the job with the new high res screens so you should get the grip and another battery)He got the 18-70 kit version and hasn't stopped dancing yet, the quality is amazing from the D80 (its basically a D200 in a plastic case minus a few features that you may never need).

OK... so to sum it all up for you.

first choice - Nikon D200(body only),extra battery(with or without grip, its a BIG camera with a grip). Tokina 12-24, Sigma Macro 105, 24-120VR.

second choice - Nikon D80 18-135mm Kit, extra battery (go for the grip it is still a good size and the portrait controls really come in handy)
Sigma 105mmMacro

if you have any cash left over then treat youjrself to a Nikkor ED50mm f1.8D and a 2GB memory card.

Merry Xmas.

12/19/2006 07:41:03 AM · #25
I also have a D200, as well a D70. My favorite lens, that I shoot with more often than not is my Nikkor 28-70/2.8, 2nd up is my 80-200/2.8, then my 85/1.8.....Good luck with your choice.
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