Need advise on lense - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/26/2013 03:57:04 PM · #1

I have the Sigma (for Nikon) bad boy F2.8 70-300 the quality of my shots is like 100x better than any other lense I own.. HOWEVER I find myself using my sigma 17-70 1:2.8-4 72mm wide angle zoom, all the time... Quality ok but nothing like the big lense... SO Can someone suggest a lense that has the distance and width of the 17-70 but has MUCH has the quality of the big lense?? My cameras are Nikon d90's

Thanks I'm a dummy when it comes to figureing out lensey things!! LOL

rooum

03/26/2013 04:00:15 PM · #2

Nikon 17-55 F2.8? That many be your best bet. I've noticed the used price of them have been dropping a lot since so many people are going full frame. Some definite bargains to be had.

Message edited by author 2013-03-26 16:06:55.

theluissales

Canon EOS R7

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM

03/26/2013 04:15:58 PM · #3

I recently got the new 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | C and just love it! Image quality is great!

Please notice this is not exactly the same lens you have. This is their new 17-70, and the first on their "Contemporary" lineup.

03/26/2013 04:44:39 PM · #4

That's actually a harder question than it seems like it should be. I spent the last several months trying to answer the FX equivalent of the very much the same question (although I also wanted something light enough to travel with), and ended up after a lot of trial and error with a $1000 24-120 f/4, which I'm finally quite happy with. For DX, the problems are similar. The fast, high quality lenses tend to be heavy and have limited reach (Nikon 17-55). Lenses with better reach tend to be slower and lower quality.

That said, you might go to the store and try the Nikon 16-85. It's slow, but it's on the high quality end of slow, and the price is very reasonable, especially if you can find one used. Depending on your needs, that may be okay....

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/26/2013 11:54:58 PM · #5

Thanks for the suggestions!!

rooum or anyone else besides B&H where do you guys feel safe buying a used lense????

rooum

03/27/2013 06:45:42 AM · #6

Well, i'm in the UK so can't really help you there.

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

03/27/2013 07:24:54 AM · #7

Originally posted by littlemav:

Thanks for the suggestions!! rooum or anyone else besides B&H where do you guys feel safe buying a used lense????

bubeltrubel bought a used one from calumet recently, but that was in Germany. Usually it's stuff rom their rent service.

03/27/2013 11:59:47 AM · #8

Originally posted by littlemav:

Thanks for the suggestions!! rooum or anyone else besides B&H where do you guys feel safe buying a used lense????

keh.com
adorama.com

edit...I do most of my buying local on craigslist. I don't know where you are, or if that's an option or not.

Message edited by author 2013-03-27 12:01:30.

Garry

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/27/2013 12:24:28 PM · #9

Originally posted by littlemav:

Thanks for the suggestions!! rooum or anyone else besides B&H where do you guys feel safe buying a used lense????

Fred Miranda.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/27/2013 12:37:36 PM · #10

Good suggestions... Ann yeah Craigs list is avaible to me, I'm in MO USA... but... if I'm paying good $$ for a used lense, I want a guarentee or someone smarter than me to give it the once over!!!

ShaneBlake

Nikon D7100

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

03/27/2013 12:52:32 PM · #11

A couple good choices on the "for sale" page @ Lens Rentals

03/27/2013 12:52:52 PM · #12

Originally posted by littlemav:

Good suggestions... Ann yeah Craigs list is avaible to me, I'm in MO USA... but... if I'm paying good $$ for a used lense, I want a guarentee or someone smarter than me to give it the once over!!!

If you're not comfortable evaluating lenses yourself, then you're correct, it's worth it to spend a few $ extra to buy it from someplace where you can return it. I did get a used flash that didn't work from adorama once, but I didn't have any trouble returning it.

Garry

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

03/27/2013 12:54:19 PM · #13

Always peace of mind buying from a store with a return policy!

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

03/27/2013 12:55:01 PM · #14

There may be a focusing issue with the wide zoom that you have now. I would give it a very close inspection for any smudging, esp on the rear element. Another thing that could be affecting the images is focus error, and I think you can do a focus test, and adjust for that with your camera settings.
With the APC D90, you would get similar results with the Nikon 18-105 VR, which is the kit lens that came with the D7000, though it's not as fast for low light and bokeh is probably not as nice as the 2.8. It kicks butt for sharpness though.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/27/2013 10:02:04 PM · #15

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

Melon, no there is no issue, it's just a cheapish kit type lense and I adore the color n clarity of the more exp lense I have, but would like this same type of zoom, wide angle, etc that this sigma offers.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/27/2013 10:06:13 PM · #16

lreynelsg I went n looked at that and whent WHATTTT same lense, then re-read your post... So you think its da bomb?? Yeah I love my lense for everything except the glass just could be a better quality..

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/28/2013 12:34:28 PM · #17

While some people knock it, I really love my 18-200 VR Nikon. I shoot it wide open all the time with great results. Plus great range.

I've bought many more expensive lenses since that one (my first Nikon lens). Other than the 70-200mm VR II lens, nothing really "beats it" by a big enough margin in image quality and usability to be worth it.

I recently downgraded my D600 to the D7100 to use the 18-200 on my next trip (since it's so much lighter than the 28-300).

I wish it were wider though...but I also carry the 10-20mm and 10.5 fisheye, and the three together make a good travel kit (just over 5 lbs total with the D7000).

For a single lens that goes wider, the Nikon 16-85 sounds a bit tempting, but you lose one the long end.

These portraits were done with the 18-200...I always smile when asked what lens I used for those shots (elsewhere):

Message edited by author 2013-03-28 12:36:19.