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03/11/2012 09:28:59 AM · #1 |
The back story:
I was a Nikon fanboy (Still am really) but really got into video and Canon was just leading the way. I had a Canon 7D along with my Nikon D700. It got all a bit cumbersome. I went to the store to buy the battery grip to the 7D and ended up leaving with a 1dm4. I sold all my Nikon gear (Sad face).
Now Nikon has caught up and, at least on paper, has excelled in the video world. I'm thinking Nikon D800 around summer time (Once all the testers have put up their reviews). I like photography but video is also very important. I love taking my DSLR out for just video and learning to cut, color and put together a well edited piece. It's a whole lot harder than photography and the end product doesn't always please...but I like it and want to get better.
So the question: If you're a Nikon owner, what lenses would you suggest to a 'semi-pro' in getting first. Normally I'd say 'Cover your focal length' as in 14-24mm f/2.8G, 24-70mm f/2.8G and 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. But that's 6000USD worth of glass right there...twice what the camera costs and a total of 10,000USD if lucky. Anyone have any luck with Sigma in the same focal length (It's been a while since I've used Sigma lenses). Is there a different set of lenses you would suggested?
Price wise I was thinking 24-70mm f/2.8G as the main lens, then a 50mm and 85mm. Save up the cash and get the 70-200mm and go from there.
I know that's a lot of money to be throwing around, but I've come to learn that a hobby that keeps you interested sometimes costs money. I'm just glad I'm not into cars or boats... |
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03/11/2012 11:07:47 AM · #2 |
| imho, no offense! I'm confuse whether your hobby is photography or equipment. But I do agree with "cover your focal length",:p |
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03/11/2012 11:19:09 AM · #3 |
My hobby...both...
I love new gear. I'll get a new lens and spend a few weeks with nothing but that lens. I'll get a new flash and have a couple synced and do flash photography for weeks. I'll get a 'insert whatever' and have lots of fun. Then there are times when I 'need' something, use it, and don't touch it for weeks. Then I use it all the time.
If there were a 'one size fits all' lens I would have it and be more careful about what lens to buy next...but then my focus would be on other stuff to buy. |
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03/11/2012 11:33:07 AM · #4 |
Regarding Sigma, I've got the 12-24mm, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. Less than half the cost of Nikon's 14-24mm, and that's a lot of money that can go toward a 24-70mm or 70-200mm.
I agree with you that in a dream world those are the three lenses to own, but not many can just splash out like that, especially all at once. My strategy has been to go the Sigma route for the wide (no complaints), move my feet with a 50mm for the mid range (24-70mm would be nice to be honest), and then skimp again with the VR 70-300mm, which produces really nice images and has a bit of extra reach over the 70-200mm, though there's no debate the 70-200mm is far superior regarding image quality and what you can do with its larger aperture. But I do much more landscapes than anything, so a telephoto is really not my main priority.
The one thing I'm really wanting now is a wide angle prime where I can use some filters (as it's not possible on the Sigma 12-24mm (or Nikon 14-24mm for that matter).
Long story somewhat not as long, consider the focal range that you enjoy shooting at and go for one of the big three in that range, and fill out the rest of the range with some of the many perfectly adequate lenses available. At least that's what I'd do. |
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03/11/2012 11:40:39 AM · #5 |
| I know it's not pro glass and it's bot as fast but I love my 28-300 f3.5/5.6 VR lens. It really is a nice lens and it covers such an extreme focal range that unless you're doing something really specific that you can just put that lens on and leave it. It's at least a good starting point that will cover you until you can slowly acquire the pro stuff. |
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03/11/2012 11:48:15 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by bohemka:
The one thing I'm really wanting now is a wide angle prime where I can use some filters (as it's not possible on the Sigma 12-24mm (or Nikon 14-24mm for that matter).
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You can use filters on the Sigma in 2 ways. The lenscap is a 2 part affair and when the center part is removed filters can be screwed into the remaining part. This will cause vignetting at the wider end of the range, which is probably why you bought the lens. You can also use gel filters behind the lens. There are a couple of little clips on the rear of the lens for this. It's a PITA, but it does work and no vignetting.
Message edited by author 2012-03-11 11:49:17. |
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03/11/2012 11:58:40 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Spork99:
Originally posted by bohemka:
The one thing I'm really wanting now is a wide angle prime where I can use some filters (as it's not possible on the Sigma 12-24mm (or Nikon 14-24mm for that matter).
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You can use filters on the Sigma in 2 ways. The lenscap is a 2 part affair and when the center part is removed filters can be screwed into the remaining part. This will cause vignetting at the wider end of the range, which is probably why you bought the lens. You can also use gel filters behind the lens. There are a couple of little clips on the rear of the lens for this. It's a PITA, but it does work and no vignetting. |
Thanks, Spork. I've looked into the rear filter many times, but I honestly cannot figure it out. I don't see any clips, and I haven't been able to find any resources online. Perhaps there's a difference between the Canon and Nikon builds. Any leads?
Regarding the cap, what size filter would that be?
Edit: found it, 82mm.
Message edited by author 2012-03-11 12:04:40. |
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03/11/2012 12:39:26 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by bohemka:
Originally posted by Spork99:
Originally posted by bohemka:
The one thing I'm really wanting now is a wide angle prime where I can use some filters (as it's not possible on the Sigma 12-24mm (or Nikon 14-24mm for that matter).
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You can use filters on the Sigma in 2 ways. The lenscap is a 2 part affair and when the center part is removed filters can be screwed into the remaining part. This will cause vignetting at the wider end of the range, which is probably why you bought the lens. You can also use gel filters behind the lens. There are a couple of little clips on the rear of the lens for this. It's a PITA, but it does work and no vignetting. |
Thanks, Spork. I've looked into the rear filter many times, but I honestly cannot figure it out. I don't see any clips, and I haven't been able to find any resources online. Perhaps there's a difference between the Canon and Nikon builds. Any leads?
Regarding the cap, what size filter would that be?
Edit: found it, 82mm. |
The arrows point to the clip on the back of my lens and the red square shows approximately where the filter would be positioned under that clip.
Hope this helps. |
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