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05/21/2007 11:40:12 AM · #1
Having done a quick trawl through this forum I am not sure that I have a specific answer to this question, so please stick with me :-)

I currently use a Tamron 18-200 on my Nikon 80D and while it has lots of goods traits and capabilities it is proving to be too slow for a lot of situations I have encountered recently - such as candid shots at weddings - and for stuff I am being asked to do - such as band photography, more candid shots and nature in the woods kind of things. So, I figure I need to move to a set of faster lenses, fast being f/2.8 in this case, although I could go with f/4 at a push. Budget is an issue but I want something that I can use for a long time as well - quality is important in other words.

So, noting that I will almost certainly add a wide angle zoom to this set, likely in the 10-20 or 12-24 range, then here is what I am thinking in terms of sets:

18 - 50, 50 - 150 (or thereabouts)
Sigma has lenses in this range and there are some equivalents in other manufacturers as well. All of the Sigma lenses seem good value for money but there is no HSM on the 18 - 50, which is reported to be noisy in use.

24 - 70, 70 - 200
Sigma, Tokina, Tamron and Nikon all have lenses in these ranges and 24 - 70 would seem to offer more useful range than 18 - 50, especially with a 12 - 24 underneath it.

Any words of wisdom from the forum you can share with me?

05/21/2007 11:44:20 AM · #2
What about prime lenses? I can use my 50mm F1.8 and my 28mm F1.8 in low light condition whitout a tripod. Prime lense are cheaper and are easier to do with large aperture. As well, as you use a Nikon you can choose from all the older manual focus lenses. Maybe you don't like prime lenses so that's whay you didn't spoke about them but for someone on a budget they are great.
05/21/2007 11:51:15 AM · #3
Originally posted by DaveSM:

What about prime lenses? I can use my 50mm F1.8 and my 28mm F1.8 in low light condition whitout a tripod. Prime lense are cheaper and are easier to do with large aperture. As well, as you use a Nikon you can choose from all the older manual focus lenses. Maybe you don't like prime lenses so that's whay you didn't spoke about them but for someone on a budget they are great.

Ah! I did forget to mention that I use a 50 f/1.8 as well so your comment is well taken. In my SLR days I used to run with just 3 primes - 35mm, 50mm and 135mm - seemed to do OK. So you have made a very point - thanks!
05/21/2007 12:09:30 PM · #4


Message edited by author 2007-05-21 12:09:47.
05/21/2007 12:10:20 PM · #5
Hi Carl, nice to listen to you, man.
Well, as you know I'm not in the dark side of Nikon, soooo I can't help a lot, but I'll try.
If you're thinking of zoom lenses, it depends how much money you want to expend, the tamron lenses 28-75 or 17-50 are both 2.8 and have really great lenses if you believe to the people who talk about them. If you are planning to have a 12-24 or so, it can be a good range the 28-75. You can look for some comments on the forum about them.
On the other side, if you're thinking of prime, it can be a good idea to look for a longer prime than 50, put 85 or 100. I don't know if you like macro, but if you like maybe you can think of a macro prime (say tamron 90 or sigma 105) than you can also use for the portraiture in low light condition. I'm now planning to buy the 100 2.8 of canon for macro and portraits.
I don't know if I have helped, but you can be sure I tried to...LOL.

Álex.
05/21/2007 12:54:59 PM · #6
You mention the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8. From what I've seen and heard from other users, this lens is not particularly sharp at f/2.8, which could well present a problem.

As regards the mid-range, the Tamron is exceedingly well-regarded.
05/21/2007 01:28:29 PM · #7
Hmmm - maybe I am on the wrong track here and ought to be thinking more about a couple of primes - maybe macro - to fill in some of the spaces. Seems like a good idea with the longer focal length lenses for sure as some of the 70 - 200 zooms are not cheap nor light.

Thanks for all of your comments so far - please keep them coming.
05/21/2007 02:06:24 PM · #8
Originally posted by alexgarcia:


If you're thinking of zoom lenses, it depends how much money you want to expend, the tamron lenses 28-75 or 17-50 are both 2.8 and have really great lenses if you believe to the people who talk about them. If you are planning to have a 12-24 or so, it can be a good range the 28-75.

Álex.


I own a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and I love it. Very sharp at the fast end. Sometimes I wish I got the 28-75mm (for portraits, mostly) but I find I use the wider end a lot for group shots and landscapes.
05/21/2007 05:30:57 PM · #9
All things are relative and what your idea of cheap is .. the Nikon 18-200 VR would be a big upgrade over the Tamron you are currently using and you would have VR. I love the Tokina 12-24mm.
05/21/2007 05:40:41 PM · #10
I am on the quest for nothing but speed and Nikon quality. I have been selling my slower cheaper glass in favor of the best. It is taking some time but I know in the end will be worth it.

This is the set I have almost got.

Tokina 12-24 an amazing lens I love it!
Nikon 17-35 2.8 AF-S best lens EVER! Fast and the bokeh is bar none!
Nikon 28-70 2.8 AF-S I don't have it yet and there is one I want before it but I will have it.
Nikon 80-200 2.8 AF-S amazing glass! The 70-200 2.8 VR is the new one that replaces the 80-200

For primes
50 1.8
60 2.8 Micro
85 1.4 I pine for and is going to be my next acquisition.

Save and buy the best you will never regret it and the good stuff holds it value for resale if need be. That covers the range.

My .02

ETA: The only lens in that line up that is a DX is the Tokina so I am ready for when Nikon offers a full frame camera.

Message edited by author 2007-05-21 17:42:27.
05/21/2007 06:46:33 PM · #11
Looking at my budget (the tax man and I had a little discussion earlier this year and has left me rather less fortunate than I would like) it looks as though I will be going with the Tokina 17-50 as my starting point, unless I can get a second hand Nikon for a decent price. But this advice is proving invaluable and is causing me to rethink. Thanks to everyone for the advice - especially thegrandwazoo, useful as we share the same camera body :-)
05/22/2007 05:16:40 AM · #12
Originally posted by obsidian:

Looking at my budget (the tax man and I had a little discussion earlier this year and has left me rather less fortunate than I would like) it looks as though I will be going with the Tokina 17-50 as my starting point, unless I can get a second hand Nikon for a decent price. But this advice is proving invaluable and is causing me to rethink. Thanks to everyone for the advice - especially thegrandwazoo, useful as we share the same camera body :-)


So, correct me if I'm wrong, you ask for advice, we expend some of our time giving you advice, telling you that the TAMRON 17-50 is great and you finally go for the TOKINA 17-50. You british people, nobody can understand you...LOL

Álex.
05/22/2007 06:20:06 PM · #13
Originally posted by alexgarcia:



So, correct me if I'm wrong, you ask for advice, we expend some of our time giving you advice, telling you that the TAMRON 17-50 is great and you finally go for the TOKINA 17-50. You british people, nobody can understand you...LOL

Álex.

Oops! I did mean the Tamron...

So I admit I was wrong and I am on medication and very confused these days...

Mind you, just seen a really neat Nikon 17-35 f/2.8 second hand...

Looks like I need to think this through a little more as if I cannot even read properly, what chance do I stand of getting a decent lens?

I must be the UK male equivalent of a Dutch MUTS :-)
05/22/2007 06:23:30 PM · #14
Originally posted by obsidian:



Mind you, just seen a really neat Nikon 17-35 f/2.8 second hand...


If it is in good shape and the price is right buy it! It is a truly amazing piece of glass. Since I got mine it has barely left my camera.
05/22/2007 06:35:11 PM · #15
Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

Originally posted by obsidian:



Mind you, just seen a really neat Nikon 17-35 f/2.8 second hand...


If it is in good shape and the price is right buy it! It is a truly amazing piece of glass. Since I got mine it has barely left my camera.

To be honest, Erick, you were the reason I actually thought about the lens and having done more research, well, I just hope that the asking price is what I can afford. Appreciate your input and views - thanks!
05/22/2007 07:19:46 PM · #16
You're Welcome and good luck! I hope it works out. You will not be disappointed in the 17-35.
05/22/2007 07:24:26 PM · #17
This one : Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

Very fast, it's like butter at 5 FPS.

Message edited by author 2007-05-22 19:26:50.
05/22/2007 08:47:11 PM · #18
If you want fast lenses, forget zooms and shoot primes.
05/22/2007 08:54:06 PM · #19
{Interjecting know-nothing comment}: I have so much to learn. I think I'd better stick with my non-DSLR for now. But I'm commenting here so I can find it easier later. :-)
05/22/2007 08:57:08 PM · #20
Originally posted by citymars:

{Interjecting know-nothing comment}: I have so much to learn. I think I'd better stick with my non-DSLR for now. But I'm commenting here so I can find it easier later. :-)


If you want to mark the thread for later, simply tag it as "watched" by using the drop down "thread Options" box on the top left of the thread. Then it will stay in your watched threads until you say otherwise.

Message edited by author 2007-05-22 20:57:45.
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