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11/20/2006 05:46:24 PM · #1 |
Im looking into buying a Nikon D80 for my new camera.
But Im looking around and theres a few different lens options, I want to be taking various shots including portraiture.
Out of the following which would be good to get:
AF-S DX 18-70mm - (This one seems to be the lens used for the D70 i think, but i see options to buy it with D80)
AF-S DX 18 - 135 mm F3.5 - F5.6G ED
AF-S 70 - 300 mm F4.5 - F5.6G VR
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
Gachuk |
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11/20/2006 05:54:52 PM · #2 |
To be totally honest with you I am only aware of the first kit lens you listed and I can tell you that it is a super lens really it is. It is faster than the other too at f3.5-4.5. I think it is the one to go for, the build quality is great. I have the 24-120VR and that didn't leave the body of my D70 for ages and then got stuck on the front of my D2H too. My best advice would be to get a body only then choose the lens that best suites the style of photography you do. For me, the best lens I have at the moment in terms of usage is a Sigma 28-70 f2.8 because of the speed and sharpness and I love my 50mm f1.8 (a must have lens).
if you WANT a kit then go with the 18-70 its a cracking lens and if you have some extra cash you may want to consider the battery grip(that high res screen uses a lot of power)and of cause an extra battery too. A 2GB minimum SD card and if you have enough left over buy yourself a beer.. good choice its a really popular camera.
Have fun
Message edited by author 2006-11-20 17:58:29.
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11/20/2006 05:57:41 PM · #3 |
| I use a Tokina 18-200 with my D80 in preference to the standard kit lenses. Seems like a good lens too, especially as I use the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 as a prime. |
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11/20/2006 06:12:15 PM · #4 |
18-135 Here is an overview from dpreview.com. Its not really a review it was more like the early announcement from a few months back. I think you should go with either of the first two, as you will enjoy the wide angle possibilities. I have the 18-70 mm and have no complaints as I use it as my walk around lens and it takes great photos. Quickly looking over the link it seems like the 18-135 has the same type build, with internal focusing and a Silent Wave Motor for quite focusing. Although it is alittle slower than the 18-70 it maybe very close in the same range 18-70 and slow down as you zoom out past 70 mm. Seems like an interesting choice, if it was me and I was starting from scratch I may go for the 18-135, either way I'll think you will be pleased.
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11/20/2006 06:29:40 PM · #5 |
The 18-70 is a great lens for it's price.
The 18-135 is new. I believe it has a plastic mount (the 18-70 has a metal mount but both have plastic bodies) so might not be as sturdy.
The 70-300VR is too new for anyone to know anything about. Is it even available? But if it is based on the existing 70-300 designs it won't be particularly good. In any case, for a single lens, it would be too long.
You might want to consider the 18-200VR.
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11/20/2006 06:34:41 PM · #6 |
The D70 kit lens is a decent lens but the 18-135 is the kit lens for the D80 so it could be cheaper to get that. It's not actually any slower than the 18-70 because it doesn't become a 5.6 until after 70mm. I assume that it preforms similarly to the 18-70 but is a much better lens from 71-135mm...
If you are looking for a portrait lens but aren't going to go for a something with f2.8 (and lets face it they cost a bit) then the extra reach of the longer lens could be handy. I find that with my 18-70 I take most of my portraits at 70mm and it would be nice to be able to zoom in a bit more rather than standing under the nose of the subject.
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11/20/2006 07:07:51 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by dr_timbo:
...If you are looking for a portrait lens but aren't going to go for a something with f2.8 (and lets face it they cost a bit) then the extra reach of the longer lens could be handy. I find that with my 18-70 I take most of my portraits at 70mm and it would be nice to be able to zoom in a bit more rather than standing under the nose of the subject. |
Along those lines, I love my Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG for Nikon. It's not as wide as the 18 but I end up using the f/2.8 more often than I would the 18-28mm difference. It costs about the same as the Nikon AF-S DX 18-70mm too. |
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11/20/2006 07:10:15 PM · #8 |
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Nikon 80-200 2.8
Tokina 12-24
Buy the 28-75 first, once you get the full use out of that, you'll know whether you want to go wider or longer.
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11/20/2006 07:27:36 PM · #9 |
| Well, I'm still new at this whole lens thing, but I'm really liking my 18-200 VR. When I learn how to shoot a decent photo, I have a feeling that it's going to come in handy. :) |
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11/20/2006 08:12:46 PM · #10 |
If you can't find (or don't have the $$$$ for) a Nikkor 18-200 VR, which I'd highly recommend as it meets most of my needs, go for the 18-70 to begin with. From what I've heard this is a great lens. Buy it and then figure out where you want to go with your next lens purchase based on what you find the lens lacks in with regard to your shooting preferences.
For portraiture the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 is an outstanding lens and cost only a bit over $100. It's on my wish list for Christmas.
Good luck! The D80 is a great camera!
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11/21/2006 03:54:45 AM · #11 |
Thanks for replys all,
Well it seems a bit mixed opinions really, so still not entirly sure.
It sounds like theres not alot in it between the AX 18-70mm and the AF-S DX 18 - 135 mm.
From what i've seen the Second is the new one thats come out with the D80.
So I think i've narrowed it down to 2, however you've also suggested some different makes now, oh the choice the choice.
Think I might look into the cost difference between them all.
Thanks again.
Gachuk
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11/24/2006 10:29:03 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Gachuk:
Thanks for replys all,
Well it seems a bit mixed opinions really, so still not entirly sure.
It sounds like theres not alot in it between the AX 18-70mm and the AF-S DX 18 - 135 mm.
From what i've seen the Second is the new one thats come out with the D80.
So I think i've narrowed it down to 2, however you've also suggested some different makes now, oh the choice the choice.
Think I might look into the cost difference between them all.
Thanks again.
Gachuk |
Take a look at the similarly priced Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5; I really wish I had found it before I bought my 18-70mm. Don't get me wrong, the 18-70 is great, but for $325, the Sigma kicks it in the ass ten-fold. Not only do you gain better low light capability, but the 17-70 is sharper, less distorted, and can focus closer.
The only downside is that the 17-70 lacks the AFS (internal focusing) of the Sigma, making the 18-70 quieter. From the reviews I've read however the Sigma wins despite this. |
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