I'm torn on a new lens... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/16/2008 08:22:10 PM · #1

So by tomorrow I'll have enough money for a new lens... Right now, I've only got a 50mm f/1.8 and a 12-24 f/4, and I want to buy something to add versatility to my camera bag. So by searching Craigslist and the used section at National Camera, I've come up with a couple options...

Tamron 17-50 f/2.8: Heard very positive reviews of this lens. The worry I have is that it covers much of what I already have.
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8: Also very good, slightly turned off by the spinning focus ring with AF. Longer reach than what I have though, with a fast aperture.
Sigma 24-60 f/2.8: Pretty much the same as the above 2.
Tokina 11-16 f/2.8: I love the ultrawide angle stuff. I'd sell my current Tokina and buy this, so my loss of funds would be less.
Sigma 30mm f/1.4: It'd be nice to have an ultrafast, normal focal length for a crop body (D300).
Nikkor 180mm f/1.8: I have the MF version but I can't use it for a damn. I'm intrigued by the AF version for ~$400 used. Would add lots of tele to my bag.

Blaaaah, I can't decide... It's like, each would add something nice to my bag, but it's a balance between price, what I already have, and the new options each would open up for me.

DarkRider

Nikon D300

07/16/2008 09:42:24 PM · #2

I would say the Tamrons you listed have a very good range and the reviews look good.
or look into a Nikon 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G AFS DX
I love this Lens it is very under rated for the price! I always have this lens on one of my bodies.

You should consider these if they are in your price range too
Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 DX
Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED NIKKOR AF-S

I have had the chance to play with the top two and love them both. I think I am leaning toward the 17-55 as my next lens.

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

07/16/2008 10:14:46 PM · #3

I WISH those lenses were in my price range XD

I'm a broke student. I've got about $400 I can blow. All the lenses I listed I can find locally for under that amount.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/17/2008 12:12:18 AM · #4

Isn't the 28-75mm Tammy an IF lens? Mine is, Focus ring don't spin for AF.

levyj413

Nikon D7100

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

07/17/2008 01:04:39 AM · #5

I have the Tamron 17-50 and love it. Which has nothing to do with my having most of the images on the lens page. :)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

07/17/2008 03:32:13 AM · #6

Originally posted by awpollard:

Isn't the 28-75mm Tammy an IF lens? Mine is, Focus ring don't spin for AF.

The guy selling it said it spun with the AF, so I dunno.... o.O

raish

Olympus C-2500L

07/17/2008 04:30:23 AM · #7

I think the 17-55 nikon is dynamite and the 17-50 tamron is probably the way to go with your budget. You're bound to hanker after a long lens sooner or later, it's always about compromise (what with zooms sacrificing optical quality, focal length reducing max aperture etc) and when your budget gives you one compromise to start with, you can all too easily end up with one compromise too many. Wait and see.

KirkMcGirt

Canon EOS-30D

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

07/17/2008 04:43:27 AM · #8

i got the tamron 17-50mm. I think its a great lens for the price it is but im looking forward to replacing it for a better lens. The auto-focus doesnt work too well and im not happy with the exposure i get from it under natural light with my portraits.

Message edited by author 2008-07-17 04:45:17.

dahkota

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/17/2008 06:27:48 AM · #9

not sure where you are but you might try KEH.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

07/17/2008 01:56:15 PM · #10

Thanks for that link. They've got some tempting deals there.....

undieyatch

Olympus E-10

07/17/2008 02:24:22 PM · #11

I vote - Tokina 11-16 f/2.8

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/17/2008 02:51:27 PM · #12

Hmmm.... you say you have a 50mm lens and a wide one - how come people aren't pointing out that you might want to add a LONGER lens to that list?

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

07/17/2008 05:50:43 PM · #13

I have the 180mm f/2.8 on there... I realized it must be a little sketch, because it's marked as $400 for the AF version used in excellent condition... That's about $100-$150 less than most other retailers. But it's from a trusted place, so I dunno...

NstiG8tr

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

07/17/2008 06:19:21 PM · #14

just get a big one

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/17/2008 11:57:07 PM · #15

OOOOOOH, a used 85mm f/1.8 came in for only $300. I may spring for that. Thoughts?

Message edited by author 2008-07-17 23:57:22.

DarkRider

Nikon D300

07/18/2008 12:21:38 AM · #16

Originally posted by Anti-Martyr:

OOOOOOH, a used 85mm f/1.8 came in for only $300. I may spring for that. Thoughts?

Good glass! I just can't buy used and you can get it for under $400 NEW

Did you look into Nikon 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G AFS DX they are down to about $250 new. Great lens and you could also get a 70-300 for about $120. Thats two NEW lenses for $400 +/-!?!?!?

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

07/18/2008 12:23:41 AM · #17

If you've got a link to a new 85mm f/1.8 for under $400, I'd like to see it :O

levyj413

Nikon D7100

07/18/2008 12:33:01 AM · #18

Originally posted by Anti-Martyr:

If you've got a link to a new 85mm f/1.8 for under $400, I'd like to see it :O

Well, that didn't take long. It's $399 at B&H and $392 at Amazon, where if you qualify, you get free shipping.

Message edited by author 2008-07-18 00:34:18.