Camera Labs

Hi guys,

I know that I posted a thread asking for a lens choice for a D90. However things changed and I'll be getting the D300s.

Now after having a look at the Nikon prospectus there are two pr three lenses that I'd consider buying.

The 35mm prime lens for indoors and close ups

The 12-24mm for landscape and 16-85mm

The 70-200mm for sports, airshows and motorsports

What do you think mostly of the 12-24mm lense. I fancy that one as it gives me nice range for landscape photography as well. The prime would be a nice bonus and the quality seems to be alright as well.

What do you guys think of that? Mostly interested in opinions about the range that would be covered.

Many thanks for your thoughts and suggestions. If you need more information about my profile let me know.


Cheers

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http://ishootnikon.wordpress.com

Just a thought:

I think in an earlier thread you indicated you were new to dslr photography, perhaps buy one lens, like the 35 mm to start with unless the package price you're getting all three at the same time is good.

I think that way you get accustomed to what photography style and lens focal range you actually will use long term.

Just on a side note, the 12-24 has similar performance to the 10-24 (which is even cheaper here in Holland). You will get 2 extra mm at the wide end and save yourself some bucks. Another possibility could be the 11-16 Tokina lens if you want something for low light too or the new and very decent scoring 8-16 Sigma.

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- Wout -
Nikon D80 with 18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 488RC0 midi ballhead
Lowepro CompuRover AW and Nova 200 AW

You're looking at quite a range of lenses there. I'd consider buying your lenses in increments.

16-85mm - definitely a good option for an everyday lens, and it could well go wide enough for you.

17-55mm - another good option and better built. Again 17mm might well be wide enough for you.

70-200mm - don't know if you're looking at the VR i or VR ii. The VR i will be cheaper and work well on DX format. If you're into your airshows, you will find the range on a 70-200mm lacking on DX. Ideally you'll be wanting 300 or more. Options there are the cheaper and slower 70-300mm VR ii (not the fastest focusser out there, but OK for good light) or a teleconvertor on the 70-200mm. For other sports in variable light, the 70-300mm isn't such a good option though.

You may find that with a 17-55mm F2.8 in your bag you won't use a 35mm prime much. I bought a 35mm, but didn't find it as useable as I thought I would, there was a bit of distortion and the bokeh wasn't particularly pleasing. A 17-55mm could well replace your need for a cheap prime.

So once you've got a 16-85 or 17-55 + a 70-200, you'll then see if you need a 12-24 or 10-24. I find that I'm very rarely using that focal length, so did not want to lay down too much cash on a wide angle and plumped for the Sigma in the end (after trying a lot of samples).

p.s. Just because it's a wide angle doesn't mean it's ideal for landscapes. I think you may find a 16-85 or 17-55 ideal for 99% of your landscape shots.

Wow talking about an upgrade, but hey don't stress it too much.

My very best advice is the same as the others have said, take it easy and buy one after one, I would especially wait with the wide angle 12-24, and go for a 16-85 or equivalent for all purpose photography, the extra width is not very useful, and there are many other alternatives if you need to go wider later on.

But a 16-200 total range with a 35mm prime will sure st you of well, -i can't say if it's the best combo but sure is nice Maybe a tele converter for your 70-200 is a good idea if you are much into long distance photography. Looking at it myself and I think it's a great piece of equipment

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Nikon D90 | Nikkor 18-105 AF-S f/3.5-5.6 VR | Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon MB - D80 battery grip | Lowepro Flipside 200

Nokia 6220 5mp - Carl Zeiss optics



Flickr

All Nikon DX users should be forced at gunpoint to buy and use the 35mm f/1.8 This little thing is a gem.

Matt

+ 1 for the 35 1.8. The lens is great, and if you are thinking of buying expensive lenses you have NO excuse not to buy it.

For sports: 70-200 all the way. The range is great, the aperture is nice, although you will most likely not need stabilisation (since you're at 1/300th for sports anyhow. Take a look at the sigma 70-200 if your only intent is to do sports. Fast AF, pretty sharp, nice lens.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

You may also find our Nikkor lens guide useful:

http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/lens_b ... nses.shtml

Hi Gordon,

yes your guide certainly helped me finding my lenses.