Lens? Advise - AutoPhotog : Photo Enthusiasts/Pros Forum

RusherRacing · 02-11-2010, 01:10 PM

Well I have been doing reading etc.. Now I am more confused then I began.

This is for a Nikon D90

First off the only lens I have is the Tamron 18-200... I am getting a little fed up with it as of late. About everytime I use it I need to pop it on and off to get the Autofocus to work. Also sometimes it just doesn't want to autofocus. This lens is fairly soft compared to others and has more optical distortion than I like. So its going away via ebay.

Now what to replace it with?
I am on a strict budget as photography is in addition to my main hobbies for me. I use it to document my racing and travels and share with friends. I am learning photography so i have that skill to use when every I need it in life.

I do want a couple of new Lenses.

Please make recommendations, suggestions etc...
I am thinking 1 of each category please answer what you would choose and if possibly why.

If you have suggestions of another lens or "group" of lenses please let me know.

Walk around lens
18-105 VR (~$250)
18-135 (~$250)

Fast Lens
35mm 1.8 - Recommended by Ken Rockwell New $199
50mm 1.8 - New $130
50mm 1.4 - used for about $250

Zoom Lens
70-300 non VR (I can get for $125 bucks)
70-300 VR (much more money) ($400 used)
55-200 VR - Listed the wrong lens ($200 used)
other?

Wide Angle
Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 9 ($600)
Sigma 10-20 ($500)
other?

scollins · 02-12-2010, 12:43 AM

70-200 VR I is running $1500 on the used market. Highly recommended but probably way beyond the budget. The 70-300 VR is much newer tech than the non-vr model. Also consider the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 for $625 used to $800 new. I have one and I'm quite happy with it.

The 50mm f1.8 is hard to beat for the price. Good used copies of the 50mm f1.4 can be had for $250. The 30mm has the advantage of built in AF-S but is a DX only lens. Personally I'd take a 50mm f1.4 used, then an f1.8 new then the 30mm.

I'm thinking about the Sigma 10-20 f3.5 to compliment my 17-35 f2.8 or the Tokina.

No matter what however, I'm done with any zoom that isn't a constant aperture....

RusherRacing · 02-12-2010, 09:24 AM

Edited....

Yea I was thinking the 55-200 not the 70-200 2.8 :( I wish that was in the budget. Maybe one day...

02-11-2010, 01:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
RusherRacing PhotoFreak Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: South Dakota Shoots With: Nikon D90 Flickr: P/B RusherRacing Posts: 119	Lens? Advise Well I have been doing reading etc.. Now I am more confused then I began. This is for a Nikon D90 First off the only lens I have is the Tamron 18-200... I am getting a little fed up with it as of late. About everytime I use it I need to pop it on and off to get the Autofocus to work. Also sometimes it just doesn't want to autofocus. This lens is fairly soft compared to others and has more optical distortion than I like. So its going away via ebay. Now what to replace it with? I am on a strict budget as photography is in addition to my main hobbies for me. I use it to document my racing and travels and share with friends. I am learning photography so i have that skill to use when every I need it in life. I do want a couple of new Lenses. Please make recommendations, suggestions etc... I am thinking 1 of each category please answer what you would choose and if possibly why. If you have suggestions of another lens or "group" of lenses please let me know. Walk around lens 18-105 VR (~$250) 18-135 (~$250) Fast Lens 35mm 1.8 - Recommended by Ken Rockwell New $199 50mm 1.8 - New $130 50mm 1.4 - used for about $250 Zoom Lens 70-300 non VR (I can get for $125 bucks) 70-300 VR (much more money) ($400 used) 55-200 VR - Listed the wrong lens ($200 used) other? Wide Angle Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 9 ($600) Sigma 10-20 ($500) other? __________________ Pick Two: Cheap, Fast, Reliable Blog: Rusher Racing Last edited by RusherRacing; 02-12-2010 at 09:23 AM. Reason: Edited to Reflect correct lens and add prices

02-12-2010, 12:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
scollins PhotoFreak Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Renton Shoots With: Nikon D300 Flickr: scollins1868 Posts: 140	70-200 VR I is running $1500 on the used market. Highly recommended but probably way beyond the budget. The 70-300 VR is much newer tech than the non-vr model. Also consider the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 for $625 used to $800 new. I have one and I'm quite happy with it. The 50mm f1.8 is hard to beat for the price. Good used copies of the 50mm f1.4 can be had for $250. The 30mm has the advantage of built in AF-S but is a DX only lens. Personally I'd take a 50mm f1.4 used, then an f1.8 new then the 30mm. I'm thinking about the Sigma 10-20 f3.5 to compliment my 17-35 f2.8 or the Tokina. No matter what however, I'm done with any zoom that isn't a constant aperture.... __________________ Scott C. Renton WA Nikon D300 w/MBD-10 \| Nikkor 17-35 f2.8 \| Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR I \| Nikkor 50mm f1.8 \| Nikon SB-600 \| B+W Filters \| Tenba Shootout Medium Backpack \| Tenba Shootout Medium Sling \| Vanguard Alta Pro 284CT tripod \| Manfrotto 488RC2 Ballhead \| ProMaster Monopod NS \| Manfrotto 234RC Monopod head

02-12-2010, 09:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
RusherRacing PhotoFreak Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: South Dakota Shoots With: Nikon D90 Flickr: P/B RusherRacing Posts: 119	Edited.... Yea I was thinking the 55-200 not the 70-200 2.8 :( I wish that was in the budget. Maybe one day... __________________ Pick Two: Cheap, Fast, Reliable Blog: Rusher Racing

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