Lens suggestions please..

[~Carla~]

I need help please.. trying to decide on an "everyday" walking around lens... I just bought the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 but I don't care for it... I don't know if I got a bum lens or something but it's not tack sharp at all... not impressed with it. My cheapo Nikon 35-80mm f/3.5-5.6 is much sharper. And the Sigma is a BIG lens... I have a small frame/small hands so this is quite the lens to lug around... (and I did put it on a tripod when I was testing it out.. still not happy with the results).

My lenses so far are:

Sigma 10-20mm f/4.5-6
Nikon 35-80mm f/3.5-5.6D
Sigma 105mm f/2.8
Nikon 70-210mm f/4-5.6D
Nikon 50mm f/1.8

Should I just stick with my 35-80mm? I was looking to upgrade to a f/2.8, but maybe I should leave well enough alone?

Suggestions from the 'pro's' would be much appreciated! :D

[tirediron]

You don't mention the all-important figure when discussing lenses, that is: How much can you afford to spend. I'm not surprised by your comments on the Sigma. In general it seems to be a good lens, but there are many reports of widely varying quality. I'm curious though, how were you comparing it to the 35-80? That is, were the images the same, shot at equivalent ISOs & aperture, etc?

As far as what's next, the 35 isn't nearly wide enough for my tastes. There are two 'walking around lenses' that I'd suggest. The first of course is the 24-70 2.8. This is an absolutely amazing piece of glass, and for me, worth every penny I spent on it. The other is the 18-70 3.5/4.5 (The D70 kit lens). It's not nearly as fast as the 24-70, but it's nice and wide, and has absolutely excellent IQ, esp. for a "kit" lens - I still use mine frequently.

[mindforge]

YOu have the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 listed. You can get the 50mm 1.4D for around $300-400 and that is always on one of my cameras. When I go out of the house I have that on the camera and then a 70-300 in the bag. The 50mm 1.4D is amazing and unless you are shooting in really dark conditions you will never need a flash.

Go with the 50mm 1.8 or spring for a little more cash and get that 50mm 1.4

[~Carla~]

You don't mention the all-important figure when discussing lenses, that is: How much can you afford to spend. I'm not surprised by your comments on the Sigma. In general it seems to be a good lens, but there are many reports of widely varying quality. I'm curious though, how were you comparing it to the 35-80? That is, were the images the same, shot at equivalent ISOs & aperture, etc?

As far as what's next, the 35 isn't nearly wide enough for my tastes. There are two 'walking around lenses' that I'd suggest. The first of course is the 24-70 2.8. This is an absolutely amazing piece of glass, and for me, worth every penny I spent on it. The other is the 18-70 3.5/4.5 (The D70 kit lens). It's not nearly as fast as the 24-70, but it's nice and wide, and has absolutely excellent IQ, esp. for a "kit" lens - I still use mine frequently.


I can't spend $2k on a lens.. would like to stay about $600-800ish... just bought the Sigma 10-20mm f/2.8 which I have no issues with...

What about this lens?

http://www.cameracanada.com/eNet-cart/Product.asp?pid=14334&type=

I was comparing both at the same focal lengths, etc.. its just blah. Really not impressed with it.... of all the shots I took I didn't even get one that was 'ok' in my mind... all my pics looked 'soft' to me. Just not happy with it at all.. and I only have 7 days from when I got it to return it, or i'm out $750.. :eek:

[~Carla~]

YOu have the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 listed. You can get the 50mm 1.4D for around $300-400 and that is always on one of my cameras. When I go out of the house I have that on the camera and then a 70-300 in the bag. The 50mm 1.4D is amazing and unless you are shooting in really dark conditions you will never need a flash.

Go with the 50mm 1.8 or spring for a little more cash and get that 50mm 1.4

I was looking at the 1.4 too... what about the new G lens that's out?

50mm f1.4 G AFS Lens Nikon...

[AcadieLibre]

First thing I would do is go and get an exchange on the 24-70 lens, and see if it is maybe just the lens, you just bought it so I would try another copy. I have said this numerous times but my main lens is 24-70mm but it it a Canon L series, top of the line but I find the 24-70 for the most part is a good range for what I shoot. Exchange, see if it is that particular lens.

[mindforge]

I was looking at the 1.4 too... what about the new G lens that's out?

50mm f1.4 G AFS Lens Nikon...

The 50mm 1.4G is on a hardcore backorder... I have been waiting two months so far, I already paid for it too.

I also have a 50mm 1.4D which is a great lens too. My wife will inherit it when my G comes.

[~Carla~]

Thanks guys... I took the 24-70 Sigma back.. didn't care for it at all..

What about this lens?

Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.. seems like a good range.. anyone use this one?

[tirediron]

The 50mm 1.4G is on a hardcore backorder... I have been waiting two months so far, I already paid for it too.

I also have a 50mm 1.4D which is a great lens too. My wife will inherit it when my G comes.

Not to derail the thread, but... D'ya really think it's worth it?

[~Carla~]

Not to derail the thread, but... D'ya really think it's worth it?

No worries.. i'm wondering too..