Nikon D70s + what lenses?

[ModestPenguin]

So I've decided to go with nikon and I think that I prefer the D70s body over the D50. Now things are about to get costly.

what 2 lenses should I get with the D70. I have no idea what too look for as I've never purchased lenses before.

and if that gets too costly what two lenses should I buy if I end up getting the D50.

I'll be trying for artistic photos such as some that I will post below.

Thanks!

 

[Abstract]

Is the new Nikon D80 too expensive? Check with B&H online first. Their prices are good and they're a good online store with a fantastic reputation. 🙂

Anyway, get the Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 as a general lens. It does so much you don't understand. The f/2.8 gives you very good control over depth of field, and is great for shooting under low light (I don't like using flash under low light). I bought the Sigma 24-70 mm f/2.8 because the Sigma can shoot a bit wider than the Tamron (ie: at 24 mm rather than the Tamron's 28 mm), and it can shoot at a magnification ratio of 1:3.9, which makes it good for macros. Of course a dedicated macro lens with a 1:1 ratio is better, but this 1:3.9 is still great for a general walk-around zoom lens.

The Sigma is fantastic, and despite the fact I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, the Tamron is supposed to be even better than the Sigma (and better + cheaper than the Nikon 28-70 mm). It's not a macro lens though, and it shoots from 28 mm rather than 24 mm, which makes a slight difference if you shoot a lot of wide photos.

The other lens I want to recommend is the Nikon 50 mm f/1.8. It's only like $100 in the US. Fantastic for indoor shots and low light.

I don't have a telephoto lens to recommend because I rarely have to take photos of something that's very far away. It just doesn't come up too often. 😉 I like taking landscapes, and regular everyday things where I'd have to shoot wide rather than something far away. Any general zoom lens would do for me, although I'm waiting to see how much the Nikon 70-300 mm with VR will cost where I live. 🙂

I don't know what you mean by "artistic" shots, but if you like macro shots, then the Nikon 105 mm macro, Nikon 105 mm macro with VR (worth the extra cost over the version without VR), or any of the 3rd party vendor models are great. The Nikon 105 mm with VR is probably the best because it has VR, but Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron all make a macro lens that's probably 98% as good (and cheaper) than the Nikon 105 mm macro without VR.

If you like portraits, then nothing is going to be better than the Nikon 85 mm f/1.4 lens. There's also a cheaper Nikon 85 mm f/1.8 lens, and that's probably very good as well.



So I'd recommend:

- Nikon D50 or D70s (or preferrably the D80 since it looks fantastic and is the brand new successor to the D70s)

- Sigma 24-70 mm f/2.8 macro lens (which I own) or maybe a Sigma/Tamron 18-50 (or 18-55 mm?) f/2.8 lens as a general walk-around lens. It's probably $300-400 USD. The Nikon 17-55 mm probably costs over $1000 USD, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you were very very keen.

- Nikon 50 mm f/1.8 (costs around $120 from B&H, I believe). The f/1.4 version is probably more than double the cost.

- Nikon 105 mm "micro" with VR, or a Sigma 105 mm macro lens (cheaper than the Nikon option without VR). If you're not hardcore into macro shots, the Sigma I recommended does quasi-macro shots. 🙂 The Sigma is probably $350 or something, while the Nikon 105 with VR likely costs around $800-900.

- Nikon 85 mm f/1.8 for portraits (costs around $400 USD, probably). The f/1.4 version is more expensive.

 

[macdaddy121]

Simple answer....because I'm doing this.....get the Nikon D50 (much better bang for your buck than the D70 (especially as a noob to DSLR)) and the 50mm 1,8 (only 120 new) and the 24-120mm VR (used for around $350). Then you will have a camera and two lenses for about $1000. You can get a good SD card for about $40 depending on size.

I just got the D50 today and the only thing I wish it had was a larger LCD screen. That's why I'm going to work with the D50 for about 6 months and then upgrade to the D80 (depending on reviews).

You seem like you are somewhat on a budget so instead of the 24-120 VR used, you could get the D70 kit lense which I believe is the 18-70mm for about 200 used.

I don't believe the D70 is worth the cost compared to the D50 but that's just me and everyone has different needs.

Wait to get the D80 until they have worked out the initial kinks (there have been kinks in the D50 and the D70 when they were first released) and then jump in line for it....because it looks like a great camera for $1000.


Let us know what you decide.

 

[dalvin200]

I just last week received my first dSLR - the Nikon D50 and I got it with the standard kit lens - Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED.

It seems good so far, but I'm just getting used to the settings (coming from a point n shoot background) and learning about aperture and stuff..

Anyone have any tips/tricks/ basic knowledge of how to use these?

But I agree with macdaddy121 about the LCD size, but I guess I can live with it 🙂

Thanks

 

[FleurDuMal]

Well, if you can find it (God help you, I've been looking for weeks over here in the UK) get the 18-200mm VR as a general, everyday walkabout lense as it is the creme-de-la-creme of such lenses. I do a lot of urban photography, and this, in combination with a good zoom lense in the wide-angle range, would be perfect for me. Although I wouldn't mind a fast prime lense in the mid-range either... 🙄 .

Oh, and before setting off buying £1000's worth of lense, make sure you buy "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It's a fantastic book and will really help you understand how to create good, creative exposures using what you have. After buying two crappy books by David Busch, Understanding Exposure has revolutionised the way I take photos. You'd be surprised what can be achieved with a cheap(ish) lense.

 

[spicyapple]

I was initially going to get the D200 but will settle for the D80. 🙂 (Don't need the deep buffer and faster processor). But the D80 is essentially a D200 for prosumers.

A lens I would get would be the 18-200mm VR Nikon, even though it's pricey. I figure it has a high resale value and really coveted by the professionals. Then for fun, I might pick up the 10.5mm for nice panoramics and other specialty uses. Perhaps even do a side business in making realtor panoramas for a little cash on the side to pay for this expensive hobby!

 

[Suzuki]

I have a D100. Get the D70 or D80 over the D50 - you'll appreciate it in the long run. The D50 is just a little to basic for my liking. Aimed at the "point and shoot" user who wants to flash a D-SLR about, whereas the D70 is aimed more towards the amateur hobbyist people.

Anyway, lenses. First two lenses I'd recommend would be a wide angle and a telephoto. Thesedays however, you can combine them into one lens and you don't lose too much in clarity in your photographs.

If you're on a budget, get something like the Sigma 18-200mm f3.5/6.3. This gives you your wide angle and a decent telephoto, all combined in one relatively cheap lens. If you can afford it, get Nikon's version with VRII.

For your second lens, looking at the pictures you've put up, either get the 50mm f/1.4 as people above have said, or get yourself a dedicated macro lens.
I have the Nikon 60mm f/2.6 Micro. It's a fantastic lens, and not stupidly expensive.

Have a look around and buy the most expensive you can afford - you'll appreciate it. Such a shame to buy a nice camera and put cheap lenses on it. You'd be better off getting expensive lenses and using a cheap camera. 😉

Have fun!

 

[furious]

love the detail in the parrot. what kind of bird is it?

 

[Abstract]

A lens I would get would be the 18-200mm VR Nikon, even though it's pricey. I figure it has a high resale value and really coveted by the professionals. Then for fun, I might pick up the 10.5mm for nice panoramics and other specialty uses. Perhaps even do a side business in making realtor panoramas for a little cash on the side to pay for this expensive hobby!

Firstly, it's not coveted by professionals. 😉

Secondly, you're also not always going to get the results you want from this lens. Like any lens with a wide focal range like this starting from 18 mm or therabouts, there's lots of distortion on both sides ---- I'm talking barrel at 18 mm, and pin distortion at 200 mm. It's not a fast enough lens to freeze motion (ie: to take a sharp photo of a moving object), and because of it's rather small aperture, it wouldn't be great for portraits.

It's great as a walk-around lens, though. If you just want to take general photos of family, friends, coworkers, the building across the street, random stuff sitting on your table, BBQs, picnics, etc, then it's the perfect lens. For myself and some others, even in general photography, then there are going to be many times when you want something that blurs the background while keeping the subject/person in focus, or what about photographing a moving object but wanting to keep it focused?

This is why it would also be a good idea to own a lens like an 18-55 mm f/2.8 or 24-70 f/2.8 as a general walk-around lens. It's worse in many ways, but better in other ways.

Also, I wouldn't spend so much money on a lens that can't be used on a DSLR with a full frame sensor (ie: a sensor with a size equivalent to 35 mm film). I know Nikon doesn't have any full frame cameras right now, but they might in the future, and that 18-200 mm DX lens won't cover a full frame sensor. All the lenses I buy (except the Tokina 12-24 mm) and will buy from now on will be able to fit on cameras that have either an APS-C sized sensor like in the Nikon D50/D70s/D80/D200/etc, OR a camera with a 35 mm equivalent "full frame" sensor. That way my huge investment in lenses won't be wasted if Nikon ever goes full frame, and I get one of the full frame cameras.

 

[macdaddy121]

Firstly, it's not coveted by professionals. 😉

Secondly, you're also not always going to get the results you want from this lens. Like any lens with a wide focal range like this starting from 18 mm or therabouts, there's distortion on both sides ---- I'm talking barrel and pin distortion. It's not a fast enough lens to freeze motion (ie: to take a sharp photo of a moving object), and because of it's rather small aperture, it wouldn't be great for portraits. If you just want to take general photos of stuff while walking around, then it's a great lens. If you're not always going to be taking photos of family, friends, coworkers, the building across the street, random stuff sitting on your table, etc, then there are going to be many times when you want something that blurs the background while keeping the subject/person in focus, for example. This is why it would also be a good idea to own a lens like an 18-55 mm f/2.8 or something as a general walk-around lens. Hell, what about in low light situations? The VR helps, but a faster aperture is better. VR also won't help if the subject is moving, only when your own hands are moving/shaking.

Also, I wouldn't spend so much money on a lens that can't be used on a DSLR with a full frame sensor (ie: equivalent in size to 35 mm film). I know Nikon doesn't have any full frame cameras right now, but one day they might, and that 18-200 mm DX lens won't be usable. All the lenses I buy (except the Tokina 12-24 mm) can fit on cameras that have either an APS-C sized sensor like in the Nikon D50/D70s/D80/D200/etc, OR a camera with a 35 mm equivalent "full frame" sensor. Hell, those would work on film cameras as well.

Maybe not coveted by professionals but it is coveted by ME!!!!

I haven't heard a single rumor about Nikon going to full frame and even if they did you could unload your lenses for a fairly good price and upgrade. Not only that $750 for the 18-200 vr is a great price....IMO...that lense can almost be a do it all lense for 750....I want one but I think I'm going to get the 24-120 to start and then see if I'm ready to step up to the 18-200. Both are amazing lenses.

 

[spicyapple]

Also, I wouldn't spend so much money on a lens that can't be used on a DSLR with a full frame sensor

🙂

Well, the Canon 5D is going for about $3,000.

 

[torid110]

Maybe not coveted by professionals but it is coveted by ME!!!!

I haven't heard a single rumor about Nikon going to full frame and even if they did you could unload your lenses for a fairly good price and upgrade. Not only that $750 for the 18-200 vr is a great price....IMO...that lense can almost be a do it all lense for 750....I want one but I think I'm going to get the 24-120 to start and then see if I'm ready to step up to the 18-200. Both are amazing lenses.

I have the 18-200 VR and it's a great lens. I do agree it's not a "pro" lens, but i wanted a good walk-around lens that can replace my 18-70 and this was it. I think the combination of the VR and the range sealed it for me. 750 is a great price, if you're willing to wait a few months. The backorder on this baby is RIDICULOUS. I picked mine up off of ebay for a $150 markup on the MSRP.

 

[milozauckerman]

Be prepared for long waits - Nikon's had trouble meeting demand on the D200 and the D80 is largely the same.

I only use two lenses on my D70, a 20/2.8 and a 50/1.8 - both are reasonably cheap and they cover a slightly-wide spectrum to slightly telephoto. A good option in between is the Sigma 30/1.4 - reasonably cheap, it's been out for a while so the kinks should have been worked through, and it's fast.

 

[quruli]

The D80 has not been released. So now historical data about not meeting demand for it is available.

 

[macdaddy121]

Be prepared for long waits - Nikon's had trouble meeting demand on the D200 and the D80 is largely the same.

I only use two lenses on my D70, a 20/2.8 and a 50/1.8 - both are reasonably cheap and they cover a slightly-wide spectrum to slightly telephoto. A good option in between is the Sigma 30/1.4 - reasonably cheap, it's been out for a while so the kinks should have been worked through, and it's fast.

I don't see why the D80 will be backordered....hopefully Nikon has solved the problem on production. They should understand that people want to buy their products. The D200 did have a lot of trouble but it is now (after a year) available anywhere you go....pretty much. Nikon is saying early September for the D80's to arrive.

However, there might be a wait for the D80....this is Nikon we are talking about.

I think the wait time on the 18-200 is about 1 to 2 months!!!!

 

[ModestPenguin]

Wow. Lots of advice. Thanks everyone. I'm planning on going out to purchase/placing an order on the 15th of september. It seems like the bonuses from going with a D80 over a D50 are great and I'll try to do that.

Someone was asking about the parrot and to tell you the truth I have no idea. It was taken at the local botanical gardens. His sister was camera shy but this little guy said "I can pose" and click.

As far as my knowledge of photography. I have one ancient 35mm SLR minolta P.O.S. that Ive been using at school for 2 years and recently inherited a much newer minolta 35mm SLR that is very nice. (OMG AutoFocus for the win!) THe first minolta was entirely standard. So I have a good fundamental knowledge of SLRs but I havent ever purchased lenses.

Thanks again everybody for rocking with all the advise. I'm still deciding. I'll keep you updated.

Keep the advise coming BTW its great!