New lens, sort of confused.

[ChrisJuliano]

Okay, so I will be getting a d80 soon (I have a d40 now) and decided to help out my local airsoft forum by photographing a big event in feb.

So I am wondering if I should buy a new lens or if my 50mm is perfect.

Just for people who dont know what airsoft is, its like paintball, and would be held outdoor in the snow.

I would like to keep a distance from the players (20-40 feet).

If the 50mm is not good, what lens would I be able to use for this + a general use lens when I go on vacation.

Help is appreciated.

 

[AduNeButt]

It really depends on what the situation is. What are the expectations of the field? It sounds like you're just helping them out with some small time publicity in which case I don't see any need for you to go out of your way and spend money on a lens just for the occasion.

 

[ChrisJuliano]

Well I am doing this for fun, I dont feel like playing that day so I decided I could take pics.

Most of the time its just a kid with a p&s so they just want pics being taken.

But I thought I could get some nice pics if I did it, and I would only buy a lens if I could also find it very useful when I go on vacations or just general photography.

I already have a sigma 105mm macro lens + 50mm f1.8

 

[Big Mike]

I would think that your 105mm would be better suited for this, so that you won't have to be so close.

Ideally, I'd want to shoot with something like a 70-200mm lens, or maybe something longer.

 

[ChrisJuliano]

But its a macro lens.

Hmm I wouldnt really ever use a telephoto lens if I bought it, just for this situtation.

So wouldnt really be worth it.

 

[g4pfk]

Hi

out of my collection of lenses I would choose the 18 - 200 VR lens, a good all round lens.
I have a D80 & try to keep it on all the time, my back up D50 I use a longer or wider lens to suit - but I love to experiment & challenge myself.
Tried once on a canal walk with a 170-500 & a 10-20mm on the bodies, interesting because ifI had a 3rd body with the 18-200 would have been usefull, enjoy it.

graham

just looked thru your flickr images - very nice - keep on shooting.

 

[ChrisJuliano]

Thanks, maybe I will look into a cheap $130 nikon telephoto.

Hmm that seems like it would be a good choice for this stuff.

 

[Big Mike]

But its a macro lens.

Just about every 'macro' lens can be used just like a 'normal' lens...the difference is that it can also be used for macro when needed.

 

[Ejazzle]

55-200 is a great lens for about 100 bucks

 

[ChrisJuliano]

Ahh ic, when I tried using it as anything but macro the detail wasnt so great.

I am thinking I could get the nikon telephoto for christmas with my d80.