D7000 which lens?

[Kimmy1979]

Hello, I have the D7000 and the 18-105 VR lens Kit. I photograph dog shows where the animals are both running and standing still. I am finding when I zoom, the photo is not as clear as I like. I was wondering if I could be advised which lens to get to improve the quality of the photo when I zoom, I'm zooming up to 30ms and when taking a standing non moving shot of a dog who is around 4m away which is the best lense? Thank you in advance.

 

[DorkSterr]

70-200 2.8 or 4. What's your budget?

 

[Kimmy1979]

Um don't really have one.

 

[Derrel]

Yes, I would agree...from 4 meters to 30 meters, on a 1.5x Nikon, the 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S G Nikkor lens would be a wonderful lens to have for dog shows. It's NOT cheap...AND, this is the best thing, the OLDER, first version of the 70-200 VR lens is available very affordably, and is also a fine lens.

 

[Kimmy1979]

So I shouldn't buy 2 lenses, one for the standing dogs and one for the moving further away dogs?
What about the new lens the 70-200 f/4 ?

 

[ScottMac]

Hi Kimmy

The equipment that you currently have is more than competent to give you good results and I would speculate, if you are not happy with your pictures, that it is either your detail knowledge of the equipment and/or your photographic technique rather than your equipment that requires a review. Throwing some time, energy and effort at learning your equipment and improving your technique is far more likely to provide a better return than simply throwing additional money at equipment. Only you are likely to know when you have reached the limit of your existing equipment, and when an upgrade is required. Exploit your equipment to the limits, understand what the limits on your equipment actually are, and only when you have reached those limits, consider upgrading your equipment.

While the above comments may seem to be presumptuous, it has become too easy for people to suggest improvements to equipment, and in some cases, such improvements may make a difference. But if you are not exploiting the equipment you currently have to its fullest extent owing to a lack of knowledge and/or questionable techniques, focusing on each of those aspects is likely to improve your images far more than any additional, expensive equipment.

OK, got that bit off my chest. So when you are comfortable with your existing equipment and technique, and you feel you have reached the limits of your existing lens, I suggest that you look at the following two lenses for your stated needs:
- 35mm F1.8G DX; relatively inexpensive and a reasonably fast "normal" prime lens. This should allow for your portrait-type pictures of dogs from around 4 metres away, can work well in relatively low light without a flash, and will double up as a "normal", walk-about lens. Further, a single step towards or away from the subject, when at 4 metres, can make a substantial difference to your framing of the image.
- your question regarding the new 70-200 f4 lens is apt but only you can answer for your needs (and desires and budget!). All accounts indicate that this is a great lens and will work well in your desire for pictures of fast-moving subjects at around 30m. The 70-200 f2.8 may be a faster lens, but it is also heavier and more expensive. If on a limited budget, also consider the 70-300 VR, especially if your photography is almost exclusively undertaken in good light. At a third of the price of the 70-200 f4, it is not limited to a third of the ability. Sure, it does have limitations, but few that cannot be overcome with equipment knowledge, technique, and reasonable light.

Take care....

Scott

 

[shadowlands]

If you're on a budget, look into the 80-200 f2.8D (two ring). Just got one and I'm in love.
I paid $770 adorama.com with a warranty!!! It rocks!!!

 

[TheLost]

Gratuitous dog shot with a 70-200... and to confuse things even more.. it was shot at f/4.. and with a $500 Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSMII.

If you want the best: Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VRII... if you want to save money: Nikon 70-200 f/4... If you want to save money and still have the best (for your DX D7000): Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR1 (older model).

Moving, standing... doesn't matter... A 70-200 f/2.8 is the go-to lens for sports AND portrait shooters.

I'm very happy with my D7000 and the older Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR1. However, i also got some great shots with the cheap Sigma... It REALLY depends on how much you want to spend.

 

[Rhoads238]

If you want you could try an 85mm 1.8g for standing dogs. It will have nice bokeh for doggy portraits.

 

[Dave Devoid]

I want that dog...

 

[Solarflare]

I would prefer the new 70-200mm f/4 over the 70-200mm f/2.8

1) about half the weight
2) optically probably at least as good, if not better(*)
3) cheaper too, without any loss except for weight and one step of aperture

(*) This is a wild guess / hope of mine. I have yet to see any review. But considering the circumstances (original Nikon lens, the pricing), it should rock.

 

[TheLost]

I would prefer the new 70-200mm f/4 over the 70-200mm f/2.8

1) about half the weight
2) optically probably at least as good, if not better(*)
3) cheaper too, without any loss except for weight and one step of aperture

(*) This is a wild guess / hope of mine. I have yet to see any review. But considering the circumstances (original Nikon lens, the pricing), it should rock.

I'm going to cause another fight here but... i totally disagree.

I will give you the weight issue... and i believe the f/4 is also a bit shorter.. However..

The OP is shooting DX, and on DX the VR1 is just as good as the VR2. The VR1 is extremely sharp at f/2.8 and i will go on a limb and say that it will be sharper at f/4 then the Newer 70-200 f/4.

Also, i haven't seen anything that says what type of build quality the new f/4 will have. The VR1 is built like a TANK.

For the same price (A used VR1 is ~$1.3kUS) to me its a no brainier.. f/2.8 all the way!

I want that dog...

Once you own an English Bulldog you'll never want anything else

 

[TheFantasticG]

What are your AF settings during these shows?


The IQ of the 18-105 blows donkey dong, IMHO, which is why I upgraded to the 24-120 F4 VR as my walk around. Besides, wouldn't you want something longer for this kind of work?

 

[fjrabon]

What are your AF settings during these shows?

The IQ of the 18-105 blows donkey dong, IMHO, which is why I upgraded to the 24-120 F4 VR as my walk around. Besides, wouldn't you want something longer for this kind of work?

Between f/5.6 and f/11 the 18-105 IQ is about as good as anything on a crop body, even on the D7000 with its high resolution.

 

[Dave Devoid]

I want that dog...

Once you own an English Bulldog you'll never want anything else

Im English, but arent they technically called a British bulldog?.....I really love the French Bulldog too...A little smaller, but just as cute...