Nikon Lens help

caitlin · Jul 1, 2009

I am currently shooting with a Nikon D80 and the lens that came with it, the 18-135mm. I'm really bored with that lens and am looking to get a new one. I have the price range between $300-$400, so does anyone have any suggestions? I want either a Sigma or a Nikkor.

Also, I am fairly positive I am also getting the 50mm/1.8D as well. Good lens?

Thanks for any help!!!

NateS · Jul 1, 2009

caitlin said:
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D80 and the lens that came with it, the 18-135mm. I'm really bored with that lens and am looking to get a new one. I have the price range between $300-$400, so does anyone have any suggestions? I want either a Sigma or a Nikkor.

Also, I am fairly positive I am also getting the 50mm/1.8D as well. Good lens?

Thanks for any help!!!

What do you shoot? It would be kind of silly for us to recommend a 70-300 range when you shoot landscapes....or to recommend a 10-20 if you shoot wildlife.

Why are you so set on a Sigma or Nikkor? There are many lenses that are made by Tamron that are everybit as good as Sigma and/or Nikon (some that are actually better). You should want the best lens for your money regardless of the brand.

caitlin · Jul 1, 2009

NateS said:
caitlin said:

I am currently shooting with a Nikon D80 and the lens that came with it, the 18-135mm. I'm really bored with that lens and am looking to get a new one. I have the price range between $300-$400, so does anyone have any suggestions? I want either a Sigma or a Nikkor.

Also, I am fairly positive I am also getting the 50mm/1.8D as well. Good lens?

Thanks for any help!!!

Click to expand...

What do you shoot? It would be kind of silly for us to recommend a 70-300 range when you shoot landscapes....or to recommend a 10-20 if you shoot wildlife.

Why are you so set on a Sigma or Nikkor? There are many lenses that are made by Tamron that are everybit as good as Sigma and/or Nikon (some that are actually better). You should want the best lens for your money regardless of the brand.

To be honest, I didn't even think of Tamron. I've just heard so many good things about Sigma lenses and Nikkor.

I shoot mainly portraits, landscape, and live band photography.

I want a sharp lens, that'll catch bright colors.

kundalini · Jul 1, 2009

For the type of shooting you mentioned, I think the Nikkor 35mm f/2 would be great. I have it and use it a lot. I photograph for my local animal shelter and it works a charm in confined areas. The color, contrast, sharpness and fast focus is pretty remarkable. Minimum focusing distance is only 9-10" which is pretty nice. It'll set you back $350USD.

Defy · Jul 1, 2009

try to find the older nikon 35-70mm 2.8. You can pick them up for about 400. It's a push/pull lens but the optics are awesome for the price!

JerryPH · Jul 1, 2009

Live band photography... where are you in relation to distance to the band? On stage? In the audience 50 rows back?

It comes to bear.

In the end, though, 99% of bands play in low light... so no matter what lens, it should be fast. The Nikkor 85mm F/1.4 comes to mind rather fast or the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens for something a little shorter in focal length. Another one that I would recommend is the Sigma 30mm F/1.4... awesome little lens for cropped sensor cameras and it is tack sharp. I own this one and it is my favorite cropped sensor prime lens... just excellent!