Too much glass?

Seekwence · Dec 22, 2010

I got the Nikon D3000 about a year ago when I made the switch to DSLR. I really like it for a low-end body, although I have found out for myself what some of the weaker points are. I would love to get a new body, but also want some new glass, particularly 70-200 f/2.8 or 24-70 f/2.8. I can't get both (body and lens) and I know that better glass generally trumps newer body, but wanted to get some input on this before dropping the $$$...

Derrel · Dec 23, 2010

Well, perhaps one or both of those might be considered "too much glass". Both are large, weighty lenses. Substantially heavier than the D3000 body, both of those Nikkors are professional caliber lenses, and will really "stand out in a crowd" compised of anything except press,sports, or wedding shooters...neither lens allows one to fly under the radar...nope--they put you ON the radar screen...so, potentially, yes, either or both could be considered "too much" in terms of size, weight, and visual profile.

tirediron · Dec 23, 2010

Too much glass? No such thing!

traylorc · Dec 23, 2010

Derrel said:
Well, perhaps one or both of those might be considered "too much glass". Both are large, weighty lenses. Substantially heavier than the D3000 body, both of those Nikkors are professional caliber lenses, and will really "stand out in a crowd" compised of anything except press,sports, or wedding shooters...neither lens allows one to fly under the radar...nope--they put you ON the radar screen...so, potentially, yes, either or both could be considered "too much" in terms of size, weight, and visual profile.

Derrel is spot on about either one of those lens putting you on the radar screen. I'm a noob, but I do have the 70-200mm f/2.8 (scored a fantastic price on this lens from a co-worker who started off Nikon but then changed to Canon). Anyhow, a couple of months ago I went to the zoo and took the 70-200mm with me. I had people stopping me constantly asking if I would take their picture. A number of folks told me "I hate to bother you, but it's obvious you are a professional would you mind taking a picture of us with the _______ in the background?"

After hearing that a few times I remember thinking to myself "me....a professional? Please....I can barely find my own butt with both hands when it comes to photography." But when you have one of those lens on your camera body, people automatically assume you are a professional. So if you buy either one of those lens, make sure you buy a good pair of sunglasses so you don't accidentally make eye contact with people, and bring your Ipod with you so it looks like you are listening to music. You are essentially going to become the next American Idol of Photography. :lol:

max3k · Dec 23, 2010

I personally own a Canon Rebel XS (about $400) with a 24-70L f2.8 ($1400).....I went glass before body. (which will be either a 7D or 5Dii)

Ken Rockwell Fan · Dec 23, 2010

Don't forget the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens. It's great glass for the money ($200ish).

Seekwence · Dec 27, 2010

Thanks for your responses. I am leaning towards the 24-70mm f/2.8 right now, but might have to wait a few more months...

Seekwence · Dec 29, 2010

Any thoughts on the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8. I am seriously considering this lens right now; there are the $550 and $900 versions that I am seeing...what is the difference between these Sigma models and the Nikon version for $1800?

Restomage · Dec 29, 2010

Those lenses will be overkill for that small of a body, but I guess it's always a good thing to invest in more glass before a new body.

Also, stay away from the 24-70mm, it won't do you any good on a crop frame (DX) sensor because it turns more into a telephoto lens, you will want the 17-55mm instead.

Seekwence · Dec 29, 2010

Restomage said:
Those lenses will be overkill for that small of a body, but I guess it's always a good thing to invest in more glass before a new body.

Also, stay away from the 24-70mm, it won't do you any good on a crop frame (DX) sensor because it turns more into a telephoto lens, you will want the 17-55mm instead.

Unfortunately I can't afford to buy both a new body and lens of this caliber...Probably going to get a 17-50, 24-70- or 7-200mm...

flea77 · Dec 29, 2010

The 24-70 2.8 is an excellent lens, even on a crop body. I have one and it hardly leaves my camera(a crop).

Sigma as two if I remember right, one is the HSM model which works on any camera, the other is the non-HSM which only works on cameras that have an internal focus motor (D80/D90/D70000/D200/D300/D700/D2/D3). Your D3000 does NOT have a focus motor so you have to buy the more expensive lenses.

Allan