Hello, I am going to Burning Man later this month and am considering buying a lens specifically for the trip. There are a lot of dust-out conditions and the consensus is it is best not to change lenses at all if possible as it is too dusty. Since I am concerned about damaging gear and have a wedding 2 weeks after I get back, I am exploring all in one lenses to take so i don't have to change lenses. I'm going with the mindset I have to be able to afford to lose it.... My current choice so far is the Nikon 24-120 VR f3.5-5.6. I can pick it up off KEH for ~$200 Locally there is a Tamron 24-135 on CL for the same, $200. No VR and I believe this is an older lens. Little extra zoom and better macro capabilities. Any other options I should consider that can be had for a decent price?
That Tamron 24-135mm USED to be a VERY good all-in-one lens back in the 6-megapixel days. A fellow forum mate of mine used to do FABULOUS work with the Tamron. I mean just lovely work. The Nikon 24-120 VR...yeah, that might be a great option for FX, esp. used for only two bills.
LOL at the 6mp-days Thats one of the things I was weighing. The reviews on the Tamron were favorable... but the latest review was from 2009. By today's standards that could mean diddly squat. Thanks for the reply, ill keep the Nikon the front runner. Starting to really think about taking my tamron 28-75 since it has seen better days and I could afford to lose it. But its just not very wide and doesn't have too much reach. It is 2.8 though which is nice.
Are you shooting FX or DX? If it were me, I would not go cheap, but expensive and sealed. And I would bring 2.8 zooms and fast primes and I would bring a sensor cleaning kit.
I am shooting FX as the title suggests I have ordered some OP/tech rain covers with room for a flash but I don't know about jeopardizing my gear. I am thinking I may bring both my bodies (D600/700) and leave my 70-200 on it and inside except for when weather is ideal. 2 weeks and I will be there. Hoping I can make it in time for the photo walk with Trey Ratcliff!
An old tamron 28-300mm might suit you well--as long as you bring along a fast prime for when it gets dark.
If the lens isn't sealed lots of dust could damage your camera. The cheap choice could cost more in the long run. I'd buy a tough compact
I will still be cautious with the lens but could you explain how a non sealed lens would impact the body? I am certainly bringing a point and shoot. I have the Panasonic LX5 and while it is not a tough one, I can seal it up pretty well. Tested in at Coachella this year. It has threads for a extension tube to go around the pop out zoom lens so you can put a 52mm filter on it. Used that at dusty Coachella and had 0 issues. I will go a little further this time and use electrical tape to seal it even more.
To make a sealed unit the lens and camera have to be sealed. Lenses that don't have that "ass gasket" as it is sometimes called can allow water, dust etc to enter the camera at the mount. This may only need a sensor clean, but there is more in there than just the sensor. Conditions would probably have to be terribly bad for this to be a concern, but just beware.
Oh gotcha. I was thinking about the body of the lens, not the coupling with the body. I have been planning to try and do something to seal that area. Some people got as far as to shrink wrap the body, others use tape etc Still thinking about how I will do it.
Wow that's even cheaper, and a little faster. 4.5 > 5.6 Lose a little on both ends though. Hmm, I have to order something soon
