What lens to get?? beginner

[krisinstl]

I have a D80 i've owned for a few months, and i'm learning the ins and the outs of the camera. I'm taking a camera-specific photography course next week, and my gf and i have several vacations planned for the next 5 months (colorado, nyc, and canada)

since i got the camera, i traded the 18-55 non vr away, picked up a 55-200VR, and purchased a sigma 10-20mm 4-5.6 off craigslist... reason being, I'm shooting mostly landscape photography and wildlife.. hence a ultra wide and a telephoto.

I am looking for a general purpose lens.. I'd hate to pick up another kit lens, I was thinking a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 (or 1.4 if a good deal popped up) because 50mm is too close up for general purpose on crop sensor (from what I've read)

However, I just got offered a pretty good deal on a Sigma 30mm f/1.4.. $260

So, do I buy the sigma prime lens? Or buy a nikon 35mm f/1.8? Or just get a 18-55 VR since it has zoom range?

Just want something to walk around with .. the 20mm end of my sigma is too far out, and slow, and the 55 end of my 55-200 is slow, and too close.. sooo?

Thanks

 

[white]

I think the 35 1.8 can be had for under 200 bucks. Fast and a pretty normal focal length.

 

[Light Artisan]

I'd get something like a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 HSM Macro, mine is tack sharp and works incredibly well.

To me, primes are for studios and macros.

 

[swedberg311]

Id go with the 35 1.8 I shoot canon but most people that I know that have it swear by it, and the price is pretty good. I love shooting with my 1.8 gives you a great option for low light spaces.

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

You can't go wrong with the 35mm f/1.8 or the 50mm f/1.8. I own both and they are exceptional lenses for the price. Either will be good choices if you plan to shoot without a flash in low light on your vacation. If you are into landscapes I'd consider picking up a Sigma 8-16mm or a Bower 8mm Fisheye. I usually don't care for off-brand lenses but these specialty lenses have their place as long as you baby them so they don't break (same as the plastic 50mm 1.8).

 

[krisinstl]

I'd get something like a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 HSM Macro, mine is tack sharp and works incredibly well.

To me, primes are for studios and macros.

It's $400 bucks though

You can't go wrong with the 35mm f/1.8 or the 50mm f/1.8. I own both and they are exceptional lenses for the price. Either will be good choices if you plan to shoot without a flash in low light on your vacation. If you are into landscapes I'd consider picking up a Sigma 8-16mm or a Bower 8mm Fisheye. I usually don't care for off-brand lenses but these specialty lenses have their place as long as you baby them so they don't break (same as the plastic 50mm 1.8).

I am into landscapes, I have a sigma 10-20mm. I don't really like the fisheye look, and I like what I get out of the sigma 10-20mm. I think I am going to go with a nikon 35mm 1.8 after reading reviews and comments on the sigma 30mm.

Thanks!

 

[Geaux]

I'd get something like a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 HSM Macro, mine is tack sharp and works incredibly well.

To me, primes are for studios and macros.

lolwut? I use my 35mm prime for everything.

 

[Light Artisan]

Had one, traded it.
Tried the 50, sold it...

I do have a 50 f/1.4 I keep on hand 'just in case' or for when I get the urge to drive myself nuts, other than that it's my 18-50 or 70-200.

Granted I do mostly wildlife photography.

 

[djacobox372]

50mm 1.8 is only about $85 used on ebay! cant go wrong at that price.

the 35mm 1.8 is an af-s lens which makes it cost more pointlessly (small light lenses focus fine without af-s)

that said, my recommendation would be a tamron 28-75mm f2.8 zoom. price is about $325 used, a great deal for a constant f2.8 lens.

 

[jcrob33]

Kit lens is great for everything. just IMHO.

Love my 18-55mm VR that came with my Nikon... (I also have a telephoto Sigma)

 

[dirtfan21]

go with either the 35mm f1.8 or the 50mm f1.8, I have them both and for a prime lens they are the best price and shot wonderful pictures. I can say either one will work for you and you will be happy.