What two lenses would you choose?

[CaptainNapalm]

Just curious to get some feedback from more experienced photographers. Let's say you're into general photography, meaning that you take photos of scenery as much as people as much as sports and your kids and just miscellaneous things, if you owned a Nikon DSLR such as D5100, aside from the standard lens 18-55mm, which two lenses would you pick to have to best suit your overall needs. If you could ONLY choose two, which would they be and why.

 

[Tony S]

24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 .. because they are great pieces of glass and cover quite a good range for general photography.

But this subject has been covered many times, most often as the holy trinity of which three lenses. do a quick search on the forum and you will find a lot of posts.

 

[Derrel]

70-200 2.8 VR, either version, older or the new one. DEFINITELY this one,specific lens.

18-55, the kit lens, okay, quite useful if used appropriately!!!!

16-85mm zoom.

 

[shadowlands]

f2.8 zooms are awesome!!! if they're too pricey, f1.8 primes....

 

[lemonart]

70-200 2.8 VR, either version, older or the new one. DEFINITELY this one,specific lens.

18-55, the kit lens, okay, quite useful if used appropriately!!!!

16-85mm zoom.

+1 for all of that.

Especially the 16-85mm on your DX body.

 

[TheLost]

+1 to the 70-200 2.8 VR (Never seems to be off my camera).

For the 2nd lens i'd go with the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. It's super sharp and 1/2 the price of the Nikon.

If you need something between 50-70mm... just take a step forwards or back

 

[Patrice]

If 2 lenses were all that I could have:

For DX: Nikkor 17-55 2.8G and Nikkor 70-200 2.8G VR-1.

For FX: Nikkor 17-35 2.8D and Nikkor 70-200 2.8G VR-1 or 2.

 

[jamesbjenkins]

I'm speaking with regard to Nikon, as I haven't shot with Canon anywhere near the amount as Nikon.

For DX cameras (and thereby, lower budget shooters):

1) 18-200mm VR2
2) 35mm f/1.8 prime

For FX cameras (and thereby, buyer with more to spend):

1) 70-200mm f/2.8G (either version)
2) 24-70mm f/2.8G

I shoot two FX bodies, and I have one of these lenses on each body about 96% of the time. Occasionally, I'll swap out for the 85mm f/1.8G, but it's rare. I'm selling several of my other lenses, as I rarely use them.

 

[Bukitimah]

Hmmm I always ask this same question but $ is one big consideration. If I will to select and based on your 5100 model.

1) tokina 11-16 f2.8 - you need this for indoor and landscape
2) 24-70 f2.8 but you loose the zoom
3) ideally, to add the 70-200 f2.8 vr would be complete

if you need to choose just 2, then see what you shoot most.

 

[Aloicious]

how about the 6mm f2.8 fisheye, and a Sigma 200-500 f2.8...

seriously though, we really need a budget range to provide a the best response.

just taking a guess that you're probably looking for quality on somewhat of a budget, I'd say something like the 70-300VR and tokina 11-16 would complement your 18-55 fairly well for a wide range of uses.

 

[greybeard]

Just starting out, you already have the 18-55 which is really quite descent. The next lens I would get is a Nikon f/3.5-5.6 55-200mm. They are reasonable at $250 new.

 

[gardy]

24-70 f/2.8
85mm 1.8g
since i have a d90 and thats what i shoot with mostly now