36 replies to this topic

[B Grace]

The important consideration for me is the type of shooting a person has in mind.  For hobby work I think the list here is pretty much complete.

 

If you get excellent results with the 150mm macro lens I wouldn't bother with a 105mm macro.  Giving up a good chunk of working distance in return for what, I'm not sure.  I do really enjoy shooting with my 105/2.8 micro and I wish I'd kept my 60/2.8 micro.  Of the Nikon lenses I've used I'd say the medium distance shots I've taken with that 60/2.8 micro had the most pleasing and smooth out-of-focus feel.  On the other hand, full 1:1 shots with the 60/2.8 leave you just a few inches from a subject.  It's great for copy stand work.

 

I have both a 50/1.4 and an 85/1.8.  I think they are so close in focal length as to make the 85mm unnecessary with digital capture.  I find my 85/1.8 is a great lens on digital though and it's fantastic on film.

 

In terms of upgrading I'd probably look at trading the 14mm for a Zeiss equivalent.

 

I'd consider doing the same with the 50/1.8.  I traded mine for the 50/1.4 because I just wanted results which were less clinical in nature.  The 50/1.8 is a super-sharp lens whereas the 50/1.4 speaks "Nikon of the ages".

 

As for all other types of shooting, I suggest a short zoom to add to the list.  The 17-35 and 24-70, 28-70, 35-70 zooms come to mind.  And with the ISO ranges of the current cameras, I'd really consider the current 24-85 VR G-lens for a  great travel lens.

[rocknrumble]

This is my kit...

 

[Tony892]

As many of you will be aware, I am a bit of a novice when it comes to using the full capabilities of Nikon camera's, having used my D40 in automatic mode for around 5 years before upgrading to D7100, whilst retaining the D40. But I am coming to the conclusion which was hinted by Sportz2Pix in the last post, that it is not the amount of lenses that I have or even the camera body, but the way I use it. That goes for all the books, videos etc and I think that from a personal point of view, I have to get out there and get using what I already have, rather than thinking if only I could get this lens or that lens I would be such a better photographer. A friend shared a story with me today about a well known photographer (forgive me I can't remember his name) who was a press photographer in most of the major conflicts for many years, yet he only carried two primes with him, yet obtained outstanding images! I think with the continuing help and assistance from this forum, combined with taking lots of photographs, many others and myself can progress to be half decent photographers....off soap box..

[rocknrumble]

Well said... I agree... I try and get out and shoot as much as I can. Every time I press that shutter button I am getting better simply for the fact I now have more experience then before I pressed it. I've really seen my growth in the last year (and more so in the last couple of months since joining the forum). Saying that, I still love having all the equipment I can get my hands on.

[Big Lew]

All these posts about the equipment people own are making me go weak at the knees, I was in the Jessops yesterday and I was like a kid in a sweet shop.

I have a small yet decent range of lenses for the things I like to shoot. I would like to think I was pretty well covered for various situations, although I would like a couple more primes to go with my 35mm f/1.8 DX.

My bag of tricks:

Nikon D60 (soon to be replaced by a D7000, the excitement is unbearable )
Sigma 10-20mm f/4.5
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5 kit lens
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 DX
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4(?) VR
Tamron Di 70-300mm f/4 (?)

Without looking at the 2 zoom lenses I couldn't tell you if those f values are true. I'm sure they're around that region.

[B Grace]

Tony892's mention of a press photographer shooting with just two primes brings to mind an observation I've made over the years.  Indeed, many press shooters used just a 28mm and a 35mm for their work or a similar kit of lenses.  Looking at buying used, old Nikon lenses on the market you have to be a little careful of the primes sold as BGN grade.  Some of them have been fired a 1/4-million times and have been everywhere from the mountains of Afghanistan to the Congo.  Very cool to consider but, if I'm looking at old Nikon primes to use, I think I'd pick KEH EX-grade or better.

 

If only a lens could speak of its journeys, right?  As for a nice collectible for my bookcase, sure, a tattered 35/2 Ai lens would look great on my old Nikkormat.

[Merco_61]

Tony892's mention of a press photographer shooting with just two primes brings to mind an observation I've made over the years.  Indeed, many press shooters used just a 28mm and a 35mm for their work or a similar kit of lenses.  Looking at buying used, old Nikon lenses on the market you have to be a little careful of the primes sold as BGN grade.  Some of them have been fired a 1/4-million times and have been everywhere from the mountains of Afghanistan to the Congo.  Very cool to consider but, if I'm looking at old Nikon primes to use, I think I'd pick KEH EX-grade or better.

 

If only a lens could speak of its journeys, right?  As for a nice collectible for my bookcase, sure, a tattered 35/2 Ai lens would look great on my old Nikkormat.

An ex-press lens has been maintained on the other hand, and probably won't develop a sticky diaphragm which can be a problem with lenses that have just stood instead of being used.

Why such a new lens for the 'mat, there are few things more beautiful than a body with worn leatherette and a scalloped focusing ring where the metal shines through from wear. Okay, a black F would be even better, but...

[TBonz]

An old 400mm made its way into my camera bag...I think it was an f/4.0...note that it was old when I got it back in about 1995...I knew it was an old photojournalist's lens, but it worked well and I bought it...I also know how they care (and sometimes don't care) for their lenses...

 

I was shooting it one day on a field and someone asked where I'd gotten the lens...I told him...then he told me its history and it was a VERY well traveled lens...he had noticed this small sticker on the attached lens hood and knew it was his old lens...he'd gotten the sticker that had been applied to it at one of the Olypic Games that he'd covered for the Washington Post...it was fun to hear its history and he told me about some shots he'd gotten with it...

 

I had that lens for about 15 years and it kept doing its thing without any problems...I finally sold it to help me get the gear I needed for what I was shooting at the time...There were a few times I wish I'd had it back, but the decision was the right one...

[rocknrumble]

I now have a 2nd body to add to my kit. Now if I do a shoot I don't have to worry about changing lenses. Added is a D7000.

[alden]

I now have a 2nd body to add to my kit. Now if I do a shoot I don't have to worry about changing lenses. Added is a D7000.

 

Your 600 is an FX camera, and the 7000 is a DX.

 

Are all your lenses compatible?

[TBonz]

FX lenses will all work with the DX 7000.  I have a D7000 and have never owned a DX lens.  I assume that all of his lenses are compatible with his older body...

[rocknrumble]

Yes all lenses are compatible with the D700. All that change is "zoom" because of the 3/4 Sensor on the D7000. The 3/4 sensor will bring everything closer.

[wedgtail]

check out the 105 2 d as a portrait lens i prefer it to the 85 and you can play with the forground and background focus on this lens its a one of a kind to Nikon

[BeerBelly]

This is my current kit:

D7100 as my only body now...looking to add an FX (600/610) in the not so distant future.

 

Lenses:

 

Nikon 18-105mm AF-S VR

Nikon 35mm 1.8G DX

Nikon 50mm 1.8G AF-S

Nikon 85mm 1.8G AF-S

Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 AF-S

Nikon 300mm f4 AF

Tokina 50-135mm f2.8

 

Looking to add a longer focal length lens as well. Might be interested in the announced Tamron 150-600mm (depends on the price) or the Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS. 

[rocknrumble]

The Sigma 50-500 is my favourite lens in my Kit.

[BeerBelly]

And you take some wonderful photos with it, but I'm curious what Tamron will be able to release....initial samples look good: 썬포토 블로그 : 네이버 블로그

[rocknrumble]

I also now have a lighting kit for the Summer. I just have to work out how to use it and when.