So guys, I have about £550 to put into a prime setup. I currently have a 50 1.8, 17-55 2.8 and 55-200, but have decided that 2.8 probably wont cut it (and I'm a fast lens junkie...) so I'm wondering what type of set up I should get. I would rather sell the 17-55, then get a fast wide lens, keep the 50 1.8 and then get maybe an 85 1.8, but I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks all!
PS. I'm either doing the all prime thing or getting the 28-75 and 12-24 for the same price. Or I might just keep the 17-55. (Pretty much I'm really confused!)
you have to look on the net. I have been lucky sometimes to find excellent copies for an apple and an egg...
All the lenses I mention can be found between 60EUR (55 3.5) and 500EUR (50 1.2).
But if you wait for the right bargain, you can get them very cheap... I paid something like 200 EUR for the 35 1.4 while the normal price on keh for instance would be 500 USD...
And you're gonna get even more confused. Honestly, have you shot with the 17-55 enough to know that it's the wrong lens for you?
For you, I'd really have to say that you should just turn off the computer and go and shoot. Do it for like the next 3 months. Just don't turn on the computer to browse this site. Or dpreview. Or any other photo related website. Thing is, we will just fuel your NAS...
Okay rant over .
Since you have a D300, you should get some AIS primes to start you off with, so that the investment may be minimal. The 105 f/2.5 (which I have) is a very nice lens. Start off with that one, or the f/1.8 if you feel you need the one stop difference. And the AIS 50 f/1.4 is also pretty good. Note that these are manual focus If you want a really good prime lens however, can't go wrong with the 85 f/1.4, it's beautiful
I've been through what you're doing. Here's the thing - stop buying new lenses. The £700 for the 17-55 sucks. Its a big dent to take and it will make you hesitate doing anything else.
Buy used and only super bargains, so if you decide its not for you then you can sell it for at least what you paid, sometimes making a profit for your time. That's the way to do it. I've owned more than 25 lenses in the past year and I came out on top even after shipping and paypal fees. This way, I can find out what fits me *perfectly* without spending anything and learn my own style.
Right now, I'm having a love affair with the 35-70mm f/2.8. I just love the pictures it produces... all I wish is that it had more wide range. I've also owned the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 in the same range and they're all great, but the 35-70 wins on price : performance ratio by far if you can get a good deal.
Seems wise; I always buy used and look for deals. I got a D300, 18-200 and 17-55 for £1400 which I planned to sell the 2 lenses on; but I got caught up with the 17-55 and here I am.
I'm interested in the 35-70 but I don't know what I would do for the wide stuff; I don't wanna drop £300 into an UWA.
If you want a really good prime lens however, can't go wrong with the 85 f/1.4, it's beautiful