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Archive 2011 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?

  
 
Apocballer
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


My question to you all is, if you only had 1,500 dollars to spend on lenses, which would you buy? These would be the only lenses you owned, as if you were starting from scratch.

I saw this on another forum. I'm planning on upgrading to a D7K (from a d3000) soon, but realize that I should invest more money into lenses and would like to see what you fellow Nikon shooters value the most.

-Used is an option, as long as the price you assume is plausible.
-Not limited to Nikon brand lenses. Could be third party or Canon lens (with adapter, which counts towards cost)
-Any number of lenses is fair game as long as it's within the price range.
-If you'd like, post a reason for your choices or what you generally shoot as to inform others.

Remember, this is for fun, let's not start any huge debates comparing lenses. The posts will be opinions, so they will vary.

Edited on Dec 13, 2011 at 04:31 AM · View previous versions



Dec 13, 2011 at 03:29 AM
Sami Ruusunen
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


I made a promise I would not get any new lenses before 2013 but If I absolutely must spend some money I would get the 50mm Zeiss Makro-Planar. Also if/when Nikon introduces the 85/1.8G that would be appealing. With 1500$ I could probably get both.

edit: if I would start without any lenses with 1500$, I would probably get 35/1.8G and couple of fast second hand zooms, like tokina 11-16/2.8 and tamron 17-50/2.8

Edited on Dec 13, 2011 at 06:36 AM · View previous versions



Dec 13, 2011 at 03:58 AM
ExtendedPuppet
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


This is assuming starting from scratch with no lenses, on a DX body?


Dec 13, 2011 at 04:07 AM
Apocballer
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Starting from scratch, yes. As far as the body goes, it's up to you.


Dec 13, 2011 at 04:32 AM
Steve Perry
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


What do you like to photograph?


Dec 13, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Berschwinger
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


tamron 17-50 2.8 without motor
Nikon 35mm f/2D (or 1.8G, user preference)
Sigma 85 1.4

These should cover the gaps for a start



Dec 13, 2011 at 08:18 AM
Kitehog
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Used Tamron 17-50 2.8 without motor (300)
Used Nikon 70-200 VR 12.8 (1200)

This was actually my first kit for my D300. Had to shop to find the deals but I took my time and I still own the 70-200!



Dec 13, 2011 at 09:00 AM
williamkazak
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Nikon 105 F2DC for portraits and general tele use. 35 F2AFD for normal activities and perspectives.

Edited on Dec 13, 2011 at 10:02 AM · View previous versions



Dec 13, 2011 at 10:01 AM
bikinchris
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


If you never intend to go FX, then look at a used 17-55 f2.8 lens. This would be a good general purpose first lens IMO.


Dec 13, 2011 at 10:02 AM
T_Gordon
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


For DX the 35 f1.8 and 70-200VRI would take care of 95% of what I shoot. The 70-200 is such a versitile and fantastic lens! It's great from portraits, to sports, to nature, to vehicles... basically everything! For what I like, I can easily never worry about a wider lens (the 35 prime would take care of my need for the wider stuff) but can't ever imagine not having the 70-200. You can pick up a good used one in your price range.


Dec 13, 2011 at 10:12 AM
ishootsports3
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Depends entirely on what you shoot


Dec 13, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Uber Goober
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


I'd recommend one of the "Holy Trinity" lenses. Get one that suits your shooting style -- 14-24, 24-70, or 70-200. A great condition used one should cost just under your target amount and would be great on DX or FX bodies. I have the 24-70 and 70-200 -- can't imagine life without them. Saving for the 14-24!


Dec 13, 2011 at 10:28 AM
GOVA
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Tokina 12-24 (used)
Sigma 30 f/1.4 or Nikon 35 (either one)

then depending on your goals/likings

Macro lens or 70-200D or Tammy/Nikon 70-300VC

YMMV.



Dec 13, 2011 at 10:36 AM
fsiagian
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


D7000 can meter with old manual focus lenses and they are a lot of fun and cheap (relative to their AF versions).

For AF:
35mm 1.8 AFS ($175) or the new 40mm 2.8 Macro AFS ($280)
50mm 1.8 AFS ($200)
Sigma 85mm 1.4 or 105mm DC ($800)
70-200mm 2.8 VR if you don't mind the size and weight.
SB-700



Dec 13, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Bruce Sawle
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Either the 35 1.4 or the 135 f2.


Dec 13, 2011 at 10:39 AM
domdog31
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


24-70 used mint


Dec 13, 2011 at 11:03 AM
tdong
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Nikon 24 70 f2.8 used even though I have 35 and 85 f1.4 this is the lens i grab when travel


Dec 13, 2011 at 11:07 AM
cheeba
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


I'll assume FX since it's what I shoot:

Used Nikon 24-70 - you just can't beat the versatility, especially if you can only spend $1500 for the foreseeable future. Stretch the budget to $2K and you can add a fast longer lens like the Nikon 105 f/1.8, and a fast wide like the Nikon 35 f/2. While my current gear helps me create a lot of shots i envision, I could easily do all my shooting with above $2K worth of lenses!




Dec 13, 2011 at 11:13 AM
BlueBomberTurbo
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


Used Nikon 17-55mm 2.8 AFS ($800-900)
Nikon 50mm 1.8D ($150)
Tamron 70-300mm VC ($450)

OR

Tamron 17-50mm Non-VC ($350)
Nikon 50mm 1.8D ($150)
Used Nikon 80-200mm 2.8D Two Ring ($800-1000)


Get the Nikon pro lens in the focal length that is most important to you.

Edited on Dec 13, 2011 at 11:24 AM · View previous versions



Dec 13, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Apocballer
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · You have $1,500.00, what lens(es) do you buy?


I'm liking the replies here! So far some good difference in opinions. To Steve Perry and others asking about what I shoot, that's not exactly the point I was trying to get at. I would like to know what you all view as the most valuable lenses within this budget, either for your specific purposes or what you would do in this circumstance. This is why it would be beneficial if people mentioned their main fields of interest when posting, though not necessary.


Dec 13, 2011 at 11:24 AM
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