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.
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
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
