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Archive 2013 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

SonomaMike
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Hello all,

I have a question that I'm hoping that some of you can shed some light on..

I'm strictly a passionate hobbyist and trying to learn as I go. I love taking pictures of my kids and mainly landscapes. By trade, I manage and operate vineyards and it takes me to amazing landscape opportunities all year long. I've been paid for a few things, but I'm not out there trying to sell anything. I really just enjoy the hobby.

Anyway, I purchased a used Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 for my D7000 a few years ago and it consistently has given me my best pictures. My other lenses are: Nikon 85mm 1.8D, Nikon 18-55, Tokina 100mm micro, and a Tokina 11-16mm. The issue with the 28-70mm is that it is big and heavy! If I go hiking with my wife and kids, it's like a big weight hanging off my neck. I'm intrigued by the 35mm or 50mm primes, but I've never owned one. Does a prime, by its nature, give yourself a better opportunity at sharper and 'better' images? I've used the 85mm a few times for portraits of my kids, but rarely use it outside of the house. I ultimately would love a lens that is on my camera 80% of the time that I can grab and go. Because of my nature, I switch lenses all the time, and most of the time I'm out in a dusty vineyard where it's the least ideal place to be playing with lenses.

Sorry for the long-winded story, but what do I buy? Should I pick up a 50 or 35mm 1.8 (or 1.4) or or should I go with one of the superzooms (18-200 or 24-120) and leave everything else at home?!

Thanks!!!

Jul 13, 2013 at 12:29 PM

BenV
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

My vote goes for the 28 f/1.8G, I'm a fan of wide landscapes

and it's a good walk around lens

Jul 13, 2013 at 12:33 PM

ja_joyce
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

If the 28-70 f/2.8 works for you I'd suggest the 24-85 AFS, either VR or non-VR as a smaller, lighter, and considerably cheaper alternative. I have the non-VR and it is fantastic, also available very inexpensively used.

Jul 13, 2013 at 01:02 PM

Kyyo24
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

I'd use the tokina 11-16 for landscape and get a 50 1.8

Jul 13, 2013 at 01:04 PM

Kell
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G sure seems to be a highly recommended lens for DX, $200 new

Jul 13, 2013 at 01:07 PM

Neddie Seagoon
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Plus one for the 35 1.8. I just came back from Europe and used it almost exclusively as my walk about lens. Light, sharp, inexpensive, best of all worlds. Just get one and see for yourself. Sure there are better 35's out there but bang for buck nothing beats the 35 1.8.

I'd post a Tuscan vineyard for you that is as beautiful as anything I've ever seen in Sonoma, if not more so, but I'm not quite done editing yet. All done with the 35 and quite extraordinary.

Jul 13, 2013 at 01:32 PM

Mishu01
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

I'm a fan of fixed focal lenses... but I need at least two or three primes each time I go out. For me it is too restrictive to leave the house with a single prime. If 28-70 is too bulky you can look for Nikon 16-85, Sigma 18-70 or Tamron 28-75. The later will offer you constant f/2.8 aperture but all of them are good enough.

Jul 13, 2013 at 01:40 PM

eltano
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

You guys left out the Nikon 17-55 2.8, another great walk around lens.

Regards

Eltano

Jul 13, 2013 at 03:45 PM

Guari
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

For as much as primes are awesome, I don't see them solving your weight issues as you would need about 3 to cover the range.. a 28-50-85...

If you are on DX, why not a 17-55 2.8

An amazing lens for sure... much lighter than the beast you carry around, a better range for DX and lighter than 3 primes...

Jul 13, 2013 at 04:06 PM

binary visions
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Do you really need f/2.8 most of the time?

Because there are a lot of pretty darn sharp, variable aperture zooms that would solve your weight problem...

Jul 13, 2013 at 04:15 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

BenV wrote:
My vote goes for the 28 f/1.8G, I'm a fan of wide landscapes

and it's a good walk around lens
Hardly "wide" on DX (42mm FOV) it's one of my faves on the D7K as well. Gotta tell ya tho, vineyards @
dawn & dusk really deserve the likes of the Sigma 35 f1.4 'A'

You only live once....just sayin'

You mentioned kids?! SOOC

Jul 13, 2013 at 04:48 PM

SonomaMike
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Thanks all for the great advice... and gorgeous pic Trenchmonkey. Your Sigma has been getting a lot of pub lately... I just read a review on it in the July Shutterbug. "You only live once" gets me every time! This might be my next lens..

Jul 13, 2013 at 05:03 PM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Thanks! The beauty Mike, is if you ever move to FX...one less lens to buy.

Jul 13, 2013 at 05:09 PM

runamuck
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Nikon 18-135 plus the 70-300VR. Covers everything on your 7K. If you would rather have VR on both, the 18-105, but its not as good as the 18-135.

I used to sing the Hosannas for the 18-70, but I tried the 18-135 and my eyes were opened. Now the 18-70 sits, orphaned upon the shelf.

Jul 13, 2013 at 06:33 PM

james.d53
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

BenV wrote:
My vote goes for the 28 f/1.8G, I'm a fan of wide landscapes

and it's a good walk around lens

I have the 28 f/1.8G for a walk around lens of my D800 and love it.

Jul 13, 2013 at 07:26 PM

zippy_monster
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

Guari wrote:
For as much as primes are awesome, I don't see them solving your weight issues as you would need about 3 to cover the range.. a 28-50-85...

If you are on DX, why not a 17-55 2.8

An amazing lens for sure... much lighter than the beast you carry around, a better range for DX and lighter than 3 primes...

With smaller lenses you don't have all the weight around your neck or in your hands at all times. With a big zoom you do. If the primary problem with the 28-70 is the weight, a proper DX zoom like the 17-55 would be a good replacement. Sigma's 17-50 is lighter still.

Jul 13, 2013 at 10:04 PM

kcartwright27
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

while i love the 35mm focal length.. i found i like it on FX more.. i have a 35mm 1.8 and use it a lot for a walk around lens or evening hour shots when i need some speed but i like a little more flexibility if heading out on vacation

Have a look at the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 VC.. you should be able to find one used for 250-300 and they are great on a d7k. I took my D7k to Costa Rica last November along with the tammy and about 4 other lenses.. the Tam was on my camera 95% of the time. Wide enough on DX for landscapes and perfect for casual street shots with the 2.8 there if you need it. It stays mounted on my d7k all the time for the grab and go sessions.

I will try and post some sample pics for you tomorrow..

Jul 13, 2013 at 10:17 PM

the solitaire
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

The range of 28 to 70mm never did much for me. I do own a 28mm prime and a 50mm prime but out of those two the 28mm is on the DX camera most of the time.

I think that image quality and ease of use will be a big disappointment for you if you decide to move from the 28-70 f2.8 to a consumer grade zoom lens.

You already own the 85mm (which is a great lens IMO). Add a 35mm f1.8G and you´d have most of the range covered again. If you need wider you still have your wide angle zoom

Jul 14, 2013 at 04:14 AM

Frogfish
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

If you download and point PhotoMe (free) at your photo folder(s) then it'll list exactly how many of your shots were taken at each focal length. This will then tell you what is your favourite walk around FL and so whether or not the 28 or 35 or 50 would suit you, personally, best.

Jul 14, 2013 at 05:07 AM

playerofwar
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Lens questions from a hobbyist...

My vote goes for the 24 1.4 on a crop body (also for fullframe, but not as usefull focal lenght for walkaround).

Jul 14, 2013 at 05:24 AM


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