I would def. get the 35mm f/1.4!!! Esp. at $550!! This glass sells for around $800 still.
If I remember correctly, that lens has Close Range Correction (CRC) system, so you can take high quality photos even at minimum focusing distance.
What are you hoping to gain by adding this lens? Is it just the faster aperture? It looks to me like you are covered with the 24-70. I personally feel you may be lacking more on the longer end since you would have some overlap by adding a 35... off topic but I would consider a second body if you don't have one and put the 24-70 on one and the 85 on another. On a crop body I would prefer something wider than 35 and the 24-70 would give you that extra wideness (with the sacrifice of some speed of course).
Sorry I didn't answer your question but that is what I would do but everyone is different so good luck...
xof711 wrote:
I would def. get the 35mm f/1.4!!! Esp. at $550!! This glass sells for around $800 still.
If I remember correctly, that lens has Close Range Correction (CRC) system, so you can take high quality photos even at minimum focusing distance.
I'd say it depends on how good you are at MF with the D300. Personally, without a MF screen and a magnifying eyepiece on the D300 I can't MF accurately enough to feel comfortable using it for paid work. So I'd stick to the 35mm f/2 (which is a wonderful lens on the D300).
The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is an excellent option for an AF lens at that sort of focal length. Not sure on the pricing on it though.
jkittmer - you are right on the 2nd body - the idea is to purchase a D700 as soon as cash flow allows in which case I would have a DX and an FX. My ideal lens set up is to have a decent collection of quality primes and the 24-70 as an extra. I don't really need anything over 85mm.
AVI - great images, will try to imitate some of the stuff you have done there.
Taylor - txs for the tip I actually went for the f/2.
Mark - had not thought the MF thing through too well, nice one, txs for that - I guess I went safe with the f/2. Probably unjustifiably so I tend to stick with Nikon gear...
In case anyone is interested - what might have added to my decision to go for the f/2 is that one of my favorite PJ is using the f/2: http://www.pepbonet.com/technotes.html
Also I could get the f/2 new for $340 and the f/1.4 for $550 second hand - did not want to take a risk.
I came accross an interesting site I think worth mentioning:
Mark Kenfield wrote:
Personally, without a MF screen and a magnifying eyepiece on the D300 I can't MF accurately enough to feel comfortable using it for paid work.
Me too, it's just not made for it in its stock form. Silly focusing screen.
