I have recently put together a Nikon kit, switching over from a Pentax kit based around the K20D.

I am currently sporting a:
D300
18-105 VR
50mm 1.8 D
85mm 1.8
70-300 VR

and SB -600

Right now I am feeling pretty good about this package as a starter kit, however I know that my first upgrades will be at the wide end and a "normal" prime.

I've looked at reviews on this site as well as many others (photozone) but I though I would ask you, the experienced Nikon community, to educate me on what are those "Legends" on the Nikon line up.
Of course there will be the usual suspects (70-200 vr.. 200mm F2 etc)
But what about those great value ones, or maybe a lens that flys under the radar.

What lens do YOU think are the Legends of the Nikon family

thanks!

The legends?

Well, these days, I'd have to say the 14-24, 24-70, 85/1.4, 105/2, 200/2 and 300/2.8. The new 70-200 will probably become a legend rather quickly.

Pretty much agree with luminosity except regarding the 105/2 slot. I'd slate the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR here until the new version is released.
Based on usage and demand, I believe this still deserves a spot in the lineup...for now.

I'd say the 14-24, 24-70, soon to be the 70-200 vrII, the 200-400, easily the 200 f2, 300 2.8, 400 2.8. Of course, the 500 & 600 have always been good (and I promise you the 500 vr is amazing - even sharper than my 300 2.8). Lots will say the 85s are good, oh and let's not forget the 24 / 45 / 85 PC-E lenses - those are good (at least my 45 is amazing).

So, basically, if the lens is really insanely expensive, it's a legend, !

Some of the old legends aren't what they were cracked up to be.

At least you need to include some of the 55 or 105 macros.

EBH

Legend? 1200-1700m, f/5.6-8.0? and 6mm 2.8 fisheye?

Legend??
58mm f/1.2 AIS
28mm f/1.4

Steve Perry wrote:
I'd say the 14-24, 24-70, soon to be the 70-200 vrII, the 200-400, easily the 200 f2, 300 2.8, 400 2.8. Of course, the 500 & 600 have always been good (and I promise you the 500 vr is amazing - even sharper than my 300 2.8). Lots will say the 85s are good, oh and let's not forget the 24 / 45 / 85 PC-E lenses - those are good (at least my 45 is amazing).

So, basically, if the lens is really insanely expensive, it's a legend, !


That's what I had assumed unfortunately!!
Any hidden gems?

Shame on me for not including the 105/2.5. Extremely well regarded amongst Nikon veterans and those who know Nikon's full lineup over the years.

bwield wrote:
Steve Perry wrote:
I'd say the 14-24, 24-70, soon to be the 70-200 vrII, the 200-400, easily the 200 f2, 300 2.8, 400 2.8. Of course, the 500 & 600 have always been good (and I promise you the 500 vr is amazing - even sharper than my 300 2.8). Lots will say the 85s are good, oh and let's not forget the 24 / 45 / 85 PC-E lenses - those are good (at least my 45 is amazing).

So, basically, if the lens is really insanely expensive, it's a legend, !


That's what I had assumed unfortunately!!
Any hidden gems?

AIS 105/2.5 is a nice hidden gem.

200 f4 AF Micro
300 AF-S f4
200-400
80-200 AF (2 ring)

For me it'd be in this order:

70-200mm VR I (I'll take my vignettes where I can get 'em), 85mm f/1.4, 24-70mm f/2.8. The 105mm f/2.5 is a fantastic lens, I really miss mine

Pick up another one, mosier. So many were made that they still are relatively cheap to buy.

Yeah, I'm thinking about it, but now I'm starting to think about the 135 f/2

I think the new 35/1.8 is going to be a legend. You just cannot buy more sharpness, colour, contrast and "pop" for that kind of money. And much better than the other "legend" I had, the 105/2.5 AIS, which might be a nice lens, but I certainly wouldn't get too excited about it. Yes it is sharp and has nice contrast and so on at f/2.5, but the 35/1.8 can do even better at f/2.

I'd suggest 'hidden' jems along the lines of your current line up would be the 16-85 and 75-300 VR's. Brilliant for the money from all accounts.

I feel I've put together a "Kit of Legends" for my kind of shooting.

dSLR's

Nikon D3

Nikon D3x

lenses

17-35 2.8 AF-S ED IF

24-70 f2.8G AF-S ED

80-200 D AF-S ED f2.8

200 f2G ED-IF AF-S VR w/HK-30 Hood

300 AF-S ED IF f2.8D light gray

Gear

TC 1.7 E II

SB-800

SB-900

Manfrotto 3251 Pro

Novoflex Classic Ball 3

Novoflex Q-Base

Manfrotto 682 B Pro Monopod with legs

Kirk BH3 ballhead

Nikon DR-3

Nikon AH-4 hand grip

All, or none, of this may fit your shooting style, or needs, but for me I'm very happy.

Avi B wrote:
bwield wrote:
Steve Perry wrote:
I'd say the 14-24, 24-70, soon to be the 70-200 vrII, the 200-400, easily the 200 f2, 300 2.8, 400 2.8. Of course, the 500 & 600 have always been good (and I promise you the 500 vr is amazing - even sharper than my 300 2.8). Lots will say the 85s are good, oh and let's not forget the 24 / 45 / 85 PC-E lenses - those are good (at least my 45 is amazing).

So, basically, if the lens is really insanely expensive, it's a legend, !


That's what I had assumed unfortunately!!
Any hidden gems?

AIS 105/2.5 is a nice hidden gem.


+1

Add the noct 58mm, 28-70mm 2.8 (cheaper than the 24-70mm)

If cost is the criteria for being a legend, then how's about the following:

58mm noct, 28mm f/1.4, 300mm f/2.0, 1200mm-1700mm f/5.6-8

Try pricing them out for your kit....

bwield wrote:


What lens do YOU think are the Legends of the Nikon family

thanks!

Are you trying to buy something or are you asking for a rather mundane list of the most expensive lenses Nikon makes??