I want a new lens and I need advice.
There are two ways you can go. One is a telezoom and the other is an all-in-one lens. I agree that the non-OS Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 II HSM (the II is a little sharper) is a good choice. I have one and it's very sharp and it focuses very quickly. If you want a little longer lens the non-OS version of the Sigma 70-200 HSM is a good choice. The non-VC Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 is a good sharp lens, but it doesn't focus as fast.
An all-in-one lens is a lens like a Nikon 18-200, Sigma 18-200, 250, or 300 Macro. Their advantage is that you can go from a wide-angle to tele with a twist of the wrist, and with dogs running around that's a good thing. The bad part is that they are not as sharp especially at the long end. Some find them to be sharp enough, others don't.
Keh.com is IMO the best source for used gear. B&H and Adorama are also very good. I would avoid ebay and Craig's List. The three that I listed are very reliable, have a good return policy, and give a warranty.
For portraiture with a DX camera, besides 50mm, the first lens that comes to mind is an 75, 80, 85 or 90mm. You already have a 50mm. I'm a Canon shooter, so I don't know what's available for Nikon, but those are what I'd be looking at. Pretty sure you could find one in your price range. And most wouldn't be very much bigger or heavier than your 50mm.
For versatility, I am going to suggest the Nikon 24-120 f4.
jfn007
Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.
If I could only keep one of my Nikon lenses it would be the 18-300mm. Attached are a couple of sample photos I took with the Nikon 18-300. One of my major photography shortfalls is that I love all my lenses and sometimes I cannot make up my mind which two to take on vacation.
Sunset Sample
Close Up Sample
jfn007 wrote:
If I could only keep one of my Nikon lenses it would be the 18-300mm. Attached are a couple of sample photos I took with the Nikon 18-300. One of my major photography shortfalls is that I love all my lenses and sometimes I cannot make up my mind which two to take on vacation.
Remember, she also wants fast. I may have even been pushing it going to f4, but unless you're going to stick with primes or exotic zooms, f4 is the fastest you're going to get. I have the 24-70 f2.8 and it's a fast as a anything, BUT, it's a little short. If I had to do it over I would test the 24-120 f4. As it is, I'm going to put a 1.4x on it, turning it into a 36-98 and losing some of the speed. So...I suggest the 24-120 f4. One of the best photographers on the Hog likes it quite a bit as well.
sinatraman
Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant
dsmeltz wrote:
Now why, from the title of this post, did I know, immediately, that it was a Nikon user?
Because she is obviously a very classy and intelligent woman? :P :-P :twisted:
For fastest / sharpest, go with a prime lens. For portraits use a telephoto lens. For action over a wide area, use a wide angle lens. So, maybe two lenses...a 35mm lens from a distance, to get the dogs running, wrestling, etc...and an 85mm lens for portraits of the dogs sitting still. Cut costs by getting a factory refurbished lens.
Thanks so much. I will test it out!
SteveR wrote:
Remember, she also wants fast. I may have even been pushing it going to f4, but unless you're going to stick with primes or exotic zooms, f4 is the fastest you're going to get. I have the 24-70 f2.8 and it's a fast as a anything, BUT, it's a little short. If I had to do it over I would test the 24-120 f4. As it is, I'm going to put a 1.4x on it, turning it into a 36-98 and losing some of the speed. So...I suggest the 24-120 f4. One of the best photographers on the Hog likes it quite a bit as well.
Remember, she also wants fast. I may have even be... (
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Steve, thanks. I will try it out.
sinatraman wrote:
Because she is obviously a very classy and intelligent woman? :P :-P :twisted:
No, though she may well be. Try again.
dmost2 wrote:
Hello everyone. I have my own dog walking business and have really been getting into photographing my clients, to the point where some of my clients want to buy some of my photographs. I have a Nikon D7100 and have only been shooting with my NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G for a year. I just sold my old D5000 and the kit lenses with which I started. I am ready to purchase my second lens. I have concentrated mainly on portraiture. I need a more range....but still want to capture my fast moving, unpredictable canine clientele in the fastest, sharpest way possible. Oh, and I want to try and stay in the $400-$800 price range. Is this possible? And, does anyone know of any other place to get really good used gear? I know of B&H. What about KEH photography?
Hello everyone. I have my own dog walking business... (
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How about a used 24-120 F4VR. Great lens - useful range.
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