Upgrade or new glass? Question: We're taking a family trip next year and I want the best pics I can get. I have a D7100 with a Nikon 35-1.8, and 50-1.8, a Tokina 11-17 2.8, and a...

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

Question: We're taking a family trip next year and I want the best pics I can get. I have a D7100 with a Nikon 35-1.8, and 50-1.8, a Tokina 11-17 2.8, and a Tamron 18-200 zoom. I'm thinking of an upgrade to the D7500 or D500, but I'm also considering new/better glass. I need some sage advice, please. I'd like to spend less than $1,500. I'm not refurb/used adverse. If you recommend glass, please let me know which lens and why. I shoot mostly landscapes, long exposures, grand children and action stuff, but I've also done three weddings. I have no studio and don't do portraits. Thanks for the help.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

gainesn wrote:

Question: We're taking a family trip next year an... (show quote)

The glass is what makes the picture! If you put a piece of the same fine glass on a D7200, D7500, or D 500, you probably are not going to see any difference in IQ, but as you know, you always spot it right away if you change any lenses!

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

I probably should have mentioned, I have a slight tremor that requires I shoot at higher shutter speeds (higher ISO at same noise level?) or shoot on a tripod or monopod. Does that change your recommendation? Which lens would you recommend?

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

The equipment you have is more than capable of taken great pictures! If you think you need better go through the things you cannot do with what you have then buy what you need to do these things. Like you want to make poster size prints a FF camera will do a better job. Spend a lot of time working and learning with what you have will get you better pictures than getting more stuff. - dave

WILLARD98407 Loc: TACOMA, WA.

wilsondl2 wrote:

The equipment you have is more than capable of taken great pictures! If you think you need better go through the things you cannot do with what you have then buy what you need to do these things. Like you want to make poster size prints a FF camera will do a better job. Spend a lot of time working and learning with what you have will get you better pictures than getting more stuff. - dave

what Dave said.

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

Wilsond12 - agree totally. I have a 36x36 over the mantle taken with the 7100 and the 50/1.8 and I see no grain and no noise. (On1 resize helps). I seem to have problems with outdoor shots without a tripod. With a tripod and some time, I can get what I consider "keepers" pretty easily.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

So, what's lacking in your current lenses with your current camera? What are the "best" pictures and how do they differ from your current images? I don't see anything lacking in your lens lineup. You'll get lots of people telling you how to spend your $1500.

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

I'm too critical of my stuff. Always want to be "bigger, better, faster"

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Leave the 35mm home, use the 50mm for night / low light shots. I think you're lens mix could be improved with a Sigma 18-35 ART, just about the best Dx lens around. Take CPL filters for your medium and long zooms, as the air is hazy out there in urban areas.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I agree a tripod for me is the best money spent to get better pictures.

gainesn wrote:

Wilsond12 - agree totally. I have a 36x36 over the mantle taken with the 7100 and the 50/1.8 and I see no grain and no noise. (On1 resize helps). I seem to have problems with outdoor shots without a tripod. With a tripod and some time, I can get what I consider "keepers" pretty easily.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

You have not mentioned what focal length(s) you are interested in. I would suggest the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8. I use it on both my D7000 and D800. It is an outstanding lens. I never took it off my D800 on our trip to Santa Fe and Taos. However, on your D7200, you can use your Tokina for wide angle shots. Nikon's newest version of the 24-70 that comes with VR will be beyond your budget, but the non-VR version, just discontinued, should be nicely priced for you. It's an excellent lens and most of us do not find VR necessary at those focal lengths. The 24-70 is a sweet lens.

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

Thanks

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

thanks

gainesn Loc: Chickamauga, GA

thanks

whwiden

It seems to me that your weak link in lenses is the Tamron 18-200mm. The Sigma 50-100 f/1.8 Art lens is very good. Maybe the best DX lens in that range. It is a little short on the long end, and it is fairly large and heavy--not quite the FF equivalent of a 70-200mm--but close. If you do not often need a longer reach, I would look at that lens. The f/1.8 will really let you shoot at higher shutter speeds. And, it is so sharp you can get away with crops in many cases. Your 50mm Nikon is very good on a crop body, so there is some overlap. You might take the Tokina, the 35mm dx, and the Sigma, and have a very nice well regarded lens set.