What's a good 'street' lens?
Feb 21, 2012 09:38:13 #
This spring I'll be New York City, and I want to spend a day or two shooting on the street. Random shots, unposed. I'm leaning toward a Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8. With the crop factor (1.5), the lens equates to 52MM..close to a 'normal' lens. I'll be shooting with a Nikon D3100.
I plan to use aperture priority, no flash. I'm not sure what focus mode to use. I need to study up on that one. I'm open for suggestions Thanks.
I plan to use aperture priority, no flash. I'm not sure what focus mode to use. I need to study up on that one. I'm open for suggestions Thanks.
Feb 21, 2012 09:43:12 #
There are quite a few reviews of street lenses on DigitalRevTV's youtube channel, I just saw the shoot out of street lenses yesterday as a matter of fact.
I'd say that one of two ways is good to focus:
1.) small aperture and "zone focus" (not my preference)
2.) AI Servo (this is what canon calls it; it's variable continous focus)
Good luck!
I'd say that one of two ways is good to focus:
1.) small aperture and "zone focus" (not my preference)
2.) AI Servo (this is what canon calls it; it's variable continous focus)
Good luck!
Feb 21, 2012 09:46:38 #
Take a look at the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm F3.5-5.6 G VR, (36-180mm on your D3100) discontinued but available used at a good price all over.
Feb 21, 2012 09:53:00 #
I find it interesting that Nikon has also added a fast 24mm to the prime lineup. That makes four focal lengths: 24mm (36mm EFL), 35mm (52.5mm EFL), 50mm (75mm EFL) and 85mm (127.5mm EFL).
Feb 22, 2012 11:17:02 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Take a look at the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm F3.5-5.6 G VR, (36-180mm on your D3100) discontinued but available used at a good price all over.
MT, Do you have one of these 24-120's ?? How do you like it ?? I was looking at it for just that same purpose. Good focal range for a walk around and VR !! The reviews arn't so hot. Ken Rockwell calls it one of Nikon's 10 worst. Very soft with dark corners. Thom Hogan is not very fond if it either.
It has a very attractive price and is available as a refurb at B&H or as used (condition 9+) for $299
Any one else out there in UHH land have one and can comment ???
Feb 22, 2012 11:21:47 #
I would use the 18-200 - for what it is, its sharp, fast and gives both good zoom AND wide angle. With VR you don't need to worry about a tripod
Feb 22, 2012 11:24:59 #
GC likes NIKON wrote:
quote=MT Shooter Take a look at the Nikkor AF-S 2... (show quote)
I do have one and actually like it a LOT, sharp AND fast focus. It was my Go-To lense until I bought the 28-300mm. I used a non-VR version once and thought it was terrible. I was hesitant to buy the VR because of that but had a tough time passing up the range and VR. I bought mine as a refurb direct from Nikon and never regretted the decision. The refurbs typically are better than new anyway as they actually get hand inspected and hand adjusted.
It just takes up space in my case for the last 6 months now, would rather see it get some use. I would consider selling it if you were interested in one.
Also, did you read Ken Rockwells disclaimer at the end of that 10 worst review? I found it interesting to say the least.
Feb 22, 2012 11:56:48 #
Take something small & light weight. You want to be inconspicuous.
I was just there in December and got lots of beautiful photos with a Nikon 35mm 1.8 on a D3s, still a little on the heavy side, but not as noticeable as a longer lens.
I was just there in December and got lots of beautiful photos with a Nikon 35mm 1.8 on a D3s, still a little on the heavy side, but not as noticeable as a longer lens.
Feb 22, 2012 13:23:44 #
BboH wrote:
I would use the 18-200 - for what it is, its sharp, fast and gives both good zoom AND wide angle. With VR you don't need to worry about a tripod
I completely agree with BboH! This is a very good lens to use if all you want to do is carry ONE lens. And, don't forget to look "up" while you are walking around. The 200 setting will be great for you.
Feb 22, 2012 13:31:59 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Take a look at the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm F3.5-5.6 G VR, (36-180mm on your D3100) discontinued but available used at a good price all over.
Don't get the old one (non-vr), it's crap.
Feb 22, 2012 20:31:03 #
As a Canonian, I can't speak to actual Nikon lenses - but just a thought overall:
Streets in NYC can be narrow, long, and interesting stuff is both near and far. I assume you'd prefer to use just a single lens and not have to be bothered with swapping (also traveling lighter and not as big a target for a snatch & grab). Rather than a single prime - would consider a quality IS zoom starting at around 17 and going up to 40, or 75, or 135, or 200 - accepting whatever combo of range vs IQ you'd be satisfied with.
Have a great trip!! Check 6 !!
Streets in NYC can be narrow, long, and interesting stuff is both near and far. I assume you'd prefer to use just a single lens and not have to be bothered with swapping (also traveling lighter and not as big a target for a snatch & grab). Rather than a single prime - would consider a quality IS zoom starting at around 17 and going up to 40, or 75, or 135, or 200 - accepting whatever combo of range vs IQ you'd be satisfied with.
Have a great trip!! Check 6 !!
Feb 22, 2012 21:11:56 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Don't get the old one (non-vr), it's crap.
MT Shooter wrote:
Take a look at the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm F3.5-5.6 G VR, (36-180mm on your D3100) discontinued but available used at a good price all over.
Don't get the old one (non-vr), it's crap.
Absolutely, as I mentioned above.
Feb 22, 2012 22:17:38 #
photoman
Loc: Budd Lake, NJ
Hey Coondog, I'm with MT on this question, Nikon 24-120 VR. I own one as well and shoot with a Fuji Finepix S2 Pro camera and I absolutely love this lens. I use it all the time in NYC.....great street lens !!!!
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