Nikon D-7100 Walk Around Lens
Apr 17, 2015 22:05:16 #
I have a D7200 with the 18-140mm kit lens, I have been happy with the results so far. All zooms with more than 3x range are a compromise. The 18-140mm has some distortion, which can be corrected in camera, very sharp, good contrast and color, effective VR. This lens was developed for the 24MP sensors so it will match up well with a D7100.
juleskarney wrote:
Looking for imput for a everyday lens. I bought the Nikon D-7100 at Costco. It comes with a 18-55 and 55-300 lens. I really like the lenses but I think I could do better.
What does the club members think?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
Jules
What does the club members think?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
Jules
Apr 17, 2015 22:38:34 #
There are a lot of good walkaround lenses. The best depends on what you like to shoot and how much you can spend. Most start at 16-18mm on the wide end. The big question is how long (telephoto) do you want? Do you find yourself switching back and forth between the 18-55 and 55-300 or do you use mostly one or the other? Do you find yourself shooting at or near 300mm a lot?
If you seldom shoot near the 300mm end of the 55-300 you may be happy with the Nikon 18-140 VR or 18-200 VR. If you do shoot near 300mm then a Sigma 18-300 Macro would be a good choice. It's my walkaround lens. It's very sharp, well built, and a lot less money than either Nikon 18-300.
If you seldom use the 55-300, don't buy anything unless you shoot in low light without flash. Your 18-55 VR is a very sharp lens, but a little slow. For shooting in low light without flash a Sigma or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 would be a good choice.
A note about superzoom lenses like an 18-200 or 18-300 is that they are not as sharp as using a pair of lower ratio zooms like the two you have now. Some find them sharp enough, some don't. IMO, if you don't print much larger than 8.5x11 or if you only view your photos electronically, you probably won't see a difference between a good superzoom and comparable shorter ratio zooms.
Another suggestion is to get a copy of "Nikon D7100 Digital Field Guide". It's a better manual than what came with the camera, and its a good basic guide to photography geared specifically to your camera. It also has a good glossary of digital photography terms. There are other good guide books, but this one is especially good for newbies.
If you seldom shoot near the 300mm end of the 55-300 you may be happy with the Nikon 18-140 VR or 18-200 VR. If you do shoot near 300mm then a Sigma 18-300 Macro would be a good choice. It's my walkaround lens. It's very sharp, well built, and a lot less money than either Nikon 18-300.
If you seldom use the 55-300, don't buy anything unless you shoot in low light without flash. Your 18-55 VR is a very sharp lens, but a little slow. For shooting in low light without flash a Sigma or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 would be a good choice.
A note about superzoom lenses like an 18-200 or 18-300 is that they are not as sharp as using a pair of lower ratio zooms like the two you have now. Some find them sharp enough, some don't. IMO, if you don't print much larger than 8.5x11 or if you only view your photos electronically, you probably won't see a difference between a good superzoom and comparable shorter ratio zooms.
Another suggestion is to get a copy of "Nikon D7100 Digital Field Guide". It's a better manual than what came with the camera, and its a good basic guide to photography geared specifically to your camera. It also has a good glossary of digital photography terms. There are other good guide books, but this one is especially good for newbies.
Apr 18, 2015 01:19:45 #
Own them all. Suggest you use them and then pose the question. All kinds of good advise,but I recommend using those lenses first. Not bad! Got many lenses,but no complaints with your selections...Always something better out there.
Apr 18, 2015 01:19:46 #
Own them all. Suggest you use them and then pose the question. All kinds of good advise,but I recommend using those lenses first. Not bad! Got many lenses,but no complaints with your selections...Always something better out there.
Apr 18, 2015 02:08:30 #
seroposi wrote:
Walkabout lens on my D7100 is the Nikon 16-85mm
Ditto here, the 16-85 is my favorite for general photography.
Walkabout lens on my D7100 is the Nikon 16-85mm
Haydon wrote:
That never comes off my friends D7000. He loves it.
Ditto here, the 16-85 is my favorite for general photography.
Apr 18, 2015 03:21:31 #
My go-to walk around lens on my D7000 is:
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G.
It's a sharp, fast and very economical lens (because it's a prime lens).
35mm on DX is approx. 50mm FF equivalent which is considered a "normal lens", having a view similar to the human eye.
One thing, with a prime lens you have to use your feet more. But the IQ and sharpness of that lens make it more than worth it.
It is a fabulous lens and great value (about $200 new).
Rent one for a weekend and try it out.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G.
It's a sharp, fast and very economical lens (because it's a prime lens).
35mm on DX is approx. 50mm FF equivalent which is considered a "normal lens", having a view similar to the human eye.
One thing, with a prime lens you have to use your feet more. But the IQ and sharpness of that lens make it more than worth it.
It is a fabulous lens and great value (about $200 new).
Rent one for a weekend and try it out.
Apr 18, 2015 04:39:07 #
Apr 18, 2015 06:23:09 #
Apr 18, 2015 06:44:15 #
Apr 18, 2015 06:46:07 #
juleskarney wrote:
I really like the lenses but I think I could do better.
What does the club members think?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
Jules
What does the club members think?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
Jules
That's what this site is all about. "What can I buy that might make my pictures better?" :D
There is the Nikon Trinity of lenses, with each costing about $2,000, but they're designed for FX bodies. Then there is the used market - ebay, photo dealers, KEH. You can also get good refurbished lenses from the Nikon site. I prefer large aperture, if available. I also prefer refurb and used.
Some help deciding -
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/12/20/buying-new-lenses-7-questions-to-ask-yourself-and-key-features-explained/
EDIT: DX vs FX lenses -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbUIfB5YUc
Apr 18, 2015 06:49:09 #
Apr 18, 2015 07:07:04 #
What is the opinion on the Nikon 24-70 2.8 fulfilling this role? I know it is expensive and possibly a little heavier than some might like,but surely one of Nikon's quality lenses.
Apr 18, 2015 07:26:27 #
Apr 18, 2015 07:29:26 #
Apr 18, 2015 07:33:50 #
Jim Bob wrote:
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Yessireee! That's the one. Razor sharp, excellent color and contrast. Better than the 200 and 300 zooms for image quality.
Yes,I agree I just purchased the 18-140 for my D7100 & I am very pleased with the results.Just awesome lens!
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