Allan Cavalcanti Loc: Rio de Janeiro

Hello,
I am a photo enthusiast and purchased a D7100 about 4 years ago. I don´t use photography as a way of living but I try to get the best out my gear. During this time I´ve acquired some lens and my current DX lens lineup is:

1 Tokina ATX Pro SD 11-16 F2.8 (IF) DX II
2 AF-S Nikkor 35 mm 1:1.8 G
3 AF-S Nikkor 18-200 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G II ED
4 AF-S Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-5.6 G VR

During these 4 years I´ve mostly used 18-200mm as grab and go lens.
Despite the 18-200mm well known compromises in image quality, I was able to manage its pitfalls especially my photos have been mostly during daylight and the demands were not too high.

But, our mind and eyes change over time. Reasonable quality is ok but now I want to have a better gear and photos quality.
My main interests have been travel photography, motorcycle events and trips, Carnival shots (people) and surfing shots. Lately I´ve included landscapes and low light nude art as next fields of interest. I don´t think of macro or other specific areas like new born or wedding/social events. It may happen accidentaly but am I am not towards it.

Based on it, I´ve just purchased a D750. Now, additionaly to my DX team, my FX lineup is as follows:

1 AF-S Nikkor 24-120 mm 1:4 G ED and
2 AF Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 D (old lens but I got a bargain in mint condition) - I am loving it.

For the time being I don´t think selling D7100. I can still change my mind but I have the feeling that selling used gear does not pay back and I´d lose a backup. Still not 100% sure here.

I´d like a help from UHH experienced users for a new lens lineup considering I would keep DX team. Also, if possible, another suggestion in case I sell the DX team.

I feel that I will miss DX 18-200mm flexibility in D750.
I´ve read some reviews on FX 28-300mm and they are not exciting. Looks like it is not hugely better than DX 18-200mm. With the new D750, I want a step ahead.

I´ve read some FX 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II comparisons to DX 70-300 f/1:4.5-5.6 G VR and they normaly conclude their quality difference can only be seen in low light photos (and also much better f/2.8 bokeh). In daylight use, the result would be both similar.

I am a little confused on how to rearrange and considering my fields of interest, which suggestions would you make?
I still have some budget to buy lenses (or may sell the DX team). I just want to be sure that I will have a lineup which would be consistenly better and aligned to my interests.

Thank you.

Allan Cavalcanti

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

If a owned a full frame camera, I would get before anything else, a 70-200mm f2.8. It does not have to be a Nikon Brand either. All other lenses would follow that one. Your 24-120mm would fill in the gap. And you must have a FX 50mm prime to put on it. The 28-300mm is not bad. I have a friend who has one on his DX D7100. It's his everyday lens. He loves it. Good luck on your choices.

Allan Cavalcanti Loc: Rio de Janeiro

Thanks for your suggestion.
Why would you go and get a 70-200 2.8 at first?

Allan

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I have a D7100 that is paired with an older 105mm macro lens & I have anFX D610. I also have that 35-70 F2.8. Other lenses I would recommend without breaking the bank are the AF Nikkor 80-200 F2.8, the AF 180mm F2.8 and the AF 300mm Nikkor F4... Bear in mind that either camera can also utilize older manual focus lenses. For even longer focal length primes, I have & use some of those MF models.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Action Sports Photography, both day and nights, and portraits. A 70-200mm can be used for portraits as well. A 50mm prime is just that, a 50mm, especially on a full frame. As it has been said. It sees what the eyes see.

Allan Cavalcanti Loc: Rio de Janeiro

Ok.
At first I thought about keeping my 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 for Action purpose (which I do not do very often). Despite being relatively dark I normally shoot daylight pictures and wouldn´t need a faster lens. But it is a very good suggestion.

Thanks for your comments.
Allan

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I own the DX Version 70-300mm. Yes, it will work for daylight sports action. I use my 50mm f1.8 on the sidelines, for kids soccer games, during the summertime. I get a FOV of 75mm on my DX camera. Much more convenient than using my 70-300mm.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Is yours the newer AF-P version?

Allan Cavalcanti Loc: Rio de Janeiro

I am not sure whether youre asking mas24 or me....

My 70-300mm is an AF-S version, f/4.5-5.6 G which is able to work on DX and FX bodies.

I have 2 bodies: a D7100 and a D750.

I have been scrolling around and getting info about the 80-200f/2.8 which seems a damn good lens. It is on my radar now as an alternative to (the expensive) 70-300f/2.8 VR II.

Allan

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Yes it is.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Is it as good as the hype I've read?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

mas24 is who I replied to.

The 80-200 is a damn good lens.
I had the push-pull one-ring zoom/focus.
Very sharp but I wouldn't buy that version.
Much prefer two-ring now.
Go for the later versions if you're looking at that one, or consider the 70-200 f4 with VR.
A lot lighter, less expensive than the 2.8.
As far as I know, Nikon does not make a 70-300 2.8.

Allan Cavalcanti Loc: Rio de Janeiro

I am looking for 80-200 f2.8 used. Here I only find 2 rings lenses. Didn´t see any push-pull controlled.
Here 70-200 f4 are almost as expensive as f2.8 version. And if I am to spend such amount of money I´d buy f2.8 version anyway. I don´t have (still) any problem for carrying its extra weight.

70-300 f2.8 was a typo error. Didn´t mean that.

I´m currently more towards 80-200 f2.8. Let´s see.

Tks
Allan

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I'm unaware of the hype you mentioned. This lens was about $100 less than the FX format 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S lens. The FX is most likely better. Since it is full frame. I bought it because it was less expensive, and it was designed for a crop sensor. I like it. I rarely crank it past 200mm though.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Here is a listing of all the Nikon 70/80-200 lenses:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80-200mm-history.htm