GerryB Loc: Oxford, CT

Hi all, I'm a new contributor to this blog...the proud Secretary of the Camera Club of Oxford Greens (CT)...and a budding photographer trying to learn more to submit better photos. Right now, I'm trying to figure out which lens to keep, save or buy for an upcoming Danube River Cruise.Currently along with my new Nikon D7000 my lens are: 24-120mm f.4; wide angle 17-35mm f2.8 (FX, not DX lens); and an 18-200mm 3.5-5.6? It seems as though there could be more efficiencies here, and shouldn't I have a longer telephoto? Any advice is very much appreciated! Many thanks! Gerry

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I would ALWAYS buy FF lenses as you never know when you may want a FF camera and have to buy again.

Most of my shots on my site are Sigma 120-400 or 150-500

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Welcome Gerry. I agree with JR1, FF lenses are for lifetime and with a Dx you shoot through the sweet portion of the lens. I also have the Sigma 150-500 and love it, but for a trip on the Danube it might be a bit heavy and difficult to hold steady. Consider the 70-300mm VR which I also have and like very much - very easy to hold and not heavy.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

My son won't be parted from his 28-300 Nikkor

GerryB Loc: Oxford, CT

Thanks, Elliot, to you and to JR1...but my more specific concern is that there seems to be some over-lap or redundancy, if you will, with these three (3) lenses.Thanks to you both!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Gerry and welcome to the site!!! I would sell the 18-200 and get the 28-300. I have had this lens on my camera sense they came out. It is a very sharp lens and I have a hard time taking it off for a walk around lens. I would say that 80% of the shots I post here are with it. And the price has come down a lot too.:(
I have a lot of Nikon lenses that just sit around now.:)
Erv

GerryB Loc: Oxford, CT

Hi Erv, Thanks so much for your thoughts...it's exactly what I'm thinking...also perhaps to trade in the 17-35mm 2.8 for a 12-24mm f.4 (DX)...as my goal is to have only (2) great lenses: a great wide angle & a good 'walking-around' telephoto...but do you think I still need my 24-120mm f4?...difficult decision...however I will never again trade with Adorama in NYC...last tim they gave me only 50% for a beautiful 105mm 2.8! I should be able to get better value than that...EBay...may ask B&H...thanks again!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Gerry. The 12-24 is a great lens. but it is DX. You want to stay with FX if you can. I would keep the 17-35. With your crop factor it is really a 25- 52. In my walk around bag I have the 10.5, 17-55 DX ( got a really good deal on it) the 105, my flash and the 28-300. With these I have everything pretty much covered. And it is easy to carry around.
Your goal is to get good glass the first time. I have all the great lens in 2.8>12-24, 24-70, 70-200 and the 300 2.8 plus about 40 others from the old days. You might want to up grade your camera body to an FX some day. And Dx lens will work on most of the high end Nikons. But it will be in the DX mode.:(

If I were in your shoes just starting off. I would keep the 17-35. Get he 28-300 and sell the others on ebay or here.:) You should always set the price you want tho. Don't give them away.:) Then start looking for better glass as you can save for it. Because your style of shooting will change a little and you always have to have new toys.:) I didn't do any micro in my film days. My camera was for making money and family shots. Now I shoot anything that gets in front of the camera.:) And way to many pictures. But it is a hobby now. And I have my first grandson. (5000 shots in 10 months.) If you click on my user name you will see all the post I have made under (list) :). I am haven a blast with the camera and on this site.

If you would like to talk more, just use my email at the bottom of every page in the by line. Be glad to help!
Erv

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

Welcome to the UHH forum and howdy from Houston!
:thumbup:

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

GerryB Loc: Oxford, CT

Many thanks, Houston: I hope to listen & learn a lot from UHH...Cheers, GB

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Welcome to UHH Gerry.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Keep the 17-35 f2.8. Is the 24-120 f4 the new VR Nikor, or the older model? If the older one, sell it. If the newer one, it too is a FXlens and worth keeping. I'd sell the18-200 and either buy the 18-300 3.5-5.6VRNikor DX or the 28-300 FX Nikor. OR, just rent the 18-300 for the duration of your cruise.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Not sure how much money or time you have - I would consider a 1.4X behind the 24-120 for longer reach and use the 17-35 also.. The 18-200 is your weakest lens now. The 18-200 is convenient for one lens carry, but gives up IQ to the others.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Welcome aboard Gerry. When the time comes youll know what you need to buy to do the photography you enjoy.