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which lens should I use?
Mar 18, 2014 09:33:26   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Hi everybody.. got a question I would love an opinion on..Some years ago, I purchased a D70s (which I never really did learn how to use as well as I should have) with an 18-70 f3.5-4.5ED dx lens, which seems to be pretty good, but it does not have the VR feature. Recently, I came across a very good deal on a D3200, with 2 "kit" lenses, which even though the camera is now considered a "low end" camera, it seems to be much more advanced than the d70s was. The kit lenses are an 18-55 f3.5-5.6 dx with VR, and a 55-200 f4-5.6dx with VR.
What I'm wondering is if I am better off using the 18-70 since it seems to have a lot more glass (67mm filter as opposed to 52mm) even though it does not have the VR feature, but it is faster zoomed in (f4.5 as opposed to 5.6). How much difference does the VR actually make in the real world? So far, my interest is more in buildings, objects, landscaping than it is in people, but I am still in the early stages of figuring this out. Also considering a lens such as the tamron 18-270mm to help eliminate the need for switching lenses all the time, but maybe money would be better spent on a wider angle lens like the tamron 10-24mm since I have coverage to 200 mm already?
sorry this got long winded but I appreciate your comments..Ed

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Mar 18, 2014 09:40:05   #
alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
 
It depends what you shoot. Get to know your camera well, whatever bargain other cameras you see.
I think one of the main things you are asking is VR.
My answer is :Why?
I know it will give you more stops of light.
So, does your shooting require VR?

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Mar 18, 2014 09:44:20   #
alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
 
Addition:

Perhaps a good walk around lens like the 18-275 you mentioned, and others available will save you time changing lenses.

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Mar 18, 2014 09:55:48   #
wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska
 
On shorter lenses the VR feature is not as imprortant as on telephotos. You do not have near the magnafication of the subject you are shooting. How much do you shake? If you are getting blur because of it you need the VR. I would just shoot awhile with the lenses you have and note evertime they wont do the job and then after awhile you will know what other lens(es) you will need to do what you want. By the way I keep the 55-70 on one of my cameras all the time. - Dave

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Mar 18, 2014 10:15:45   #
sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL
 
Another hint for sharper photos I read about and tried was shooting in series of 3 or 4 photos, set by the camera. My D7000 has it and my photo IQ (Image Quality) has improved significantly.

I set my shutter to AF but shots to be taken is 4. When looking at the shots, invariably the 2d or 3rd shot is vastly superior to 1 and 4.

Sarge69

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Mar 19, 2014 10:39:01   #
RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York
 
I like this answer. It took me a few too many purchases to get a kit I was happy with and I still have to fight new gadget lust. 90+% of the photos I shoot are between 17 and 50 and knowing that I made sure I had the lens i felt was the best for me at that range. I do need wider and longer at times and have lenses for that but I like the advice of shooting first and seeing what you need and how satisfied you are with your photos.

wilsondl2 wrote:
On shorter lenses the VR feature is not as imprortant as on telephotos. You do not have near the magnafication of the subject you are shooting. How much do you shake? If you are getting blur because of it you need the VR. I would just shoot awhile with the lenses you have and note evertime they wont do the job and then after awhile you will know what other lens(es) you will need to do what you want. By the way I keep the 55-70 on one of my cameras all the time. - Dave

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Mar 19, 2014 19:11:43   #
Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California
 
As mentioned it primarily depends what you are shooting most of the time. I shoot weddings so 150mm - 250mm is my sweat spot so I like having VR which gives me a stop or 2 better performance. When you only have a 5.6 opening on a 200mm kit lens 2 stops is a huge advantage ....

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