Lens recommendations?

07BSM328 · 10-24-2011, 07:47 PM

Hey Guys,
with all the great shots i'm seeing i'm wondering if there is another lens that would help improve my photography. I have just gotten into using a DSLR and picked up a Nikon D5100 with the lens it came with being the 18-55mm.
I was considering the 24-70mm F2.8 or a 18-200mm f3.5.
I mostly like working on landscape shots and would like to get into shooting more of the car as well. also learning how to use HDR.
Any suggestions?

scollins · 10-24-2011, 07:53 PM

Well, those are two completely different classes of lenses. If you can swing it, the 24-70 f2.8 is an amazing lens, but it is $1,900 USD. The 18-200 is also a good lens, but not constant aperture, nor as well made as the 24-70. But you get a very wide range of focal lengths to learn with. This is also why it is less than half the cost of the 24-70 at $849 USD.

DnA Diesel · 10-24-2011, 08:01 PM

If you are okay with buying a DX lens, (and want to stay NIKKOR) get the AF-S 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 ED.

If you may want to get a full-frame (FX) body later, consider the AF-s 16-35mm F4 VR.

Cheers
D.

mr_milo · 10-24-2011, 09:42 PM

I just picked up a 35mm f1.8 for my D90 and really LOVE it!

I have to say that it really makes me "work" at my pictures but I think that's why I love it so much. It's just amazing at f.18 and for $200 shipped it was a no brainer.

DnA Diesel · 10-24-2011, 10:03 PM

AF-S 35mm F1.8G is the perfect prime lens for a DX-format Nikon! Sharp, fast, nice...

gcochard · 11-14-2011, 03:48 PM

Why get an 18-200 when you have an 18-55 already? It's pointless to have two lenses with you that overlap, especially if one has the entire range of the other. If you're selling the 18-55, then you should probably get the 18-200.

You can get a 55-200 for $250 instead, and since you're new it shouldn't matter what the minimum aperture is. Just focus on the photos, not the gear. Check the 55-200 out here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55-200mm-vr.htm

TL · 11-14-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_milo

I just picked up a 35mm f1.8 for my D90 and really LOVE it!

I have to say that it really makes me "work" at my pictures but I think that's why I love it so much. It's just amazing at f.18 and for $200 shipped it was a no brainer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DnA Diesel

AF-S 35mm F1.8G is the perfect prime lens for a DX-format Nikon! Sharp, fast, nice...

i find myself shooting with it more than my 50mm f/1.4G on my D7000

Autumn BMW by GQjai, on Flickr

the 18-200 is nice when i travel for personal use because i can walk around without the need to switch lens.

10-24-2011, 07:47 PM	#1
07BSM328 Private First Class 20 Rep 168 Posts Drives: '12 M3 Fire Orange Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Lens recommendations? Hey Guys, with all the great shots i'm seeing i'm wondering if there is another lens that would help improve my photography. I have just gotten into using a DSLR and picked up a Nikon D5100 with the lens it came with being the 18-55mm. I was considering the 24-70mm F2.8 or a 18-200mm f3.5. I mostly like working on landscape shots and would like to get into shooting more of the car as well. also learning how to use HDR. Any suggestions?
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10-24-2011, 07:53 PM	#2
scollins Bootleggin' 'n Gunrunnin' 144 Rep 2,372 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Renton, WA iTrader: (3)	Well, those are two completely different classes of lenses. If you can swing it, the 24-70 f2.8 is an amazing lens, but it is $1,900 USD. The 18-200 is also a good lens, but not constant aperture, nor as well made as the 24-70. But you get a very wide range of focal lengths to learn with. This is also why it is less than half the cost of the 24-70 at $849 USD. __________________ Scott 2024 G01 X3 M40i, Brooklyn Grey Metallic /// 2015 F15 X5 35i, Space Gray Metallic, 99K miles /// 2013 F30 320xi, Mojave Metallic, 112k miles 2019 Ford F450 STX, Oxford White 2013 Ducati Multistrada Touring S, Red
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10-24-2011, 08:01 PM	#3
DnA Diesel Major 27 Rep 1,110 Posts Drives: 09 335d Sport SGrey/Blk/Blk Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	If you are okay with buying a DX lens, (and want to stay NIKKOR) get the AF-S 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 ED. If you may want to get a full-frame (FX) body later, consider the AF-s 16-35mm F4 VR. Cheers D. __________________ 2016 GLE 350d - White on Black
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10-24-2011, 09:42 PM	#4
mr_milo Captain 14 Rep 668 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 328i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SF Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1)	I just picked up a 35mm f1.8 for my D90 and really LOVE it! I have to say that it really makes me "work" at my pictures but I think that's why I love it so much. It's just amazing at f.18 and for $200 shipped it was a no brainer.
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10-24-2011, 10:03 PM	#5
DnA Diesel Major 27 Rep 1,110 Posts Drives: 09 335d Sport SGrey/Blk/Blk Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	AF-S 35mm F1.8G is the perfect prime lens for a DX-format Nikon! Sharp, fast, nice... __________________ 2016 GLE 350d - White on Black
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11-14-2011, 03:48 PM	#6
gcochard Captain 26 Rep 784 Posts Drives: 2011.5 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: South OC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	Why get an 18-200 when you have an 18-55 already? It's pointless to have two lenses with you that overlap, especially if one has the entire range of the other. If you're selling the 18-55, then you should probably get the 18-200. You can get a 55-200 for $250 instead, and since you're new it shouldn't matter what the minimum aperture is. Just focus on the photos, not the gear. Check the 55-200 out here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55-200mm-vr.htm
	Appreciate 0 Quote