I've got a Nikon D7000, but it's still a relatively new camera and I've not built up too much of a collection of lenses yet. I currently have the f/1.8 50mm (my favourite) and the F3.5-4.5 35-70mm lens (don't use often, but not too bad).
I'm very keen to get a macro lens and a good wide angle lens, and possibly a good zoom lens a little later on.
Has anyone got suggestions on which ones to consider, please?
Hi Gail I just got the 105mm micro (they call it that but it's a macro...maybe someone knows why?) I love it! I also just got the 35mm 1.8 I haven't used either much as they are new but I did a lot of researcjh and I'm liking both so far. I also have a 55-200 as a zoom. I like it too. I'm really new to this so hopefully someone else will weigh in. I also have the 57000
Definitely go with the 105 for your macro. I settled on the 60mm because of cost, but wish I would have spent the extra money.
I LOVED my Tokina 11-16 for ultra wide-angle. Are you wanting to go THAT wide? Losing that lens was the only thing that kind of held me back when considering going FX. I've now replaced it with the Tokina 16-28 for my D600, just waiting on it to arrive.
@nyresolution Thanks Jenn, I've had a browse through some of your macro shots... the 105 seems to work really well!
@cmc1200 that's great, Caryn - thanks for the advice. I'll start searching for a 105. You're right, sometimes it's best to spend that extra bit of money, otherwise you're never quite content, are you. I'm not , but I think the 11-16 would be the perfect width. I used to have a 14-44 with my previous camera, and loved that I could stand on one side of our little room and fit the whole of the room into the shot. I miss being able to do that during family occasions, etc.
@gailmmeek@morrowmoss I really like the Sigma 10-20mm on my D7000 as well! I don't think any of my project is shot with it though. That needs to change.
Another vote for the 105. I have the Sigma if you're looking for good quality for a little less. Almost all of my shots on 365 are with the 105 ( part of my personal challenge was to get away from the zoom 70 (80?) - 300 which has been my favorite for years.
I started out with the 40mm macro but upgraded to the 105mm only 6 months later. I chose the 40mm because it was cheap and I wasn't sure if macro was my thing but after taking a few shots I was in love. I do recommend the 105mm for its longer focal length but the 40mm is an excellent lens for the price. (most of my shots from February 2012- August 2012 are done with the 40mm and from there on with the 105mm) I also love the 35mm f1.8 and just got the 10-24mm wide angle but haven't had a chance to really test it yet. I would love a longer zoom lens but gonna save up some money and invest in a good one since the 55-200mm I own doesn't really do it for me.
@tanja_1211 Thanks for that info, Tanja. It's good to have so much positive feedback about that 105mm. I think I am definitely going to start with that one... still trying to decide on the wide angle. Hmmm... 10-20mm is a possibility. I may pop into the local Calumet store tomorrow some advice from them....
I have the 105 mm/2.8 and it is very versatile because of the macro feature and it makes a good portrait lens as well. Several of my photos on my project were taken with the 105. My other 'go to' lenses are the 50mm/1.4 and the 85mm/1.4. In both the 50 and 85 cases, I bought them used and saved hundreds of dollars. And I believe both would be considered 'older' models.
@taffy Thanks for your comment, Taffy. I've just come back from the local shop that sells Nikon/Canon gear... man, that 105 mm is expensive! Do you think it would be just as good to get a 18-105... found some reasonably priced ones on eBay - of course, the f-stop is not quite 2.8, but hey ho... it might be a good start. What do you think?
I had the 18 to 105 (lost it recently (ugh!!) and it doesn't handle macro at all. A very different lens that I am actually not planning to replace. Have you looked on eBay or into a used one locally? It was my first pricey lens to purchase and has been worth it. I use it as much or more than any other lens.
@gailmmeek PS if you do not want a macro that would be different of course. Then the 18 to 105 or the newer 24 to 70 (I think - its the kit lens for the D600) would work well.
@taffy No, I definitely want the macro - that's my main reason for getting the lens. Yeah, I've been chatting to my brother ( @mdkhoury ) who's a photographer and he suggested the 105 too, as opposed to the 18-105. Hmmm.... i'm searching eBay as we speak!
Are you in the States? I've had luck at calumet photo in Chicago. They are a large Internet presence but I would just call them. I have worked with Paul Jacus there.
@taffy No, I'm in the UK, but I spent time in the Calumet this afternon which is just down the road from where I live! They're a wealth of information and have such great stuff in store. But the price... oh dear..... too much!
@gailmmeek Yes. These other companies make lenses for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, etc., so you just need to specify a Nikon mount. I read somewhere that one of them -- maybe Tokina -- is a company started by former Nikon engineers. You'd want to check the price as if it's anywhere close to what you'd pay for Nikon, it would be worth saving up and waiting to get the Nikkor 105. But for a big difference, it would be worth it so you can get started and see how you like it. Maybe compare used Nikon 105mm to new one of the others and see the difference.
Duh...missed it -- definitely the same one. And she's selling this one:
a Nikon 85mm AFS 1.4G lens
My favorite lens after the 105. It does amazing portraits (even better than the 105 and is better in lower light). I bought mine used and thought I wouldn't need it since I had the 105, but it really is an amazingly wonderful low-light lens. But not a macro which is why the 105 ends up also being important.
Gail I have the Sigma 105 macro too awesome lens
I also like the Sigma 120-400 for birds & animals
Also try the fixed focal Sigmas there awesome & cheaper than Nikon
Hope this helps
Si
Gail, try before you buy. There are lens rental companies out there that will send you a lens for a certain amount of time. This allows you to use one for special occasions or to try out so that you don't spend serious money on a buyer's remorse paperweight.
@timerskine That's a very good idea Tim. I actually think Calumet does this... Perhaps I'll pop in there again tomorrow afternoon and have a little chat with them... see what possibilities there are. Thanks for the reminder.
I have 18-300 VR 3.5/5.6 and this amazing, bit costly but you will love this after getting super sharp pictures even in low lights. Anyways did you face any back focus issue with D7000.
@vishi9 thanks Vishi. I think I've set my heart on the 85 and the 105mm lenses at the moment. I'm not that clued up yet, so I'm not sure what back focus issues are? I'm really happy with my D7000 though - it's a new camera and I'm really pleased with the quality and the ease of using it!
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I LOVED my Tokina 11-16 for ultra wide-angle. Are you wanting to go THAT wide? Losing that lens was the only thing that kind of held me back when considering going FX. I've now replaced it with the Tokina 16-28 for my D600, just waiting on it to arrive.
@cmc1200 that's great, Caryn - thanks for the advice. I'll start searching for a 105. You're right, sometimes it's best to spend that extra bit of money, otherwise you're never quite content, are you. I'm not , but I think the 11-16 would be the perfect width. I used to have a 14-44 with my previous camera, and loved that I could stand on one side of our little room and fit the whole of the room into the shot. I miss being able to do that during family occasions, etc.
For a wide angle lens you could have a look at the Sigma 10-20mm too, personally I think it's pretty great.
I'd bet with some legwork you could fine a used Nikon one for about the same price, but if not, this one looks closest to my 105mm.
105mm Nikon Nikkor VR AF-S ED Micro 1:2.8
a Nikon 85mm AFS 1.4G lens
My favorite lens after the 105. It does amazing portraits (even better than the 105 and is better in lower light). I bought mine used and thought I wouldn't need it since I had the 105, but it really is an amazingly wonderful low-light lens. But not a macro which is why the 105 ends up also being important.
I also like the Sigma 120-400 for birds & animals
Also try the fixed focal Sigmas there awesome & cheaper than Nikon
Hope this helps
Si
@spthorne thanks Si - those are all helpful tips. I'm hunting around for something I can afford now. Thank you.
Just Google 'camera lens rental'.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Lens
and
Nikon 18-105mm AF-S DX Nikkor f3.5-5.6 G ED VR Lens
Can't wait for them to arrive so I can play now. :)