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Another Lens Thread

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tcole1983

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If you have read any of my other threads I have a D5000 and the 18-200 VR and 18-55 lenses. I have been thinking about getting the 35 f1.8 lens, but then I keep wondering how much I will use it. I looked through my shots and it seemed like more were at either 18-25mm or 55+ mm. Would it be a decent portrait/landscape lens or is it too awkward of a focal length for either of those (not wide enough for landscapes and too long to get a whole person or group of people)?

Other opinions for a sharp lens that could be used for landscapes and or portraits (or do I need 2 lenses for this purpose?). I would consider another brand lens other then Nikon if there are any options that will autofocus with the D5000.

Posted 3 years ago #
anjz

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Yes, I think it is a good choice. It's a nice versatile focal length on a crop-sensor camera. A fast 35 has been my walk-around for quite a while (although if you see my recent Tamron 17-50 VC thread, that looks like it is about to change).

I use the 35 for a variety of single and group shots and landscapes. You'll use your legs a lot more than with a zoom lens. I've been generally happy using it both in the city and the country, although sometimes I wish for the convenience of a zoom-and there will be some shots you just can't get with a 35-but, sometimes carry the 18-55 around with you too.

Posted 3 years ago #
anjz

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3 Environmental Portraits with the 35 f/2

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4532741804_ee36811148.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4529073190_e53bf7142e.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4537155827_77ccb80906.jpg

Here are 2 with the 50 1.4 for comparison

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4488888399_a0af645921.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4488887179_57370e6bbb.jpg

All photos taken with a crop-sensor camera (Nikon D90)

Posted 3 years ago #
adamz

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Tcole, as for my personal preferences 35mm on dx is a little bit too long for a landscape lense, and at the same time it's a ittle bit too short for portrait. i like doing landscapes in 20-24 mm range, and portraits with n105vr.

Posted 3 years ago #
anjz

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Adamz gave some sage advice. If you can switch lenses on the fly (which really isn't all that hard or time consuming), by all means it's a good way to go.

For my purposes, however, I sometimes end up missing my shot when I stop to switch lenses; or I'm somewhere where I can't switch lenses without risking dropping one of them (subway...streetcar); or I'm somewhere I wouldn't dream of opening my camera up (said streetcar, for instance); or whomever I am photographing is going to start getting figity (although they usually don't say it), or I have a bunch of bags in my left hand and it is all I can do to to throw the bags on the ground, get out my camera, compose and get a shot, without a second to spare.

So, if you need to compromise (which I certainly do), throw on a 35 or 50 and pull off the low-light shot...or the shot that needs background blur....and know there will be some compositions you just won't get, but lots you will. Quite frankly, I rather like having just one fast lens with me and don't find that it limits me all that much...sometimes a prime...sometimes a fast zoom (which also compromises somewhat on the "fastness")...so, well, it's all about the compromise.

If you have time and place to change lenses, and don't mind carrying a bigger bag (if you even need to get a bigger one), by all means, carry 2 lenses and simply switch them out.

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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Joined: May '09
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I love the Tamron 17-50, too. There are two versions that will autofocus on the D5000—a VR version and a non-VR version. I haven't tried either one (mine is screw-driven), but Andrew's shots with the VR are pretty impressive.

Posted 3 years ago #
heartyfisher

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(I have the 18-200 as well) .. 35mm == 52mm FF and the old 50mm was the most used lens in the film days. Its great for environmental portraits. and general low light shooting.

However, I wont be getting it as I had many 50mm and know that FOV well, and although I liked it, I always found that it was either too short for tele or too long for general shots. My fav was a 40mm in the FX days and that works out to be a 28mm DX. (the F1.4 version if you can get one costs over $3000 !) So look into the 30mm Sigma F1.4 although if you cant see the diff between the 30 and the 35mm FOV then get the 35mm Nikkor. Or check out that Tamron 17-50 F2.8.

At the moment I have kind of settled on the 12-24 for my wideangle shots( about 15%). and my 150 F2.8 macro for most every thing else(70%). I also have a 35-70 F2.8, if I need normalish or portraiture(10%). the last 5% is spread out between my other lenses..

Posted 3 years ago #
tcole1983

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I made the thread because I was almost dead set on getting the 35, but then I took my camera and walked around with my lens at 35 mm and thought it was not really what I wanted. As you said hearty for me it seems like in between what I need. My real test was standing in my living room and to get a picture that included a whole person I would have to hold the camera up and down. I also take lots of landscape pictures and I don't think the 35 would be wide enough. I think I can deal with the 18-200 for anything longer that I want for now, but I think I do want to lean toward a faster lens in the 18-50/100 range. I will check out that Tamron lens and see what sigma has to offer.

Dumb questions, but how do I know if the Sigma or Tamron lenses will Autofocus with my camera? What is their internal focus motor abbreviated as?

Posted 3 years ago #
anjz

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Tamron maintains a list of Nikon mount lenses that do NOT have focus motors. The link is here:
http://www.tamron.com/about/updates_nikon.asp

Posted 3 years ago #
warprints

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Re switching lenses...
Back in the days when zooms were not very good, I almost always carried two bodies with lenses attached to avoid having to either: 1) switch lenses; or 2) shoot with the "wrong" film, depending on circumstances. With Pro quality zooms and RAW digital, most of the time I don't feel a need to carry two rigs now - although it can still be nice to have one rig with a 24-70 and another with a 70-200 for those spur of the moment situations that come up. I know this isn't a solution for most people who bend their budget for just buying what they have - and isn't always practical for folks who don't want to wag around a lot of equipment...

Posted 3 years ago #
kanuck

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You break the bank and spring for a new 24mm 1.4 N lens! Its apparently incredible but even more expensive than the 14-24mm. It fits your ideal 20-24 range. Also for portraits you might consider the 85mm Nikkor lenses.

Posted 3 years ago #

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