Mid range - short telephoto considerations... Opinions?

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Mid range - short telephoto considerations... Opinions?

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ggweci

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Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 13
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Hi all,

I currently shoot with the following lenses on my D90:

Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS
Nikon 35 1.8

I am looking to add something above 50mm, as I tend to shoot a lot of portraits and have found that the 50mm top end is somewhat limiting overall. I am considering the options listed below. I have given my pros/cons as well.

Nikon 85 1.8G
Pros: Great quality, sharp, bright, lightweight, ideal for portraits
Cons: Fixed focal length, therfore not versatile

Sigma 50-150 f2.8 or Tokina 50-135 f2.8
Pros: Very versatile, 2.8 throughout range
Cons: Heavy, only available used (not a huge deal)

Nikon 24-120 f4
Pros: Very versatile range for my use, constant aperture
Cons: on the heavy side, lose wide end although I don't shoot in that range too much, pricey

If I sell my Sigma to fund the 24-120, then total $ paid will all be in around the same range ($500 - $600).

Any thoughts, suggestions, or otherwise?

Posted 1 year ago #
msmoto

big gun cougar
Joined: Mar '10
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Opinion, of course...

first the 85mm f/1.8G

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/7115248369/in/photostream/lightbox/

and the 24-12mm f/4.0 VR

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/7014984231/sizes/o/in/photostream/ a full size file..

Please understand these are on a D4, but I have a D90 and the lens performance is the same... both exceptionally crisp. I am sold on NIKON and generally do not look at other lens brands. Maybe I should, but...

If price is primary, then some of the folks who have great results with the Sigmas, and others can help you.

Regarding weight.... While cameras and lens combinations can be heavy on the scale, I have never found anything to be heavy while in use. Knowing how to carry the unit is helpful and the Black Rapid strap is nice as it takes the weight and distributes it so nicely. And if a 70 year old female can carry a big telephoto, gosh, you young folks should be able to carry almost anything. Do NOT use a conventional strap, except in wrapping around the wrist so as a safety device. The neck was never meant to hang a camera upon.

Posted 1 year ago #
shawnino

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Joined: Jan '12
Posts: 234
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I got the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D for Christmas, and it's on my D90 about 50% of the time. If/when I jump to FX I know it's coming with me. My technique isn't the best but this is a very forgiving lens and the results I get make me look like a much beter photographer than I really am.

The only piece of real advice I have that I think is super-solid is to try out a lens before you buy it if at all possible. See if it's a focal length you can use (or a zoom that you find intuitive). Make sure you can live with the size and weight. Make sure your technique can get something out of the lens (or commit to improving). Do try befotre you buy.

Edit: I guess I might not have taken your budget into account. If you are looking at $500-$600, well, the 85mm f/1.4 is more like $1000. I do like mine though.

A question: If you're happy with the Sigma 17-50, are you set to sell it, or might you be happier getting even longer range while avoiding overlap?

Posted 1 year ago #
VelocityStop

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Joined: Mar '11
Posts: 91
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There is the Sigma 17-70 if you are just wanting a little longer range than the 17-50. I purchased it over the 17-50 for the extra range and it is even more versatile in that it can also be used as a macro. Nikon also has the 16-85.

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 2,422
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I would suggest getting a Nikon 85 1.8D - you have the screw mount so you can save $$ going used (had for $350). It's a great lens and other than the afs, not much was updated.

The only thing I would warn you of is loosing the wide end of your lenses. 24mm (35mm FX equiv) is not wide for much and if you get into any close spot situations you could have a difficult time.

Posted 1 year ago #
ggweci

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Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 13
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I do like my Sigma 17-50 a lot, but am looking for something to cover the longer range. If I were to go with the 24-120, I would sell the Sigma due to the large overlap. The Nikon would become by all-around lens, with my 35mm used for low light or when I want to travel light.

I really don't want to move to a variable aperture lens. I used them before and now having used a constant aperture zoom, I don't think I can go back. I also do a fair bit of strobist stuff, so having the aperture remain constant while zoom is a big benefit.

I really like the idea of the 85mm for portraits. I think it'd be perfectly suited for that, but the lack of "zoom" is a bit of a hangup.

I really wish Nikon made a 700-200 f4 VR lens. I'd definitely pick one up, even though I know it'd be over my budget.

msmoto, I do have a Black Rapid strap, so I know how helpful they can be. At least I have that part figured out :)

shawnino, great advice about the try before you buy. I think that's what I'll do... go to my local camera shop and try them all out. Well, maybe not the Sigma/Tokina since they are disco'd, but maybe I'll be able to try our the new Sigma OS version.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Posted 1 year ago #
ggweci

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Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 13
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Wow, TaoTeJared, we almost posted at the exact same time.

I have considered the 85 1.8D, but I like the interal focus of the 1.8G, as well as it is supposed to have smoother bokeh and be sharper. Plus, I would get a 5yr warranty (Canada) with it since it'd be new. New 1.8D's go for around the same price.

Posted 1 year ago #
The Man From Mandrem

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Joined: Aug '10
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I have the Tokina 50-135 2.8 and I find myself using it more and more based on how clean the images are and the advantage of covering that specific zoom range for portraits. I like the colors and bokeh and it is VERY sharp. I do use it at 2.8 sometimes but it is sharper slightly stopped down. If you only stick with OEM lenses out of snobbery keep in mind it's the same optics as Pentax's well respected 50-135 which Tokina co-developed. It's on the heavy side but frankly not that different from my old Tokina 28-70 2.8. Carrying both the 50-135 AND the 180AF Nikkor still weighs the same weight as a 70-200 2.8. AF is accurate for my unit but the AF speed is acceptable but not great. Sigma is I think lighter and WAY faster AF and images from that lens are equally good. While I DO like my Nikon lenses, I'm pretty happy with Tokina build quality, quality control and optics. For the price I think it's a great lens to own.

Posted 1 year ago #
Godless

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Joined: Oct '10
Posts: 241
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ggweci said:
Any thoughts, suggestions, or otherwise?

Get the 85G. Surprisingly versatile, and light to carry around when traveling as well.

Posted 1 year ago #
MikeWhis

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Joined: Mar '12
Posts: 131
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You might wanna stretch your budget a bit and buy the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8, much cheaper than Nikon's but very good image quality (not quality control, that, you have to test them at stores.).

Posted 1 year ago #

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Mid range - short telephoto considerations... Opinions?

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