A good lens for under £150 ?

Fishnet (e2 Member)

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13 Mar 2011 - 10:24 PM

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I have a bit of dosh in my Paypal account that I wanted to put towards something photography related, I was hoping for a new camera but it's going to take me forever to save up enough and I've almost run out of things to sell now.

I would like a lens for portraits that is under £150, I don't care if it's 2nd hand.

I already have a 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 1.8.

I would like one with a good DOF.

So, this is your mission, should you chose to accept it, and it probably is mission impossible too.

Nick_w (e2 Member)

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13 Mar 2011 - 10:52 PM

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Hi Anna, for extra DOF a wide angle lens is ideal (tho unless you are doing wacky portraits its not necesarily the best choice), there are loads of Nikkor 24 & 28mm primes for that level (as you are using a D80) - although you will probably have to resort to older non AF designs. Tho set them to 5ft and F16 and everything from 3ft to infinity will be in focus.

A good allround lens would be something like a 90 or 100mm macro lens - although you will be paying >£200 second hand for a Tamron or Sigma (both superb)

kaybee

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13 Mar 2011 - 11:02 PM

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I would agree with Nik and try and get something a bit longer.

Can you set the D80 to 'Non CPU' in the menu?.
If so then you could look at old manual Nikon lenses ...... much cheaper.
The reason I ask about the non cpu function because that would still allow you to use the aperture priority and metering

miptog

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13 Mar 2011 - 11:38 PM

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Quote: I would like one with a good DOF.

Assume that you mean shallow depth of field?

Fishnet (e2 Member)

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14 Mar 2011 - 7:58 AM

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I've always fancied a lensbaby, I've just checked them out and there's quite a few now, which would be a good one to go for?

Fishnet (e2 Member)

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14 Mar 2011 - 8:40 AM

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Sorry, yes I should have said shallow dof.

I think the Lensbaby is too niche for my budget, I can't really justify spending what little money I have on something that won't get a huge amount of use, as much as I'd like one.

I am still trying to decide whether to get a portable lighting system and get rid of my huge old Courtenay set or get a new lens.

peterjones

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14 Mar 2011 - 12:01 PM

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apart from the 50mm f/1.8 why not consider the 18-55 VR MkII which gives unbelievably good results for the price of around £150?

Fishnet (e2 Member)

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14 Mar 2011 - 12:49 PM

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I can find 18-55mm VR but not a MKII, is that the same thing?

What about the 18-105mm AF-S DX, is that any good?