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tThe d70s plus kitlens I use to my satisfaction and actually there is no real reason to change the lens at all.
However since a few months I use RAW and the images are now so much better and above all sharper.
I now wonder if I can improve the images even more by getting a better quality lens.
If you agree, which manufacturer and lens would you recomment. I seem to be drawn to Tamron although I was told that sigma is equally as good.
Is it true that there are specal lenses for consumers and pro's? How to know the difference?
Robert
Quote: s it true that there are specal lenses for consumers and pro's? How to know the difference?
Pro lenses are significantly more expensive.
Depending upon your budget it may be worth you looking at the new Nikkor 18-200 as a replacement general purpose lens. It is getting rave reviews.
As for other lenses, my advice would be to first decide what kind of photography you are/will be doing most often, then buy the relevant lens for that. If you are into landscapes, the Sigma 10-20 seems very popular and produces excellent results.
Don't forget to look for second hand kit either, there are usually a number of lenses available on the classifieds here.
Ian
Nikon's professional standard digital zoom is the 17-55mm f2.8 AFS, which is almost 1000.
Nikon don't have an immediately recognisable 'professional' lens range, in the same way that Canon have their 'L' lenses, but are normally distinguished by their superior build quality (and optics), and fast (wide) apertures. And the much higher prices, of course.
Another option is to use prime or fixed-length lenses, which are not designed for digital but will be sharper than mid to low end zooms. For portraits and detail work, you could do a lot worse than buy a simple 50mm f1.8, which is fast and sharp, for less than 100.
As for cheaper 'third party' manufacturers, Sigma have a good range, with the 'EX' designated lenses being the better quality. You could also look at the Tokina ATX pro series.
Steve
thank you for replying to this thread, from the replies above I deduct that there is a lot I do not know about lenses that I should know before buying.
The current "kitlens" I have is the nikkor 18 - 70 mm f 3.5 to 4.5 G ED.
May be this is a bit strange for me to ask, but what do the 3.5 to 4.5 G ED mean?
I have nothing against Nikkor but assumed that Tamron and Sigma were a better quality.
Robert
Nikkor, Nikon's own lenses generally are better quality then the Sigmas and Tamrons. The 18 - 70 you have is generally regarded as a very good little lens. I would suggest that instead of trying to replace it, you spend the money on adding to your collection of lenses. I would respectfully suggest that you also try to learn to use the lens/camera to the best of its ability as both are quite capable of achieving professional results.
The 3.5 - 4.5 refer to the "speed" of the lens, ie how much light it lets in on maximum aperture, so at 18mm the max aperture is F3.5, whilst at 70mm the max aperture is F4.5. G refers to the generic type of lens, typically G lenses do not have aperture rings for example, the ED refers to the fact it uses a better quality of glass.
I agree. Its easy to dismiss the 18-70mm kit lens and immediately look to a replacement. With good technique there's no reason why this lens won't suit your needs for quite a while.
I've toyed with replacing mine for almost 2 years but still use it. I'm seriously considering the 12-24mm Nikkor as I enjoy shooting landscape, but will keep the 18-70mm as a walk around lens.
I think you should learn a bit more about lenses before splashing out otherwise you run the risk of spending lots of money on a lens you don't need.
Sigma and Tamron and the like are very good but, apparently, have less quality control than the marque brands. If you get a good example then fine, but there's potentially the chance of getting a not so good example. With Nikkor you'll get a very good lens, but at a higher price.
The "G" refers to the lens not having apperture control - its done electronically by the camera. "ED" refers to extra low dispersion lens coatings that prevent ghosting and the like from internal lens reflections. Digital cameras are more prone to this as the sensor is shiny and so bounces more light around.
Wow, good advice.
Please note that I was not knocking the kitlens I just thought that I would make better (sharper in this case) images if I would get a better quality lens.
I understand from all of you that that is not necessarily the case. Thank you for making me aware. I will think twice before making a move and dive into what makes a good lens prior to going for a new one.
Robert
You could always rent a new lens for a period to see if the images produced are better quality.
Robin
Robert,
I have the 18-70 lens you mention, although I bought it as a lens for my D100, not as part of a kit.
I find that it is a very good lens, good sharpness and good contrast, and I have no thoughts of replacing it, certainly not with a Sigma !!
Nikkor lenses are far superior to Sigma/Tamron in all areas as you would expect as they are made by Nikon to suit their own range of world class cameras.
IMHO of course!
BOB
I had the 18/70 and replaced it with the 17/55 ... I love the 17/55 because of its f2.8 aperture all the way through, as for sharpness between the 2, maybe if you were printing to A1 size you may see a little difference but that may be as far as it goes
Dave
Bob and Dave,
Thank you for your comments, they were exactly the kind I was hoping to get. In addition to that I am pleased to be told that nikkor lenses are of higher quality than sigma or tamron.
I will now think twice before I will get a new lens. For the moment I'll stick with what I have. It seems there is no real reason to get a new/other lens.
Robert
Stay with nikon if you can afford it.
The 17-55 is my standard lens but its about a grand.
The nikon 12-24 is very good, I know a few pros who use it even though it's not a 'pro' lens.
Beware lenses with massive zoom ranges (such as the 18 - 200).
They seem great on paper but (granted, I have not used the new 18 - 200) they are full of optical compromises. If you are looking for convenience then go for it but i seriously doubt the optics will be a match even for your 18 - 70 mm!
once again thank you for your advice. It all makes sense.
Although it is not very clear from my portfolio I'd like to shoot streetphotos and people/portraits.
Would you agree that the current lens I use is a good choice for that?
By the way thank you for explaining why zoomlenses would not be the best of choices when going for better quality.
It is the compromise between convenience and quality.
Robert
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