Steve'sDigicams

smallwoodg · Nov 27, 2006, 8:45 PM

I am buying a D80, with the (in)famous 18-200 VR lens on backorder. I am looking for a lens to use with the camera now, and to serve as an excellent second lens once the 18-200 VR comes in.

I was thinking of the 35mm f/2D AF Nikkor, because it is a compact, fast lens that provides a near equivalent to a 50 mm lens on a film camera.

Any suggestions or comments?

Lexiticus · Nov 28, 2006, 1:02 AM

I would say Ya good choice with the 35mm f2
BUT the Sigma 30mm f1.4 is a sweet deal compared to the Nikon price tag on the 35mm

Also the Nikon 50mm f1.8 is indespensable, And even if you don't use it much once your 18-200 comes in, its dirt cheap (And can be converted to a decent macro lens with a reversal ring (BR-2A))

cameranserai · Nov 28, 2006, 2:51 AM

Since you already will have the 18/200, a brilliant all round lens, personally I'd go for the 12/24 in either Nikon or Tamron. The tamron lens gets very good write ups but I have no personal experience although I do have the Nikon version. Admittedly it is F4 but is the aperture important to you. If so, you will have made a very wise choice with the 35mm F2. which is a brilliant lens.

rey · Nov 28, 2006, 3:27 AM

I currently have the 18-200VR, as well as the Tokina 12-24 and the Nikon 50 f/1.8. This combo suits be fine. I would recommend the Tokina or Nikon 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 since it compliments the 18-200VR perfectly, but it will all depends on what you plan on shooting. Not everyone needs a really wide lens, and you might be better off with the prime you mentioned, or a 50mm, 85mm or 105mm Macro. It all depends on what you plan on shooting (and your budget).

smallwoodg · Nov 28, 2006, 6:29 AM

Thanks for the great advice! I don't plan on much wide-angle shooting. I anticipated that a fast lens might be more useful for my admittedly general interests in photography. Iwas considering both the 35mm f/2 and the 50 mm f/1.8, but your suggestions have given me pause for thought.

The point about the reversal ring for macro photography is a good one. I will also take another look at the wide angle lenses.

Thanks again for your valuable insights.:!:

ilgin · Nov 30, 2006, 10:38 AM

rey wrote:

Quote:

I currently have the 18-200VR, as well as the Tokina 12-24 and the Nikon 50 f/1.8. This combo suits be fine. I would recommend the Tokina or Nikon 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 since it compliments the 18-200VR perfectly, but it will all depends on what you plan on shooting. Not everyone needs a really wide lens, and you might be better off with the prime you mentioned, or a 50mm, 85mm or 105mm Macro. It all depends on what you plan on shooting (and your budget).

I have the same request. ordered 18-200VR and like macro photography. will that serve my purpose or should I consider an extra lens

style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000"thanks

rey · Nov 30, 2006, 2:04 PM

ilgin wrote:

Quote:

I have the same request. ordered 18-200VR and like macro photography. will that serve my purpose or should I consider an extra lens

style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000"thanks

The 18-200 is not a true macro lens. Macro is usually defined as having a 1:1 magnification ratio, the 18-200VR has 1:4.5 I don't shoot macro, so I can't really help you. You should checkout Nikon's website for macro lenses. If you're in a tight budget, I've read others use a Canon 500D close up filter with their 18-200VR and got good results. But I don't have firsthand experience.

jotajota · Dec 10, 2006, 4:09 AM

For macro photo you'll probably want the 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor lens, and is good for portrait photos too. BTW I'm also waiting for my 18-200VR

smallwoodg · Dec 11, 2006, 11:57 AM

Okay, I am set now. I got my D80 last week, and today my 18-200 VR lens just came in. I don't see a one week wait as being too excessive. I also bought the 35mm f/2.0 lens, and found an old 50mm f/1.4 that I can use as well. If I find that I want to do any macro photography, I will pick up the lens and extensions that I need in the future.

Thanks to all for your advice - it was really appreciated.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Steve'sDigicams

Recent Camera Reviews

Most Active Forums

Most Popular Deals

Latest Feature Articles

Nov 27, 2006, 8:45 PM	#1
smallwoodg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3	I am buying a D80, with the (in)famous 18-200 VR lens on backorder. I am looking for a lens to use with the camera now, and to serve as an excellent second lens once the 18-200 VR comes in. I was thinking of the 35mm f/2D AF Nikkor, because it is a compact, fast lens that provides a near equivalent to a 50 mm lens on a film camera. Any suggestions or comments?

Nov 28, 2006, 1:02 AM	#2
Lexiticus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 143	I would say Ya good choice with the 35mm f2 BUT the Sigma 30mm f1.4 is a sweet deal compared to the Nikon price tag on the 35mm Also the Nikon 50mm f1.8 is indespensable, And even if you don't use it much once your 18-200 comes in, its dirt cheap (And can be converted to a decent macro lens with a reversal ring (BR-2A))

Nov 28, 2006, 2:51 AM	#3
cameranserai Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 548	Since you already will have the 18/200, a brilliant all round lens, personally I'd go for the 12/24 in either Nikon or Tamron. The tamron lens gets very good write ups but I have no personal experience although I do have the Nikon version. Admittedly it is F4 but is the aperture important to you. If so, you will have made a very wise choice with the 35mm F2. which is a brilliant lens.

Nov 28, 2006, 3:27 AM	#4
rey Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 949	I currently have the 18-200VR, as well as the Tokina 12-24 and the Nikon 50 f/1.8. This combo suits be fine. I would recommend the Tokina or Nikon 12-24 or Sigma 10-20 since it compliments the 18-200VR perfectly, but it will all depends on what you plan on shooting. Not everyone needs a really wide lens, and you might be better off with the prime you mentioned, or a 50mm, 85mm or 105mm Macro. It all depends on what you plan on shooting (and your budget).

Nov 28, 2006, 6:29 AM	#5
smallwoodg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3	Thanks for the great advice! I don't plan on much wide-angle shooting. I anticipated that a fast lens might be more useful for my admittedly general interests in photography. Iwas considering both the 35mm f/2 and the 50 mm f/1.8, but your suggestions have given me pause for thought. The point about the reversal ring for macro photography is a good one. I will also take another look at the wide angle lenses. Thanks again for your valuable insights.:!:

Dec 10, 2006, 4:09 AM	#8
jotajota Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 363	For macro photo you'll probably want the 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor lens, and is good for portrait photos too. BTW I'm also waiting for my 18-200VR

Dec 11, 2006, 11:57 AM	#9
smallwoodg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3	Okay, I am set now. I got my D80 last week, and today my 18-200 VR lens just came in. I don't see a one week wait as being too excessive. I also bought the 35mm f/2.0 lens, and found an old 50mm f/1.4 that I can use as well. If I find that I want to do any macro photography, I will pick up the lens and extensions that I need in the future. Thanks to all for your advice - it was really appreciated.