What lenses do you have / want

[JerseyJay]

Let's make a list of what you have and wish to have (affordable):

I'm sticking to Nikkor lenses for my Nikon D70.

What I have: (not a lot since I got the camera couple weeks ago)

Nikon
AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED (Best all-around lens for digital camera)

What I want:

I would like one of those VR lenses. I would love to have 80-400mm but 70-200 will do. If I can't do middle range, I would like to get at least 24-120.

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF

Nikon AF VR Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED

-------------------------------------------------------

Non VR

Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED (supposedly the Best buy in a pro lenses)

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D (discontinued but I would love to have that one)

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (this will be my next lens unless I save more for VR)

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED (was debating between this one and 28-200 above and learned that former is sharper, cheaper, faster and overally better)

--------------------------------------------------------

Small

Nikon AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED (beautiful fisheye)

and some good Macro lens.

[benny]

oh...where do I begin!?

One point to note...


Most digital SLR needs a lot of light to focus properly. This means that lenses like Canon 100-300 mm F4.5-5.6 don't perform too well (in terms of Auto Focusing) in less than sunny situations.

As such, you will find some photographers will trade brand loyalty for a faster aperture (on a third party lens) to get that extra light that they need. And there after, trade up to their desired brand at a later stage.

Which is why it's interesting to see so many Canon Digital Rebel users toting F2.8 lenses around but on the Canon 300/N/V/etc you only see the standard kit lenses or the all purpose 28-200 mm.

Cheers,

[JerseyJay]

Benny,

So what do you have and what would you like to have, highlights.

[meriadoc]

my lenses :

Canon 50mm 1.8
Canon 75-300 4-5.6 (will be replacing)
Sigma 24-70 3.5-5.6
Sigma EX 12-24mm 4.5-5.6

my bodies :
Canon EOS 300
Canon Rebel G
Canon Digital Rebel

Wish list - lenses:
Sigma 24-70 2.8 (or canon)
Canon 85mm 1.8 ($300)
Canon 70-200 2.8L IS USM ($2000)
Canon 100-400 4.5-5.6L IS USM ($1700)
Canon 180 3.5L macro ($1200)
Sigma EX 180mm macro ($700)
Sigma EX 70-200 2.8 ($700)
Canon 400mm 5.6L ($1500)

Wishlist - bodies :
Canon 20D
Canon 1DMk II
Canon EOS 1V HS (film)

All prices are approximate - I'm just randomly pulling them out of my head at the moment.

Oh, and as for kit lenses on canon film rebels - most people don't want to put heavy lenses on them, as most have plastic lens mounts, and can therefore crack. I won't put anything larger on my film bodies than the 75-300 because of that. Any bigger and heavier, i'd be getting a tripod collar for them.

-- L

[JerseyJay]

This is a nice list, expensive as well :)

After extensive research and Dpreview/Nikonians reading I chose my near future lens (in 2 months or so).

Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

http://www.digital-shopping.fr/nikon/zornik1802002_z.jpg

[ccplim]

This is a nice list, expensive as well :)

After extensive research and Dpreview/Nikonians reading I chose my near future lens (in 2 months or so).

Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

http://www.digital-shopping.fr/nikon/zornik1802002_z.jpg

My fav lens too. Still trying hard to decide between this and the 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR :roll:

[meriadoc]

ok, which bright sparks in the design department at nikon decided to put the distance scale on the end of the camera furthest away from the body? It should be nearer the body, that way you can actually see it without having to lift the camera ;)

yes, nice lens - expensive and heavy, but nice.

[benny]

For my Canon EOS system, I have the following lenses..

Zoom lens
01. Canon EF 16-35 mm F2.8 L USM
02. Canon EF 20-35 mm F3.5-4.5 USM
03. Canon EF 24-70 mm F2.8 L USM
04. Canon EF 28-70 mm F2.8 L USM
05. Canon EF 28-105 mm F3.5-F4.5
06. Canon EF 70-200 mm F2.8 L USM
07. Canon EF 70-200 mm F2.8 L IS USM
08. Canon EF100-300 mm F4.5-F5.6 USM

Prime and Macro
09. Canon EF 50 mm F2.5 compact macro
10. Canon EF 85 mm F1.8 USM
11. Canon EF 100 mm F2.8 Macro USM
12. Canon EF 180 mm F3.5 L Macro USM

Special Lenses
13. Canon 20 mm F3.5 Macrophoto Lens*
14. Canon 35 mm F2.8 Macrophoto Lens*
15. Canon MP-E 65 mm F2.8 1-5X Macro

Next lens on my list should be a Canon EF 500 mm F5.6 IS if I can ever get around to shooting out of the house. I suppose it would be a blast to use this with my 1.4 X and 2 X teleconverters.

As for other (non lens) wish list, I've already ordered..

01. Canon Speedlite 580EX to replace the 550EX
02. Canon EOS 20D as a back up body.

That's pretty much about it. Hope they don't launched another camera too soon.

Cheers,

*works with Canon FD-EOS Macro lens mount converter and Auto Bellows only.

[JerseyJay]

My fav lens too. Still trying hard to decide between this and the 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR :roll:

I found so many articles and online debates between two. You will find 10 people telling you that 80-200 is all you will need and paying "twice" as much for VR is pointless unless you REALLLLLYYY need it. At the same time those who have the VR swear by it and will never buy nothing else but.

$800 vs. $1500 = :roll:

I rather but 80-200 and start saving up for macro or similar. I guess :roll:

[JerseyJay]

Benny,

Are you sure you don't make a living off photography ?. Why soo many lenses ?. Did you buy them used ?

[ccplim]

For my Canon EOS system, I have the following lenses..

Zoom lens
01. Canon EF 16-35 mm F2.8 L USM
02. Canon EF 20-35 mm F3.5-4.5 USM
03. Canon EF 24-70 mm F2.8 L USM
04. Canon EF 28-70 mm F2.8 L USM
05. Canon EF 28-105 mm F3.5-F4.5
06. Canon EF 70-200 mm F2.8 L USM
07. Canon EF 70-200 mm F2.8 L IS USM
08. Canon EF100-300 mm F4.5-F5.6 USM

Prime and Macro
09. Canon EF 50 mm F2.5 compact macro
10. Canon EF 85 mm F1.8 USM
11. Canon EF 100 mm F2.8 Macro USM
12. Canon EF 180 mm F3.5 L Macro USM

Special Lenses
13. Canon 20 mm F3.5 Macrophoto Lens*
14. Canon 35 mm F2.8 Macrophoto Lens*
15. Canon MP-E 65 mm F2.8 1-5X Macro

Next lens on my list should be a Canon EF 500 mm F5.6 IS if I can ever get around to shooting out of the house. I suppose it would be a blast to use this with my 1.4 X and 2 X teleconverters.

As for other (non lens) wish list, I've already ordered..

01. Canon Speedlite 580EX to replace the 550EX
02. Canon EOS 20D as a back up body.

That's pretty much about it. Hope they don't launched another camera too soon.

Cheers,

*works with Canon FD-EOS Macro lens mount converter and Auto Bellows only.

Goodness Benny! Are you trying to start a colletcion? :cheesy:

[ccplim]

My fav lens too. Still trying hard to decide between this and the 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR :roll:

I found so many articles and online debates between two. You will find 10 people telling you that 80-200 is all you will need and paying "twice" as much for VR is pointless unless you REALLLLLYYY need it. At the same time those who have the VR swear by it and will never buy nothing else but.

$800 vs. $1500 = :roll:

I rather but 80-200 and start saving up for macro or similar. I guess :roll:

This has no doubt been one of the hottest topic after the N vs C war (which I am really tired of).

I guessed it all boils down to your usage of the lens itself.

For me, these are what I feel personally for the different lenses. My main usage will be on events and birdings.

80-200 AF-D
1) Can still be use to it fullest on my SLR.
2) Slower focusing compared to AF-S. (Ok for events but not too good for birdings)
3) Resonable price.

80-200 AF-S
1) Can still be use to it fullest on my SLR.
2) Fast focusing due to AF-S. (Good for birdings)
3) Price on the high side
4) Low or no resale value due to the 70-200 which is around the same price.

70-200 AF-S VR
1) Cannot be use on A and M mode on my SLR.
2) Price on the high side.
3) Fast focusing.
4) VR. (It helps when I am taking birds in flight)
5) Problem with flare (ghosting). :roll:

As you can see, both VR and AF-S added up to be a better option for my birding needs but the price and flare is another issue.

[meriadoc]

This has no doubt been one of the hottest topic after the N vs C war (which I am really tired of).


yup - as am i.

both have their good sides, and their bad sides.

i get it at work also. one sales guy knows I shoot canon, but always praises nikons - course, he gets commissions more off nikons than canons ;)

also the L vs non L lenses when it comes to canon lenses.

and the nikon/sigma + canon/sigma debates - i've encountered ALOT of people that will only buy nikon/canon gear because it is far more superior over sigmas stuff - although, i've known alot of nikon users get the sigma 12-24 over the nikon, because of price and quality.

But, I just love the ultra wide territory, without heading into fisheye territory...

I've got alot of IS lenses on my wishlist - course, most of the IS lenses are L series anyway.....

[ccplim]

This has no doubt been one of the hottest topic after the N vs C war (which I am really tired of).


yup - as am i.

both have their good sides, and their bad sides.

i get it at work also. one sales guy knows I shoot canon, but always praises nikons - course, he gets commissions more off nikons than canons ;)

also the L vs non L lenses when it comes to canon lenses.

and the nikon/sigma + canon/sigma debates - i've encountered ALOT of people that will only buy nikon/canon gear because it is far more superior over sigmas stuff - although, i've known alot of nikon users get the sigma 12-24 over the nikon, because of price and quality.

But, I just love the ultra wide territory, without heading into fisheye territory...

I've got alot of IS lenses on my wishlist - course, most of the IS lenses are L series anyway.....

To me, as long as the lens can produce good results, it is a good piece of glass to me. Sigma do produced lots of good lenses like their 12-24, 75-300 and 120-300.

I love the nikon 12-24 due to its ability to attach a filter for protection of its front element but on the other hand, its price is high and too bad that it is a G lens.

[ccplim]

Okay, here goes my list.

What I have
Nikon AF-n Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
Tamron 90mm f2.8 AF SP Macro 1:1
Sigma 50-500mm f/4.0-6.3 EX APO RF HSM
Kenko Pro 300 1.4x Tele-converter DG
Kenko Pro 300 2x Tele-converter DG

My Wish List
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM
Tamron 180mm AF Nikon f3.5 Di
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f / 2.8G IF-ED
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED or
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D (likely will get)
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED (likely will get)
AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II

[JerseyJay]

How those two compare ?

Nikon AF-n Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED


How do you like this one ?. I have been looking for that one for a while. Since it was discontinued and its nowhere to be found used, I'm really curious how good it really is. Even prices went up went shops found out that people like it A LOT.
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D

[meriadoc]

i'm heading off to colorado in a few weeks ccplim - so i'll get you some landscape shots with the 12-24 - but it could take a while, as i'm sans digital at the moment :) - so i'll have to use film if it don't show up before I leave

[ccplim]

i'm heading off to colorado in a few weeks ccplim - so i'll get you some landscape shots with the 12-24 - but it could take a while, as i'm sans digital at the moment :) - so i'll have to use film if it don't show up before I leave

Thanks meriadoc. Will be awaiting for you pics :)

[ccplim]

How those two compare ?

Nikon AF-n Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED


How do you like this one ?. I have been looking for that one for a while. Since it was discontinued and its nowhere to be found used, I'm really curious how good it really is. Even prices went up went shops found out that people like it A LOT.
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D

Jay, please bare with me for awhile while I prepare some 'detailed' info for you. :)

[DarthV]

Holy crap, benny...you have a load of lenses! I'm taking a guess that the main reason is that you use multiple bodies when you're out in the field?

Right now, for my digital rebel, I have the 18-55 EF-S kit lens (f/3.5-5.6) and I've just recently bought a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di... the kits lens just sucks when put side by side with the Tamron... I've tried a 24-70mm (?) f/2.8L from a friend and really didn't notice a lot of difference in image quality between it and the Tamron... weather sealing would be nice...but since my camera doesn't have it, then it's not a big deal right now. And the Tamron was about 1/3 of the price of the canon ;)

My wishlist includes the canon 50mm f/1.8 prime (or maybe the f/1.4 USM)...something for the wide end...so I might get one of the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 or the Canon 17-40 f/4L... and the of course some reach. Right now I'm trying to decide between the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX HSM or the Canon 70-200 f/4L...for about the same money, the Sigma offers a stop of extra light...so it's the front runner so far. I wonder what ever happened to the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 XR Di lens... it should have been on the market by now...

I also need to get a flash...with the new 580EX coming out, used 550's are out and about for decent prices. So I'll either get one of those or maybe the Sigma 500 DG Super.

[meriadoc]

Darth - if you want ultra wides, you'll need wider than a 17-40mm lens - because it roughly equates to a 28mm (more 27mm)

I bought myself a 12-24mm (roughly 19-40mm on my digital) - which I use for ultra wide shots :)

-- L
(needs more primes)

[DarthV]

I guess it depends on how often I really need that type of wide angle. I could always get one of those Zenitar 16mm f/2.8 fisheye lenses from Russia for very low cost... on the 300d, the fish effect really doesn't happen because of the 1.6 FOV crop. I guess I'll see what the new canon 10-22mm EF-S lens will be like... but I think it's going to be high cost and it doesn't look like it's a fast lens...then again for landscapes you don't really need a fast lens...so I guess it depends on how good the optics are!

[meriadoc]

the 12-24 isn't really that fast - its 4.5-5.6 - slow really.

i paid $670 for my sigma

[DarthV]

I think the canon is a little faster (3.5-4.5, I think)...but will be more expensive...probably doesn't come with a hood etc etc. I really liked the look of the sigma...other than the fact that you can't use front mounted filters...and the front element really bulges out! I'd be worried about bumping the lens into something!

I'll be buying the 70-200 lens before getting something on the wide end... at f/8 the kit lens isn't overly bad...so in a pinch it can be used for WA stuff.

[ccplim]

I really liked the look of the sigma...other than the fact that you can't use front mounted filters...and the front element really bulges out! I'd be worried about bumping the lens into something!


I have the same worried as you on this as I do change lens at times while on the move. If not, I would have gotten it long ago. :roll:

[meriadoc]

its pretty hard to bump into stuff with that lens - you could always stick the hood (the one that the lens cap attaches to) - and that'll protect it.

I've bumped into alot of things, and the hood has taken all the hits.

[ccplim]

How those two compare ?

Nikon AF-n Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED


How do you like this one ?. I have been looking for that one for a while. Since it was discontinued and its nowhere to be found used, I'm really curious how good it really is. Even prices went up went shops found out that people like it A LOT.
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D

Jay, It is really hard to compare between the two. I will try to list out based on my own experience.

Nikon AF-n Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
This is my very first lens when I got my SLR in 1989.
A) Slow in focusing
B) 28-85mm when used on a SLR
C) Became 42-128mm when used on a DSLR
D) Pretty Sharp
E) Cheap
F) Solid build
G) Comes with 'macro' feature

Here are the pictures that I have taken using this lens.
http://ImageEvent.com/ccplim/scenery/merlion (Taken using SLR and scanned in)
http://ImageEvent.com/ccplim/scenery/nationallibrarystamfordroad
http://ImageEvent.com/ccplim/scenery/kranjiwarmemorial

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
A) Fast focusing
B) Cannot be use on a SLR
C) 27mm-105mm when used on a DSLR
D) Instant manual focus override
E) Barrel distortion at the widest end

Here are the pictures that I have taken using this lens. Look at the distortion at both ends :roll:
http://ImageEvent.com/ccplim/scenery/fireworks/sff08august2004

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D
Like what you have mentioned, this lens has been discontinued. This is a great lens! It has been my zoom workhorse the past 15 years and It will still remain as my keeper even after I get my 80-200 or 70-200.

Strange enough, many people actually prefer this lens more than the faster constant f/4 model.

Here are what I feel about this lens.
A) Fast focusing
B) 70-210mm when used on SLR
C) 105-315mm when used on DSLR
D) Push pull zoom (I love this!)
E) Cheap
F) Solid metal body
G) Screw in metal hood (I hate this!)
H) Good sharpness
I) Prone to fungus on certain batches (weird)

Here are some photos taken using this lens after following me for 15 years.
http://ImageEvent.com/ccplim/testalbum/70210/70210testshots

Do feel free to let me know if you need more info :)

[benny]

Benny,

Are you sure you don't make a living off photography ?. Why soo many lenses ?. Did you buy them used ?

Nope. Contrary to perception, I'm not making a living off photograhy. I do enjoy photography VERY much and don't really spend on anything else other than fish.

The lenses were from different sets of cameras that I got over the years. Most of them were bought new with the cameras, except for the macrophoto lenses, which has to be purchased used as they are no longer in production.

I do shoot with multiple bodies sometimes, either digital or film and am using EOS 1D MK II with the EOS 30 (Elan 7 in USA) although still keeping the EOS 100 (Elan), EOS 55 (Elan II - Jap version), EOS D60.

The reason I didn't sell off the older equipment is because they don't have good resale value over here. I rather keep it and it's great to have spare sets lying around.

Cheers,

[meriadoc]

benny - you're like me - i rarely sell my equipment - except if i REALLY do not need it.

so i've got some old film bodies, and over the years i'll probably get some....

[loupgarou]

benny,
I thought rumors of the impending eos 7d.. might want to delay the eos 20d...

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=10105003

[meriadoc]

notice when that was written? august 31st. the originator was taking an assumption made by someone as gospel and says that next week (meaning the week after the 31st) canon would be releasing a new camera.

Its now almost two weeks from that statement being said...

i'm not saying don't believe them, just saying that it may or may not be true.

but, I never hold much stock from people quoting other people (who have predicted incorrectly in the past)

But, thats my rant for the day. I was wrong about the 20D - so I may be wrong about this one. Who knows.