Help with filters and lens choice

Hi guys it's been a while since I posted for help and now I'm Back, I have a d5100 and a 18-55kit lens non vr and accessories tripod etc and I'm getting more into landscape photography I'm deciding whether to buy a upgrade to my kit say a sigma 17-70 HSM C lens or the tamron 70-300 vc, i know I'd use the sigma more but I have had a few times when out with my son I would have loved the extra reach, also im trying to decide on a filter system everywhere I read people are telling me lee filters but my budget isn't that big I have maybe €200-250 at a push to spend on just filters so what would you guys do in my position many thanks

Aaron

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donegalphotographer said:

Hi guys it's been a while since I posted for help and now I'm Back, I have a d5100 and a 18-55kit lens non vr and accessories tripod etc and I'm getting more into landscape photography I'm deciding whether to buy a upgrade to my kit say a sigma 17-70 HSM C lens or the tamron 70-300 vc, i know I'd use the sigma more but I have had a few times when out with my son I would have loved the extra reach, also im trying to decide on a filter system everywhere I read people are telling me lee filters but my budget isn't that big I have maybe €200-250 at a push to spend on just filters so what would you guys do in my position many thanks

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The newest Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G has VR II and it's a seriously good little lens worthy of consideration. It's also a steal at $250 or so. If you want/need something with a little more reach I'd suggest you consider the Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR as a daily walkabout lens or the bigger 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF.

If you really like the Sigma's though, I'd suggest the 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DG OSM over the 17-70mm Contemporary. I'm currently carrying a Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM as my daily lens; it's a bit to walk around with, but it's a dandy lens.

As for filters, which ones do you anticipate using? The only kind I use on a regular basis are Neutral Density and Polarizing; both of which are screw-on type filters. I prefer the Hoya brand-name, personally, but there are others that I would just as soon, such as B+W.
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Thanks for the reply, i think I am going to upgrade my kit lens first then buy a zoom so I will look into the 2.8 sigma you mentioned, my reason for upgrading my kit lens is to get a little wider for landscapes and have a little zoom as a walkabout trying to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I plan on using nd filters and Polarizer I have a hoya pro Polarizer so I only need nd and maybe grads I was looking at the hitech slot in filter system in 100mm format but I'm undecided yet

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Hi, I have the HiTech system in the 85mm aluminum holder model, with soft graduated filter for landscape and the 10 stop for long exposure. I decided to go down the HiTech route due to not being able to justify the cost of Lee for a hobby, and I have not been disappointed.
When I go out I fasten the holder to the lens (stock or 55-200 telephoto) and slide in the ND grad filter, ready to go. It stays there and there is no danger of it dropping off.
The stock lens is not internal focus so you have to be aware of that and make sure the filter holder is repositioned if necessary, but it's easy to do.
The filters are neutral and although sometimes the 10'stop needs a little colour correction but get your WB right and any cast disappears easy.
I'd recommend them. Best wishes, Steve

Thanks for all your input guys I've decided on the sigma 17-70 lens as I don't need a 2.8 fixed lens for landscape work as well as general lens, i will be buying a ultra wide angle soon

As for filters I will be starting to build a lee kit

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