best lens for Nikon Fm2

[Philipwz20]

Dear all,

I am new to photography (I'ma writer and into art history). I find i difficult to know where to start to find about about which lens is best. So I need your advice.

I bought a Nikon Fm2 and search for the perfect Nikon-lens. I moved to a new city and want to take photos of (examples):

-objects (like i.e. at home, cups, a vase,...from about 1m distance)

-persons (from about 2m distance)

-in the street (things, people, houses)

(-landscapes)

I want to be able to have the camera with me all the time.

How would you rate using a zoom lens compared to fixed lenses? Logistically I would tend very much towards only one lens (but the quality of the photos is the most important).

My budget ist up to 1000,-

Best wishes, Philip

 

[BF Hammer]

I think with your multiple subject interests, a zoom is going to be important. Honestly, you can lower the budget a lot. My recommendation is going to be about $100 on the current used market.

Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF Nikkor Review

Find out what 16 readers thought of the Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF Nikkor in our review.

www.imaging-resource.com

28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D was a common kit lens and not hard to find these days. I do have one that is pretty much fixed to my D600 infrared-converted body. I just transplanted it on to a N70 film body and was shooting B/W film with it last week. The zoom range is enough for all of your stated subjects. It does have a "macro" setting. Not a true 1:1 macro lens, but it can be set to 105mm and focus close enough to a subject for 1:2 (half-size) macro. I have used it to photograph insects like dragonflies and bees, in infrared.

If it is for me, I would pick out 1 or 2 prime lenses that would supplement the zoom. A 50mm f/1.8 or f/2 for indoor work and maybe a 24mm f/2.8D for wider perspective on landscapes (I have used all of these). All three could easily be purchased for under $500.

A very similar zoom that might be found is the 24-85mm f/2.8-4. It really is similar with the same sort of macro function and a wider angle on both ends. But the reviews are not as enthusiastic. I have not used one, and it appears to be more expensive.

Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF AF Nikkor Review

Find out what 5 readers thought of the Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF AF Nikkor in our review.

www.imaging-resource.com

 

[Clovishound]

MPB has the 28-105 for $129 in excellent condition.

MPB 28-105 Nikkor

They also have he 28-85 for the same prince in good condition.

MPB 24-85 Nikkor

One nice thing about MPB is that the pictures they have are the pictures of the actual item, not a stock image. That gives you a better idea of what condition it actually is.