Everyday lens

K

kdean63

Senior Member
I'd like suggestions on which lens to purchase. I've recently purchased a new D7000 and I also picked up a new 50mm F1.4.
So my bag has these lenses.
Nikon 50mm F1.4 G
Nikon 35-70mm, F3.3-4.5
Nikon 70-210, F4-5.6

I'd like an everyday lens, with faster glass so I read with interest about the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8.
When I asked my local camera shop about it, they suggested the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8

In this general class of lenses, what do any of you recommend?

Thanks,
Kevin
 
F

fotojack

Senior Member
For an every day type of lens, I'd recommend the 18-105. It's relatively cheap, has good glass, and it's light. As for the ones you inquired about, I'd go with the Tamron
 
G

gqtuazon

Gear Head
kdean63 said:
I'd like an everyday lens, with faster glass so I read with interest about the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8.
When I asked my local camera shop about it, they suggested the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8

In this general class of lenses, what do any of you recommend?

Thanks,
Kevin
Click to expand...

Hi Kevin. It looks like you've done some homework already and those are all good lens for your DX camera. Are those within your budget? It appears that you could use some wide angle lenses. Do you prefer zoom or prime? I would go with the Sigma if you can pull the trigger.
 
K

kdean63

Senior Member
For this purchase, I'd like a zoom lens that covers wide angle to mid range. I've only done a bit of homework and I'd like any suggestions from this group! :)
Since I have an older 35-70mm f3.3/4.5, my priority is faster glass. I like the idea of a zoom that is wide angle in the 17mm-20mm range up to at least the 35mm of the Sigma. A lens that is 18-105 would be wonderful but can I get that range in a fast lens and still be < $1K ?
 
B

Bukitimah

Senior Member
You have 35 - 210 mm covered and a 50 mm fast lens. What you lack here is a wide angle lens in my opinion. The 17-50 f2.8 is a good lens and that is my most used lens.

If I have to re-select mine, I would go for 11-16 f2.8, 35-70 f2.8 and 70 - 200 f2.8. That way, I would have covered from 11 -200 with a f2.8 constant A. The 35-70 would be the most used lens.

I heard the D7K is very good in high ISO, those lenses you already have may just work well.
 
K

kdean63

Senior Member
Thanks for the response! My existing lenses cover the right focal lengths but they're not as fast as I'd like now. :)
I need to choose between the 17-50mm or a faster 35-70mm Since I already have that and lack a true wide angle, I'm leaning towards the 17-50mm.

Does anyone have quality concerns with Tamron? Or specifically with the 17-50mm F2.8 lens in question?

Thanks!
 
J

jwstl

Senior Member
The question is which is more important to you right now:

Getting a lens with a focal range you don't have (17-50)
or improving the low light capabilities of the range you do have (35-70 range)

I chose the Sigma 17-50 over the Tamron 17-50 after reading a number of reviews and I like it a lot. It's been the standard lens on my D7000.
If I buy another DX lens it will be the Sigma 18-35 1.8. The focal range is small and it overlaps what I already have but having the more shallow DOF of 1.8 in that range is just too tempting.
 
I

Ironwood

Senior Member
What about the Nikon 16-35 f4, its a very nice lens by all reports.

​Edit, you would have to check the prices in your part of the world to see if it comes under your budget.
 
Last edited:
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
kdean63 said:
Does anyone have quality concerns with Tamron? Or specifically with the 17-50mm F2.8 lens in question?
Click to expand...
Generally speaking it's a decent enough lens. CA is surprisingly low but I think that's somewhat balanced out by the barrel distortion and softness in the corners at it's widest apertures. Sharpness is good and vigenetting is pretty well controlled, though, so all in all I'd say it's a very good lens but nothing spectacular. If you have some good editing software these shortcomings can be easily corrected in 'post.


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