Building a primes 'wardrobe'

Steve in Oz

Senior Member
I've had a D7200 for a few years and it's doing everything I need it to do, though I am considering the move to, say, a D750 in the coming 12 months.

With this in mind I've started gathering a 'collection' of FX lenses that I can of course use on the D7200 in the meantime.

I like the idea of primes: they bring a discipline and simplicity to your photography. Mind you, I've been spoilt by 16-80 f2.8-4, a lens that's unfortunately not FX-friendly. And I don't need to mention to anyone in this part of the forum the cost of high-end FX zooms.

First was a bargain-basement 50mm f1.8D, then a 80-200 f2.8. Next will be a 24mm f2.8D. Any suggestions for what I should consider next?
 

Patrick M

Senior Member
You’ve obviously decided against mirrorless. I went from the D7500 to the z6 and I love it. The D780 has quite a bit of the same technology as the z6. Why did you decide on the D750? I’m just curious, that’s all.


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Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
It sort of depend on what you like to photograph. Are you using a post processing software that will tell you your most often used focal length. To replace you 16-80 what about a 24-120 F4. My 50mm is my least used lens but they are inexpensive.
 
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Danno

Senior Member
It really does depend on what you shoot most. I agree with Needa on checking out your software, if you are using something like LR to get an idea of the most frequent focal length. That helps if you are unsure. I just had to rebuild my Primes with the Z6 and I bought the 50 as my first prime. It is now my least used lens since I got the 85 1.8 Z mount lens.
 

Steve in Oz

Senior Member
Primarily cost! The D750 is out of production now so I'll bee looking for a pre-owned example. There's also a lot in common between the D7200 and D750. They're 24mp and externally they're identical (apart form the D750's flip screen) so it's easy to go from one to the other (and back if required).
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
If you are only looking for primes, what about something longer than your 80-200mm offers? Perhaps a 300mm f/4. There are 3 different versions available.

  • The first one is an AF-D model. Its AF is slow but a very sharp lens. However, it won't accept a Nikon TC and doesn't have VR.
  • The second is the AF-S model. It is fast and very sharp plus it will accept Nikon TC's. It too lacks VR.
  • The third is the most expensive - the 300mm PF. It is the lightest in weight of the three, has VR, and is sharp. It will accept Nikon TC's.
Or as Needa suggested, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 is a great lens. It has VR and is sharp. Not as expensive as a lot of the f/2.8 zooms.

Or perhaps a faster mid-length telephoto prime such as the 85mm f/1.8 (no VR) or the 105mm f/2.8 VR. Both of these would be good for portraits. The 105mm is a macro lens, too. But since those focal lengths are already covered by your 80-200mm zoom, you might want to consider something longer than 200mm as I mentioned earlier.

Good luck with whatever you choose. :)
 

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Primarily cost! The D750 is out of production now so I'll bee looking for a pre-owned example. There's also a lot in common between the D7200 and D750. They're 24mp and externally they're identical (apart form the D750's flip screen) so it's easy to go from one to the other (and back if required).

B&H has referbs for $1,079.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
When I look at a lens, I purchase the latest and fastest focusing lens with the largest aperture that I can afford. If a lens is two or more generations old, I'll find another, or save my money until I can get the better one.. For instance, but not to knock what you already have, the 80-200 2.8 that you have, and I am assuming that it is a Nikon lens, will likely limit your photography performance at some point. I had that lens, and thought it was good, until I got to use the AF-S G 70-200 VRI. I do believe that your D7200 is far better than the 80-200, and absolutely know that the D750 is better than that lens.

The most important issue, though, is not what we think you shoud purchase next, but what do you need or want the lens for? Match your purchases to that list, and having a stable of prime lenses is never a bad thing, IMHO.

WM
 
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