alan_l1 Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 So I just purchased a used Nikon D50 body and I am wondering which lens I should get? Im definitely getting a Sigma 10-20 for landscapes due to the great review and recommendations from people on this forum, but IM not quite sure on a good telephoto/zoom lens and long range zoom lens. I definitely need a default lens and I really want to get the 17-55 f2.8, but its way out of my price range. If anyone could recommend me some good lens with great sharpness, that would be great! Hopefully each lens you recommend me is less than $400. :P But all other recommendations are fine.. THANKS! :) -Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcphotography Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Well, for cheap and sharp: 50mm f/1.8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayak203 Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Yes, the 50mm f/1.8 is good for portraits. I'm also pretty happy with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for general use, and it's in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter_in_PA Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Nikkor 18-70. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew in Austin Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 My most used lens with the D50 is the 35/2 AF-D Nikkor. The 50/1.8 AF-D is outstanding for the price, but I like to be able to stand closer to my subject. Congratulations on acquiring the D50. I was unable to bring my self to sell mine even after getting a D80. By comparison, my D80 kit is a Sigma 30/1.4 and the 18-70 AF-S DX Nikkor. Best Regards - Andrew in Austin, TX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dweezil Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 If you're looking for a reasonably priced default lens for the D50, try to get the D70 kit lens, the 18-70 f3,5-4-5 AF-S, it's sharp versatile and not to big or to slow. You can usually find it for around 200 to 250 and you can still get it new for around 350 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredrik_steffen Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Take a look at Tamron's 17-55/2.8. Have got some great reviews and is quite a lot cheaper than Nikon's corresponding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acbeddoe Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 I also think the Nikon 18-70mm AF-S is excellent, especially for the price. It has very little distortion or aberration due to 1 aspherical and 3 ED elements . It came with my D70 and, 3 camera bodies later, I still have it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim_knight Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Below are test results for the Nikon 17-55 and the Tamron 17-50. I also have been considering the Tamron zoom for my indoor pictures (without flash) with any new future Nikon camera with higher ISO quality. http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/129/cat/all http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/355/cat/all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_p Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 I'll go against the grain here and suggest the nikkor 18-55. It's dirt cheap ($70, used) and is quite sharp. While I don't take Ken Rockwell's word as gold, feel free to read what he says. "http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55-ii.htm" If the plastic lens mount breaks, it's easy to replace yourself for $24 directly from Nikon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madhu_menon Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 The 70-300 G lens is a good one and a not so expensive one. It is not the best for Low light but otherwise it is good ROI. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207359-GREY/Nikon_1928_Zoom_Telephoto_AF_Zoom.html or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207359-USA/Nikon_1928_Zoom_Telephoto_AF_Zoom.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carl_becker2 Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Price wise you should look at the 18-55mm or for more money and range the 18-70mm Nikkors. There are many good things said about the Tamron 17-50mm and if you need more speed then the 28mm f2 AIS or 35mm f2 AFwith the 50 f1.8 AF Nikkors. I use and like the 18-70mm but I also have some fast primes. If you know what focal length(s) get the best glass you can afford and work them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Javkin Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is excellent, and works very nicely on my D50. I preferred it over the Nikon kit lenses of 18-55 and 18-70 because it has a larger aperture. If you want to go long with your next lens, the 70-300mm VR is also excellent. The VR capability is very important, particularly at this focal length range. You have to decide, of course, if you want to be selecting between your Sigma 10-20mm and a 70-300mm. The good thing with those two is, one look at what you're shooting and your choice will be clear. Both the Tamron 17-50 and the 70-300 VR go over your $400 limit, but not by a huge amount if you shop at B&H or Adorama. Something else to consider: the Nikon 85mm f/1.8. Lovely lens. I use mine for portraits and short telephoto when I need the aperture. It is in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.olson Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Pick your focal length,light requirements and budget. What I had used with very good to excellent results on the D50 I had were. 18-70, 70-210, 28-105, 28-70 2.8, 85 1.4, 70-200 2.8. All Nikkors and the Tokina 16-50 2.8. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_l1 Posted March 16, 2008 Author Share Posted March 16, 2008 Cool, thanks for all the great recommendations. Looks like Ill be getting the 18-70 because it has a good amount of range and from what people are saying, it seems to have good enough sharpness. As for my long range IM going for the 70-300 vr. woot! thanks a bunch guys. oh yeah, and im getting the 50mm f1.8 since its so cheap and beople just loveeee this lens, must be good :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_l1 Posted March 16, 2008 Author Share Posted March 16, 2008 is there something like a 18-70 vr? anything similiar to that? except the kit lens 18-55 vr. I want something that has a good amount of zoom range but also somewhere around 18 or 17 on the other end, but with VR. Can anyone recommend a good one? THANKS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Javkin Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 is there something like a 18-70 vr? No, there isn't. In Nikon mount, you will only find the 18-55mm VR, said to be very lightly built. Incidentally, if you get the 70-300mm VR and one of the shorter lenses like the 17-50mm Tamron or the Nikon 18-55m VR, the "gap" between 50 or 55mm and 70mm will not be a problem. You'll only miss the 50-70 range when you don't have the longer lens with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_piontek Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 What about the 16-85 VR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hash Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Sigma also has an 18-50/2.8 lens that used to be rated as a poor man's 17-55/2.8 Nikkor, till the Tamron 17-50/2.8 came along. I think Sigma has updated their lens since. Has anyone done a comparison of these lenses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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