Primes vs Zoom purchase.

<p>Brian, the Sigma 17-70 is a great lens. I used to use the older version on a D90. The newer version has OS (which means VR) but the older one has a bit closer focus. The VR is probably the more useful feature for most people. It's a well made, very sharp lens. As good as the 16-85 and less money.</p>

<p>I would also remember, that even if that Sigma is a good lens, stores and salesmen make more on the third-party lenses. It's always something to remember. </p>

<p>I would get the Nikon if it were me. I don't like the stories I hear about Sigma lenses (do a search on google on that one to see if there have been AF issues and such).</p>

<p>I'm sure the Sigma is fine, but do your research.</p>

<p>You can't go by anecdotes on the internet. People never go on fora to write "I got this product and there's nothing special to write about either way!" If Google searching for stories about problems with products gave a good indication, a D7000 can't focus and an iPhone can't make a phone call and the screen will break during normal use. And every lens available is not sharp because some guy who doesn't know how to handle a DSLR blamed the equipment, every golf club on the market causes slices, etc.</p>

<p>Just buy from a reputable source that has a reasonable return policy, which is always a good idea with used items anyway.</p>

<p>If your local store has to special order pretty much everything, then I would definitely make sure to know their return policy. They might not be able to exchange a potentially defective or merely questionable lens for another of the same type if they have zero in stock. </p>

<p>Oh, and I know of at least one iPhone with consistently bad call quality...</p>

<p>Hey all, thanks so much for the advice. It all makes sense. </p>

<p>I get what you're saying Andy. BTW I have an iPhone 3gs, not the best "phone" but I still love it considering I mostly text (sms) or email. And sometimes it's hard to decide what to do with so many opposing opinions, but I really appreciate the effort everyone made to give their opinion. </p>

<p>Stefan, the store is out of D7000s, they're hard to get. He has six coming in, one with my name on it. And the lens is coming in second hand. This is a small family run shop in Cork, Ireland and it's on the street where I work so now I'm on first name terms with the guys. But I appreciate your concern it's something I hadn't considered. I'm sure if I don't like the Sigma he'll take it back for something else.<br /><br />I think the Sigma 17-70mm covers the majority of the shooting I have been doing. I can get the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 as well, I'm undecided now. But the 1.4 might be better for portraiture which I would like to get into more. <br /><br /><br />The way I see it I can experiment with the zoom, have my fun and shallow dof with the 50mm. From there I can decide what primes (if any) I'd like to purchase in the future. <br /><br />The Sigma gets good reviews compared to it's competitors and it goes wider than my Fuji X10 which will be interesting. <br /><br />Even if I don't like it in 6 months time I can trade it back and get something better without losing too much and treat it like a long term, educational rental. <br /><br />Does that make sense????</p>

<p>It's important to remember that the extra two stops between a 1.4 and 2.8 will only help you if that's depth of field that you can afford to give up, or it gets you additional ability to focus in low light. F1.4 on a 50mm lens can translate to some pretty thin DOF under certain distances (like not enough to have a face completely in focus). </p>

<p>I have a bunch of primes (35 1.8, 501.4d, 851.8d, and 105 2.8 VR) and a d7000 and a d90 - but I'm generally not shooting low light scenarios. If I had to go low light (like theatre and night clubs), I'd get a d700 and look for a bargain on a used lens - like the 35-70 2.8 suggested earlier.</p>

 

<p>Brian, your plan makes sense to me for sure.</p>

<p>Thanks Wouter. </p>

<p>Done deal.</p>

<p>Sigma 17-70mm OS brand new €230.<br>

Getting the Nikkor 50mm 1.4g and of course the D7k body. I really can't say no.</p>

<p>If I don't like the Sigma he'll take it back. If I don't like it after 6 months I'll get a good buy back price and upgrade to a better Nikkor. But I think my next purchase will be a prime.</p>

<p>For now I'm happy with what I'm getting. Thanks for the suggestions and advice you lovely people.<br /><br />Much appreciated.<br /><br />Brian.</p>

<p>230 Euro for the OS version, new? Did the guy make a mistake? That's about $310 US, and here that's the going rate for a used, previous version of that lens. A new copy of the OS version is about $470. If it's legit, you got a very, very good deal.</p>

<p>I said that to him Andy. He says he'll do it for that price. I was a bit shocked myself. All the stuff will be coming in about ten days and I'll report back with my findings. It's a good enough price for a second hand lens which is what he originally told me could get but he specified the copy he was getting was a new one with OS.</p>

<p>Should I be worried Andy?</p>

<p>Hey, if there's nothing wrong with the lens and you're reasonably confident that the seller isn't up to no good, keep it and don't complain.</p>

<p>Yeah I'll have to give it a go Andy. I'm sure he's on the straight and narrow, and Cork is a small place, news travels fast if you know what I mean. The only thing I can think is that he meant the new version i.e. with the OS but I'm 99% sure he said a new lens. </p>

<p>I'll drop in tomorrow and confirm it, I pass his shop everyday on my my tea break :) If it's all genuine he's definitely got a return customer. I'm just very glad a local camera is trying to take care of me. I'd prefer my money to stay local considering the state our economy is in. </p>

<p>You can still get the previous model new. Maybe it's discontinued - but there's stock sitting around. Still that sounds like a very reasonable price for that lens new.</p>

I like your idea of prime lenses. The 50mm f1.4g would definitely be on my list. I do not think a wide to telephoto zoom is a good idea.

You only need two lenses. One choice would be a small wide angle zoom e.g. 12-24 but it would be slow. The other choice would be a

24/25 mm prime. The zeiss 25mm f2.8 zf.2 would be nice(expensive, manual focus) but optically fine.

 

The zen of a lens (handling, build, personal feel etc.) really matters.

 

With these two focal lengths 37.5 and 75 you will take many wonderful photographs! Try not to agonize about focal lengths that you do

not have but rather rejoice with the few you do have.

 

Remember the famous quotation- amateurs are concerned about equipment, professionals are concerned about time and masters are

concerned about light.

 

It seems to me you are on the right track either way.

 

Good luck with your new camera and your choices!

Hi lads and lassies. I got my D7000,

Nikkor 50mm 1.4G, and Sigma 17-

70mm OS last Friday.

 

Haven't had a chance to shoot outdoor

yet between work and gigs.

 

Andy, I got the Sigma for the agreed

price. Unreal. I'm so happy with it. And

the 50 takes some getting used to but it

makes things look so good.

 

I just wanted to say thanks again for all

the advice you guys threw my way. I

can't believe how happy I am with my

new gear and new hobby. So......

THANKS you crazy photographers.