Lens Budget Question

[james_martin9]

So this is an extension of my previous question. I have enough money to

purchase 1 of 3 options. I can purchase a 17-55 2.8 to add to my Sigma 10-20

and 70-200 VR. I can purchase a 28-70 2.8 to add to the same collection,

provided I can find one before the 24-70 comes out, or I can buy an 18-200VR,

50 1.4 and 85 1.8. 3 lenses instead of 1 2 of which are prime seems to be a

good choice, but then again they are single focal length primes not good for

waling around. Just some more thoughts if you please.

[bwcombs]

Judging by the type of shots you take, I would get the 17-55mm.

[bruce_margolis]

James, my first thought would be the 17-55. Obviously better optics. Yeah, there's a hole in the 56-69mm range but I learned from experience I use that range very little anyway.

 

OTOH, if versatility is more important to you, the 18-200 is great. I use mine extensively for travel but have other lenses for specific situations, i.e., landscape, wildlife, macro, etc.

 

I think it comes down to the type of photography that is important to you. If superior quality is most important to you, the 17-55 wins hands down. If convenience with some choices is more important, go with the other lenses. Both are good options.

[dcraton]

Per "waling around" a zoom would probably serve you better at this point and another vote for the 17-55mm. However, I will Amen Bruce's statement in that I too have other lenses (4 fixed focal) for specific applications. Primes are fine for waling--if I have time and room to move. It all depends upon your shooting style.

 

Personal application: I will be waling this Friday on a paid shoot with 2 D200's one with 17-55mm and the other with 80-200mm (my pref). I will have backup lenses in bag, but doubt I will take the other lenses off. And yes, it boils down to a choice of quality vs. convenience. Longwinded way to say I agree with Bruce which is all I could have said.

[james_martin9]

Well, I am a fabulous walir..lol. Sorry about that I was typing in haste. I also own the 70-200 2.8 VR and it is my favorite lens, so that range is covered. In fact, I see mixed messaged about the 85mm 1.8 duplicating the 70-200 2.8 since there is only a 1 stop difference.

[dcraton]

James, not to nitpick or insult your intelligence, but the 85mm/1.8 is an entirely different animal and a great lens. There are apps that this is the only lens of choice to use for the job or for fun. I use the lens often (portrait, product shots, commercial prints, etc.) in that the optical build is entirely different than your wonderful 70-200mm or any other zoom. That's why many of us keep it and other primes in our bag. You may want to pick up a 50mm/1.8 and experiment. But, I'd still get the 17-55mm if that is your shooting style.

 

Some of us ole guys grew up with primes and learned how to shoot with them. . .we actually moved our feet to accomodate framing. As a matter of fact, I am working with two apprentices right now and I won't let them use any zooms yet till they bring me great results with primes. Both have a place in my bags and shelves--the lenses, not the Young Skywalkers. Just friendly thoughts.

[james_martin9]

Well I have always thought of primes very differently than zooms, but I did some reading that suggested the 85mm and the 70-200 would essentially overlap. I was trying to fetter some responses to this and you provided me with a very good one.

[dcraton]

James: No problem and no mal intent meant. I love both and both have their place in my shooting life. I wish you well. They don't overlap at all. As a matter of fact at times I will shoot with with an 85mm on one cam and the 2.8 zoom overlapping on the other. I sincerely wish you the best. Lenses are fun. Have fun.

[albertdarmali]

If you have that amount of money to spent, I think it's better to just be patient for a little more and wait to see how the newest Nikon high-end lenses perform. Then you make your decision that time. You already have 2 nice lenses anyway, so it's not like you don't have any decent lens to shoot while waiting for the new one.