Have Nikkor 18-200mm VR + 60mm f/2.8 Macro - Need 85mm???

[james_calron]

Alright, I have:

<br />

- Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR<br />

- Nikkor 50mm f/1.8<br />

- Nikkor 60mm f/2.8<br />

(using Nikon D80 body)<br />

<br />

I'm debating to get:<br />

- Nikkor 85mm f/1.8<br />

<br />

I use the 18-200 as my wide-angle lens, and overall "convenience" lens. I just

bought the 50mm f/1.8 with the intention to use it for portraiture and the 60mm

f/2.8 with the intention to use it for macro. <br />

<br />

I was thinking about returning the 50mm and getting the 85mm f/1.8 for

portraiture. But after researching this forum along with many other forums, I

see that the determining factor between the 50mm and the 85mm just depends on

your personal preference. The other thing I noticed is that some even use the

60mm f/2.8 for portraits.<br />

<br />

My questions:<br />

<br />

Do you recommend I use the 60mm for portraits?<br />

If so, do I return the 50mm and not buy the 85mm?<br />

<br />

If not, should I return the 50mm and get the 85mm?<br />

<br />

Basically of these 4 lenses, what would be the best/most feasable combination?

<br />Thanks in advance :)

[frank_skomial]

With so much confusion on your part... just do nothing... and take some pictures instead.

 

The need for other lenses, if ever, will come to you in time and with experience gained taking pictures with the lenses you already have.

 

Do not purchase any lens for a year or so... and just stay put.

[kurt l]

My 2 cents worth Brendan.

the 50mm and 60mm are the best lenses you have.

do dump one ??? I have the 85mm f/1.8 I use on outdoor seniors shots

and some times even out side I will have to drop to the 60mm or 50mm

to get the shot done. on the other hand some people are more camera shy and to keep some room between the camera and them I use my old 80-200mmf/2.8 a lot.

all in all if I was to try to answer you I would say dump the 18-200

and get a 70 or 80 -200mm with a constant f/2.8 you will never grow out of these and you will fall in love with it.

kurt.

[james_calron]

Thanks for your guys' input. And Kurt, if I did get rid of my 18-200 and got an 80-200, would you recommend me getting a prime wide-angle lens? Because if I get rid of my 18-200, I'll not longer have a wide-angle.

[louisekennedy]

the 60 and the 50 are great lenses for portraits. 18 - 200 is a work horse. If you want wide,

try getting rid of the 18 - 200 and go for the 17 - 55 2.8. Or the Tokina 12 - 24 if you need

wider.

[kurt l]

I have never used a 18-200.

If you like it for the wide angle than keep it or yes you could go for a f/2.8 wide angle zoom but most are big money too.yours is paid for like i said if you like it keep it and just save a while if needed and grab a used used 80-200 f/2.8 push pull zoom for 300/350

bucks,the newer 80-200 is more money like 800/900 new and the 70-200

i think is 1400/1500 new.if you are on a budget like most of us the 80-200 push pull is a great lens and you can get it at bargin price compared to the new ones but it don't have a tripod coller,the only thing that i wish the lens had as it is a bid heavy lens.

kurt.

[heartyfisher]

Hi Brendan,

 

I have the 18-200vr and a 12-24 nikkor. also have the 18-70 but Dont use it much anymore as the 18-200 is more versitile. However my family has more than a dozen nikkor lenses.

 

The 50mm and the 60mm macro are great lenses. Both has its uses.

 

50mm 1.8 is great for low light and portrait when you cannot use the 18-200 eg events or indoor portraits with available light.

 

The 60mm Macro is super sharp and for 1:1 macro work. It can also be used for portrait. it aslo has a flat plane so its great for reproduction work eg: photographing paintings, old photos, etc.

 

The 85mm is a specialist Portrait lens. I would not suggest that you get that until you feel that you are really loving portrait shoots.

 

So keep what you have now and shoot lots! You will soon find out what you want next. There are years worth learning to use what you already have!

[hayward]

You think you are conflicted, but right now, I have the Nikon 60mm f/2.8, micro, 85mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2 DC, and the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro, not to mention the 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S and 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S.

 

The thing is, they all do different things. The 60mm is my go-to micro for most shots of small objects (a camera lens, for example.) The Tamron 90mm is too long for that sort of thing, but too sharp to give up. I use it for my really close-up stuff when I'm not using my nikon 200mm micro. The 85mm f/1.4 is for low light auditorium and sports stuff. It is a nice portrait lens, but I don't use it that much - the zooms get the portrait work. The 105mm f/2 is also for low light auditorium work and is too nice to get rid of, though it is redundant.

 

I don't hae a 50mm anymore, but the f/1.8 is sharper at longer distances than your 60mm, but not as good at micro. At $100, I recommend keeping it.

[james_calron]

Wow, thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate the input. And dang John, you've got it made, don't you? Those are some nice lenses...what body are you using?

[eric_arnold]

hi breandan,

if i were you i wouldn't get rid of any of those lenses.

you have the beginnings of a great kit.

to me the choice wouldnt be 'if' you should get the 85, but rather 'when,' as in should i get the 35/2 first (or sigma 30/1.4)or after the 85?

think about it, a range of fast primes, backed by the 18-200. that's a pretty versatile set up.