do i need 35mm or 50mm If i have the 18-105mm lens? I have a D90 with 18-105mm lens. also i don't travel alot, pretty much newb to DSLR. my question is do i Really need to buy the extra lens like 35mm or 50mm lens?
2004146
Definitely a newbie question, because only you can answer it. You never "need" to buy an additional lens. For years, many photographers shot with just a 50mm prime. Today, a good consumer zoom like the 18-105mm will satisfy a good 90% or more of shooting needs. However, if you desire greater creative control, better image quality (the color, contrast and corner-to-corner sharpness of the 35mm is noticeably superior to the zoom), then you might consider purchasing additional lenses. Of course, the differences are not night and day. The 18-105mm is an excellent lens, so the differences I describe are incremental. Take a look at the review on cameralabs.com to see if the differences are significant enough for you to spend the additional money.
79346
I have used a 70-300mm EF and a 55-300mm AF lens with my D5100. Though the 70-300mm EF is a higher grade lens, I think that upon looking back at my results, the 55-300mm AF lens option gave me clearer images than the 70-300mm lens does. You will, however, be happy with either one. My 55-300mm lens was stolen last summer and I replaced it with a refurbished 70-300mm EF lens. If I were going to do it again, I'd probably get another 55-300mm lens. But on the other hand, the 70-300mm lens has a larger lens aperture and so it works better under lower light conditions than the 55-300mm AF lens. Life always seems to be about choices and trade-offs doesn't it. I hope this was helpful.
43425
I also have the nikon d5100...i purchased the body only...i will be purchasing the 55-300mm soon...I'm now currently using the 35mm lens. The 55-300mm lens you're inquiring about would fit well with the d5100.
1922083
The 50 is probably more often referred to as a "standard" lens and works great. The 35 is slightly wider and often used for portraits of more than just one person (when you need to fit more people in the frame). Keep in mind that if you have a camera with an ASP-C sensor (or a "crop sensor"-- this is the Rebel line of Canon canons as well as the 7D, etc), the 50mm is closer to a (1.6 x 50 =) 80mm due to the smaller sensor and a 35 looks closer to a (35 x 1.6=) 56mm lens. What I would suggest before dropping a lot of money on the 35L or 50L is to see what range you use more or what looks better on your camera. Most Canon cameras come with an 18-55 or 24-105 lens. Zoom that lens to the 35mm mark and use that for a day and see how it works. Then do the same thing with the lens at the 50mm mark. If you find that 50 is too narrow or 35 is too wide, there is no sense in dropping $1000+ on a focal length you aren't likely to use.
101690
I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s)... » Read More I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail « Show Less
369535
I own the D80 with 18-135 lens and love it. Yes, you sacrifice a tad of fabulousness by picking the lens with the broader range, but I wanted bang-for-buck versatility first. I recommend getting at least *one* of the Nikon-Nikkor lenses, since they have proprietary circuitry that (I believe) the after-markets don't. The one thing you'd gain by starting with the 18-55 lens is that it *is* quite a bit smaller. I hate to mention it here, but I found - post-purchase - my local (Atlanta) membership w'house had a kit with *both* lenses for less than I paid for the body + lens.
528653
Does that lack of image stabilization in the 20 mm lens factor in against choosing it over the 14-45 lens? I think I'm all set to get the 20 mm lens after doing my research and reading these comments, but that was one area I was still questioning.
2254947
Thanks for the good info. I had a Canon Rebel that I returned because of picture quality with the standard kit lens. I have been trying to decide between the Nikon D90 & the Pentax K20D. I am going to go with the K20D and start with the 18-250 and see how far I go. So I am off to shop now. Again... Thanks a lot.
8522
Hardy,Thanks for the info about getting better lenses. I just "bit the bullet" and bought the 24-105mm L lens. I have heard this same wise advice from other photographers, and I am looking forward to getting sharper photos with the new lens, and I will try to get only L lenses from now on. In the end, you truly get what you pay for.
2072502
One thing I would add is that for most DSLRs, 50mm might not be the best first-pick lens.One of the reasons the 50mm was the standard lens for so long is because on regular film (or a full-frame digital sensor) it is thought to best mimic the perspective you get from the naked eye. If you don't have a full frame sensor (most DSLRs don't), you're better off going with the 35mm f/2, as that lens comes closest on an APS-C camera to the focal length that the 50mm gives you on film.
606484
I'm so glad there's something posted here - this is one of the lenses I'm considering getting my husband for Christmas. He has the Sigma 50-200mm lens right now and in my experience with it, it hasn't been too bad. Should he be happy with the 18-200?
1771110
Thank you for the information.I have a 10-20mm and 18-55mm at hand. I decided to purchase 50D with a 28-135mm IS lens and 100-300mm. I will appreciate if you can share your suggestion.Thank you and best regards,GO
672481
To answer this is easy. Only need the 18-300 for all your photo's from close up-Wide area-and zoom. It all I need just one lens Use it on my D90 and D800E DX. Crazey Jimmey
1346883
I have the 50mm f1.8 and love everything about it. My only problem is the focusing speed. I don't mind spending $340 for the 1.4 but I read alot of people had problem with it and have to send it in for repair. This made me very nervous. Anybody familiar with this problem? One more thing, if you want to choose between the 50mm or 85mm, check the crop on your camera first. Ex. T3i have a 1.6 vs 5D have a 1.0 meaning a 50mm on a T3i is equal to a 80mm on a 5D.
1594347
It is a personal preference. The 18-105 is much more versital than the 55-300 which is a zoom lens. The 18-105 covers about 75% of what you'll need if not 90% if your just a casual shooter. I'd recommend the 18-105 but if you have a 18-55 just get and 18-105 to replace it or get the 55-300 for a zoom. I have both of these lens and I can definately say the 18-105 is a better bet but if you really need a zoom lens get the 55-300.
44601
Debbie : The D90 is a camera body that can use many different lens. This type of filter screws on to the front end of the lens. The filter should fit any any of the lenses that have a barrel diameter of 52mm. - Jim
1019877
I did NOT buy the kit lens...bought camera with the 18-200mm lens instead....love this lens....a bit heavy but just great....no need for multiple lenses.