Which lens to buy? Can you suggest an economical buy?
462173
I just picked up a new "gheto cam" (E300) recently and use it manily with an 11-22mm Zuiko I have. I've got the Zukio 50-200mm - not cheap but a great lens. Don't forget that lenses with all Four Thirds cameras (Oly E300 being one) are a 2X FOV factor - that is the 50-200mm performs as a 100-400mm in a 35mm film camera world. For more about lens length vs angle of view see: www.harlos-mfg.de/e-1/brennw/brennw.htm
990745
Congrats on the D5000 (and both great lenses you have). Be sure and get that 35mm down the road, believe me it will probably be the best 200$ you'll ever spend if you do any shooting indoors. I have tons of other lenses (including a 50mm f/1.4) so I held off for a while on getting the 35mm f/1.8, once I did finally get it I was kicking myself for not getting it sooner, it's that good. Happy shooting.
1818395
I would go with the cheaper d40. Easily available for $470, two hundred bucks cheaper than the 60. Put the $200 you save toward a nice lens. Check out www.kenrockwell.com for more reasons why it's better. You wont need the extra pixels of the 60 or 80. If you want a more advanced camera, get the successor to the 80 due out later this year or the D300.
1430891
I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I haven't had opportunity to try it. I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I... » Read More I've had opportunity to acquire or try out most of the lenses (sans the 43mm ltd, unfortunately) since last posting. Here's my list for a newbie weighing performance, price, and availability:1. DA 40mm - Excellent all around and compact, compact, compact! 2. DA 70mm - Great color saturation, sharpness if not as fast as the FA 77mm3. FA 31mm LTD. Expensive! But might as well be welded to my K-7 right now. Amazing all around.4. My FA 50mm 1.4 has been bumped down to 4 or 5, given softness at f1.4 and lack of contrast. the 55mm 1.4 is a sleeper though, although I haven't had opportunity to try it. « Show Less
790657
Mainly price. The Rokinon lenses are very good. I own a 35 and 24 Rokinon as well as some Canons. I think they perform extremely well.
2064344
Thanks for your reply. I need a good lens to photograph swim meets and football, both for children. Maybe I should consider the 70-300. I want sharp pictures.
1289976
What lenses do you own now and what's your budget? Are you asking for a longer telephoto lens or a single-lens-solution that covers a bigger range?
405
Thanks everyone for your help. You've explained a lot and it really helps. After your explanations, I looked at my past photos. I'm thinking that maybe the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 will fill my needs. Thanks again.
1526809
I am a professional photographer and I considered both before buying the Canon. I plan to use the lens regularly and for a long time and I need my images to be the best they can be. That uptick in quality is worth far more than $800, especially when spread out over years of ownership.
1413083
If you want an all-purpose lens, get the cheap 18-200mm. The 28-300mm is just not a very good lens when you consider the price and weight and image quality. For that money, you could buy two very good lenses.
1463261
Did you ever get a lens? I'm making the same decision now. If so, what did you buy? Are you happy with your decision? Is there anything else you would add that would help me make a decision. Thanks!
1946226
Thank you all so much for your input! I think I'll go with the D90 just so that I can save money for one or two lens
916482
I personally think that he'd benefit more from purchasing the nifty fifty (50mm f1.8) to cover that range, and then also buy the 100mm f2.8. Honestly there is not a huge difference in terms of image quality between the 50mm f1.8 and the f1.4. The f1.8 does have trouble focusing in dark conditions, but for the price (and for a beginner) it is a great option and it leaves your budget open to get another lens.
1773306
I have the Oly 45 and 75, and the panasonic 25 and 12. The 75 is regarded and one of the finest lens around, and its very sharp, but its $900, and the focal length isn't always practical. For the money, the 45mm is my favorite. Its inexpensive and very sharp. When you hold it in your hand, honestly, it looks a little cheep but the results are excellent.
32352
If money is a concern, try the "fantastic plastic" or sometimes called the "nifty fifty". That's the Canon EOS 50mm f/1.8. Great lens. Best optics per dollar, for sure. Only complaint people have had has been about the quality of background blur when shooting wide open. I haven't had an issue personally, it's acceptable for the price. It IS rather ugly compared to the quality of bokeh on the f/1.2L .. But you can buy 15 of the 1.8s for the price of the 1.2, so that's to be expected.The 1.4 has had some great reviews as well.
2152800
Great，I use the sigma 30mm f2.8 lens, it's just approximate 1 pound. I bought it cost $449 with 18-55 and sigma 30mm lens is 120 dollar~
392884
OK, well here are my thoughts on the kit lens. It is lighter, so for backpacking orhiking it could be a really good thing. As you say, it is only an extra $75 or so,so there isn't much wrong with having it along with a truly fine lens, unless $75makes or breaks your budget. Get the kit lens AND as many other lenses asyou can justify.