Recommend Lens for D80

[KenBit]

I haven't read many reviews of the 18-105VR, but of those that I've read, it hasn't been very flattering. I would still pick the 18-70 over the 18-105 VR at this point in time, pending more reviews of the lens.

Cool it brother, after seeing what the 18-105 VR can do I'm sure you will not pick the 18-70 over it any time dude. The 18-70 does not have VR unlike the 18-105 and the 18-105 gives you more focal coverage. Just because you are a 18-70 user you don't have to pull the new kit lens down do ya? And the reviews is based on those you have read. Which Kenrockwell?
Have tested the 18-105 VR and I think its really good so to TS just go get the 18-105 VR and start shooting.

 

[snapsnap79]

ok now I'm totally confused.....should I get 2 separate lenses to cover different depths / lengths....or should I get a lens that can cover till 200mm?

in fact...I have tried several lenses an honestly, i like them all....how ah? wish i have money to spend.....hmmm...*scratch head*

 

[steven68]

ok now I'm totally confused.....should I get 2 separate lenses to cover different depths / lengths....or should I get a lens that can cover till 200mm?

in fact...I have tried several lenses an honestly, i like them all....how ah? wish i have money to spend.....hmmm...*scratch head*

I did some testing. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423934&page=2

 

[snapsnap79]

I did some testing. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423934&page=2

....hmm...seems the 18-105mm VR really have an upper hand....

anyone has a 18-135mm VS 18-105mm VR to show me?

 

[steven68]

....hmm...seems the 18-105mm VR really have an upper hand....

anyone has a 18-135mm VS 18-105mm VR to show me?

I posted the comparison at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...=423934&page=2

 

[snapsnap79]

I posted the comparison at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...=423934&page=2

.....dude....page not found

 

[steven68]

.....dude....page not found

Sorry, dunno why it doesn't work. :dunno: I've posted it under the topic
New To Nikon DSLR...which to buy??

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423934&page=2

 

[KenBit]

TS, made your decision yet not? If haven't try the 24-120 quite pricy but I think its not bad as well.

 

[snapsnap79]

TS, made your decision yet not? If haven't try the 24-120 quite pricy but I think its not bad as well.

- unfortunately not yet...I read in a thread somewhere now about the 18-105vr Vs 17-50....maybe considering that...

 

[asdfg]

Cool it brother, after seeing what the 18-105 VR can do I'm sure you will not pick the 18-70 over it any time dude. The 18-70 does not have VR unlike the 18-105 and the 18-105 gives you more focal coverage. Just because you are a 18-70 user you don't have to pull the new kit lens down do ya? And the reviews is based on those you have read. Which Kenrockwell?
Have tested the 18-105 VR and I think its really good so to TS just go get the 18-105 VR and start shooting.

The 18-70mm is brighter, has better build. The 18-105 has VR and the extra 35mm. I would go for build. The extra bit of light may help but VR wouldn't in terms of stopping action. The tamron 17-50mm f2.8 would beat them both in terms of faster shutter speeds. Sometimes it's worth thinking of quality over quantity (focal length).

He also isn't a 18-70mm user, he said he regret selling it. Doesn't mean he's pro-18-70.


Yeah maybe get the tamron 17-50mm.

 

[KenBit]

The 18-70mm is brighter, has better build. The 18-105 has VR and the extra 35mm. I would go for build. The extra bit of light may help but VR wouldn't in terms of stopping action. The tamron 17-50mm f2.8 would beat them both in terms of faster shutter speeds. Sometimes it's worth thinking of quality over quantity (focal length).

He also isn't a 18-70mm user, he said he regret selling it. Doesn't mean he's pro-18-70.


Yeah maybe get the tamron 17-50mm.

He is a 18-70 user, check out his flickr tags. -.-"

 

[KenBit]

- unfortunately not yet...I read in a thread somewhere now about the 18-105vr Vs 17-50....maybe considering that...

Considering which? 18-105 or 17-50?

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

to TS:
You tell ppl that you have a budget of around 200-300, then you tell everyone you're keen on SB900; that you want a better lens than the 18-135 D80 kit lens. Seriously, you're wasting everyone's time here, offering you so many suggestions when you have such unrealistic expectations.
With that kind of budget, you can't get a top-end Nikon flash AND a good lens. If you could, you'd be making a mockery of all those professional events photographers who spend thousands on their equipment, right?

 

[snapsnap79]

to TS:
You tell ppl that you have a budget of around 200-300, then you tell everyone you're keen on SB900; that you want a better lens than the 18-135 D80 kit lens. Seriously, you're wasting everyone's time here, offering you so many suggestions when you have such unrealistic expectations.

....whoa...look here bro, I'm just asking for expertise....so what I may have little knowledge compared to you (who may have loads), so izzit wrong to share & teach? You guys have loads of wisdonm & know-hows and I just wanna get more info instead of being conned (which I had based on past experience with shops at Sim Lim & Funan & Penin)....so again, izzit wrong I ask & seek opinion? *shrug*

With that kind of budget, you can't get a top-end Nikon flash AND a good lens. If you could, you'd be making a mockery of all those professional events photographers who spend thousands on their equipment, right?

....again, I emphasize I know with my budget I cannot get the sky...but I sure want my money's worth. And please do not put words in my mouth by claiming me making a "making a mockery of all those professional events photographers who spend thousands on their equipment"......of course I know when you have the money, you can get a Ferrari....(which these pros definitely charge Ferrari-rates to their clients).....as for me, I'm just a small fry with small budget trying to get my money's worth....

...I mean come on, people....don't you remember how YOU were all starting out...with small equipment & little knowledge? gimme a break

On another note, to all those useful & constructive advise, thanks....you guys rock! I shall keep in mind of all the info...

 

[KenBit]

to TS:
You tell ppl that you have a budget of around 200-300, then you tell everyone you're keen on SB900; that you want a better lens than the 18-135 D80 kit lens. Seriously, you're wasting everyone's time here, offering you so many suggestions when you have such unrealistic expectations.
With that kind of budget, you can't get a top-end Nikon flash AND a good lens. If you could, you'd be making a mockery of all those professional events photographers who spend thousands on their equipment, right?

WOW! Strong words.

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

I'd like to apologize to TS (snapsnap79) for what has been interpreted to be overly-strong words. On hindsight, I guess I was overly blunt and harsh.

Having read through your thread from the first post, I gather:

a) you have done some research on equipment prices
b) you're interested to build a portfolio in event photography
c) you have a limited budget (lens:<$300, flash: unknown)

My first reaction is that your needs and your budget do not match up.
Fellow CSers have taken into account your limited budget, so have suggested only the lenses that fit into that price bracket. I suppose none are outstanding lenses for event photography (where a fast lens is preferred), but you make do with what you have. I fully understand that, as my equipment is also entry-level (not willing to splash out on fast lenses).

Similarly, you seem to reject the more budget-conscious SB400 flash in preference for the much more expensive SB800 or SB900, which seems to suggest that you do have some extra budget somewhere, or at least able to save up for a higher-end flash.

I give an analogy:
If I write a post saying that I'm looking to buy a 2nd hand Nikon (coz I have some Nikon lenses) DSLR for about $500 (limited budget), naturally just about everyone would suggest D40. This is the spec level that I can get with my budget. If I then go on to reply that D40 only has 3 AF points and no built-in AF drive, most probably the natural reaction would be "spend more to get a D80 la!"

Basically, you get what you pay for.

Unless you write:
Dear fellow CSers,
I have a D80 body (no lens) that was handed to me by my dad, and would like to get started in event (weddings, etc) photography. At the moment I think I can only afford to spend $200-300. What equipment should I get, and is it advisable to save up first, or can I buy something first to get me started on this track?

you might get more constructive comments this way.

 

[snapsnap79]

Having read through your thread from the first post, I gather:
a) you have done some research on equipment prices
b) you're interested to build a portfolio in event photography
c) you have a limited budget (lens:<$300, flash: unknown)

My first reaction is that your needs and your budget do not match up.
Fellow CSers have taken into account your limited budget, so have suggested only the lenses that fit into that price bracket. I suppose none are outstanding lenses for event photography (where a fast lens is preferred), but you make do with what you have. I fully understand that, as my equipment is also entry-level (not willing to splash out on fast lenses).

Similarly, you seem to reject the more budget-conscious SB400 flash in preference for the much more expensive SB800 or SB900, which seems to suggest that you do have some extra budget somewhere, or at least able to save up for a higher-end flash.

I give an analogy:
If I write a post saying that I'm looking to buy a 2nd hand Nikon (coz I have some Nikon lenses) DSLR for about $500 (limited budget), naturally just about everyone would suggest D40. This is the spec level that I can get with my budget. If I then go on to reply that D40 only has 3 AF points and no built-in AF drive, most probably the natural reaction would be "spend more to get a D80 la!"

Basically, you get what you pay for.

Unless you write:
Dear fellow CSers,
I have a D80 body (no lens) that was handed to me by my dad, and would like to get started in event (weddings, etc) photography. At the moment I think I can only afford to spend $200-300. What equipment should I get, and is it advisable to save up first, or can I buy something first to get me started on this track?

you might get more constructive comments this way.

.....ZerocoolAstra...I DID indicate (in my very 1st post) that I own a D80 body with my focused interest in building my portfolio & with several options to ask on what lens & flash to get....for your reference, this was what I posted in my 1st post :-

"My dad just gave me a D80 body for me to re-ignite my passion for photography (started with dg cam actually). I wanna learn more & shoot decent pictures to build my portfolio, especially in fashion shoots, weddings, events...

Please advise what lens I should start with....and my budget is kinda tight (1st timer mahhh)...around $200 - $300....

1) 18 - 135mm OR 18 - 200VR?
2) SB600 flash OR SB800 flash?
3) any other recommended flash?

Thanks for your kind input / advise..."

.....along the way, other users do give their opinions & comparisons on what to get and was it wrong if I question their intention cos I wanna hear more from them? Furthermore, they all did give useful comparisons & advise which I truly respect. In a nutshell, exchanging opinions & experience here should make us all better photographers, not "dissing" opinions just because of lack of financial power, yes?

I'd like to apologize to TS (snapsnap79) for what has been interpreted to be overly-strong words. On hindsight, I guess I was overly blunt and harsh.

.....no worries, apology accepted....I guess sometimes words can get miscontrued along the way

 

[copikau]

don't slug kidd.
if U want lense, go for 50mm at f1.8. good for indoors.
if U wanna flash, click here ... http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Nikon-Speed-Light-SB-600-Flash-Gun_W0QQitemZ130262789991QQihZ003QQcategoryZ43445QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

BUT still U need atleast another > 150 $. I think ... :dunno:

Well ... most of us CSers started off with either cheepoo stuff or 2nd hand goods.
My first digital camera was SONY, 2nd hand with 2MP ... :bigeyes:

if you have your very own profile or doing freelancing, keep that $ and
start buying wot ever U desire ... :devil:

 

[snapsnap79]

don't slug kidd.
if U want lense, go for 50mm at f1.8. good for indoors.
if U wanna flash, click here ... http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Nikon-Speed-Light-SB-600-Flash-Gun_W0QQitemZ130262789991QQihZ003QQcategoryZ43445QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

BUT still U need atleast another > 150 $. I think ... :dunno:

Well ... most of us CSers started off with either cheepoo stuff or 2nd hand goods.
My first digital camera was SONY, 2nd hand with 2MP ... :bigeyes:

if you have your very own profile or doing freelancing, keep that $ and
start buying wot ever U desire ... :devil:

.......thanks for the good info & link!