by "gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
Published 09/24/2017 at 20:50
by "gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
Published 09/24/2017 at 20:50
Tags: Photography
STARS: 4
New to me, at least. A Sigma 10-20mm F/3.5 for Nikon DX bodies. It’s a little rough cosmetically, but all the glass looks perfect and the autofocus works perfectly, and I got it for $300. Still has its case and it came with a UV filter which I don’t even know if I’ll use. The lens cap is also mismatched, but that’s not a big deal.
I’m happy with a slightly rougher used one instead of spending $600 on a new one. Or $1100 on the Nikkor 10-24mm.
Next on my list is a Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G, which I hear nothing but good things about. Maybe an nicer replacement for the kit lens after that, we’ll see.
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
09/24/2017 at 21:03, STARS: 1
Best glass purchase I’ve ever made was tokina 28-70 f2.8 for about $300 in great condition. Ridiculously well made and crazy sharp for like 1/10 the price of the Nikon equivalent.
"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
09/24/2017 at 21:15, STARS: 1
That thing is wwwwiiiiiiiidddddeeeeeee - and 1.8 for a 35 is fast. Should be good.
"CB" (jrcb)
09/24/2017 at 21:21, STARS: 1
I have that Nikkor one. It’s an awesome lens, and pretty cheap. I recommend it.
I’m looking at a Sigma 18-70 2.8 or something like that. It’ll cost me a week’s pay when I eventually get it, but it seems so nice.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
09/24/2017 at 21:29, STARS: 1
That sounds like a good one, I’ll have to look into that when I get to replacing my 18-55
"CB" (jrcb)
09/24/2017 at 21:41, STARS: 0
Yeah, that’s what I’m doing. Need to upgrade my camera after or at the same time, though. 6 megapixels doesn’t cut it anymore.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
09/24/2017 at 21:49, STARS: 1
That’s a kickass lens, only problem is on a crop sensor it’s not much use for wide angles.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
09/24/2017 at 22:30, STARS: 0
Damn, yeah that’s not a ton. My D5300 is 24mp
"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
09/24/2017 at 22:53, STARS: 1
That line of Sigma lenses is actually pretty great. I’ve had good luck with them. I’m a UV filter guy. Cheap protection. I keep one on everything permanently. Heck, I basically use them in lieu of lens caps.
Personally, I don’t get the big deal about the Nikon 35mm 1.8. I have it. It’s OK. But the thing is it’s so cheap it’s kinda crazy to not have it. Everything that is a step above costs 5-10x as much so it’s kind of a no brainer to pick up next. You’ll have fun playing with it long enough to get your moneys worth for sure.
The kit lens is very good actually. Once you get to the point of “nicer replacement for the kit lens” you’re looking at the 17-55 2.8 or the 18-200. At the prices those things run its probably a good time to sit back and ask if you want to be in Nikon DX ecosystem long term or save a little more to go full frame or switch to a different APS-C format like Fuji or Sony.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
09/24/2017 at 23:12, STARS: 0
That is excellent input, thanks!
"horizonsofkhaos" (horizonsofkhaos)
09/25/2017 at 00:07, STARS: 1
I’ve found myself wanting a good intermediate lens lately. I bought the newer 16-80mm Nikkor last year that was bundled with the D500. For as much as they want for that lens it’s been a total disappointment. The autofocus on it with either my D500 or D5300 has been underwhelming at best. I’ve gotten some good shots with it but I’ve also missed some good ones with it. If you’re not in good light it seems like everything is very soft. Might rent a 24-70mm in a couple weeks for an event to see if it does any better.
"Kyru Galaga" (kyp)
09/25/2017 at 00:11, STARS: 1
The 35mm 1.8 is by far just the most universally useful prime lense you can get for DX cameras considering it’s price. I’ve been only running it on my D5200 for 2 years now and it really works in making you learn how to adjust yourself for the photo you want rather than zooming in or out. Like head gasket said though, after getting the 35 you should probably consider weather you really want to stay in the realm of the crop sensor, because full frames or mirrorless cameras really can have their appeal.
"CB" (jrcb)
09/25/2017 at 00:12, STARS: 0
Yeah, renting a lens sounds like a good plan of attack. Lens pricing is absurd, and it’s hard to find one that works without ponying up a lot of cash.
"horizonsofkhaos" (horizonsofkhaos)
09/25/2017 at 01:35, STARS: 0
I rented a 24-70mm once about 5 years ago and liked it but was disappointed with my photos still because the venue I was shooting just had terrible lighting. At the time I didn’t shoot RAW so editing didn’t help save them as much.
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
09/25/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 0
Ahhh yeah that’s true especially since it’s sharpest at 28mm (duh) through about 50mm and serviceable up to 70mm at 2.8 (step up to 4.0 and it’s razor sharp at all zooms). I really miss my old setup but unfortunately I sold it for a barebones body and 50mm prime.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
09/25/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 1
If you like big bulky older wide zoom lenses originally designed for 35mm film, check out the Tokina 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 and Tamron 20-40mm f/2.7-3.5. There was also a later plasticky version of the Tokina which became the 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5 but most folks say that optically it’s similar to the beefy metal 20-35.
If you’re on a crop sensor though, I dunno if they’re the best option, unless you really want that fast aperture of the Tamron. Might be better to pore over the test results of some of the cheaper crop format zooms that start in the 16-18mm range and are more manageable sizes.
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
09/25/2017 at 12:22, STARS: 0
I love older tokinas and this was the nice heavy metal one that had the sharpest optics but it’s been replaced by a plasticky version
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
09/25/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 1
I was definitely on the old lens bandwagon when I had Pentax SLRs.
Since I switched to m43 I haven’t really messed with old lenses because of the 2x crop factor, and because there are good, cheap m43 native primes. I do the vast majority of my shooting with the Panasonic 14/2.5 and 25/1.7, both of which were very affordable. My other lens is the surprisingly good cheapie plastic Olympus 40-150/4-5.6.
My dad also hopped on the m43 bandwagon after me, and he has the Panasonic Leica 12-60/2.8-4 and 100-400/4-6.3, neither of which is even remotely affordable, but he’s rich.
"ethan drives dumb cars" (helloroad)
09/25/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 1
Very nice! I’m a fan of Sigma lenses, will have to check this one out. I bought my wife the 150-500mm zoom for her nature photography. Takes some great pictures.