 BetterPhoto Member |
What Lens Do I Need 2 - Nikon D50 Hi there, I owned a Nikon D50 with lens kit of AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5~5.6G ED lens that comes with the package. Now, if I would like to do zooming shootings as well as macro shooting, what additional lens (model and lens name) I need to fully utilize together with the said lens above in minimum cost? Thanks David
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robert G. Fately |
David, this question is very open ended, like me asking "I want to drive to work, what kind of car should I get?" WIthout knowing how far I love from my work, what kind of money I can spend, and a plethora of other details, noboday can answer that question (at least seriously). What's your budget? Telephoto zoom lenses range from $120 to $6000+. What kind of shooting do you think you'll do? Sports? (what sports? Indoor? Outdoor?) Nature? You need to ask a more cogent question to give folks a sense of direction.
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BetterPhoto Member |
Hi Bob, Thanks for pointing out. My budget preference would be always the cheapest. My requirements for zoom lens would be some distance where I can shoot a bird on top of a tree 10-20 metres away when I am inside a zoo.
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robert G. Fately |
Well, you'll need a pretty long lens to handle bird shots from 50 feet away. To get an idea of how long, think in terms of binoculars, and multiply that magnification factor by 35 to get the necessary focal length of the lens. If you think, for example, that 10X50 binoculars would be just ducky for bird viewing (sorry, had to say that), then you should plan on getting a lens of about 350MM focal length (probably 400MM), as this provides about a 10X magnification. Once you figure that out, there's the question of lens speed. Faster is more expensive, but slower lenses mean that, in order to get a proper exposure (all else being equal), you'll have to either use a higher ISO setting or a lower shutter speed. The former leads to more image noise, the latter, motion blur (both the subject's motion as well as any movement you make holding the thing). So a tripod would probably be a good idea, too. Now you can see why those birding shooters tote around 5-10 pounds of glass and call it a lens. FOr macro, you could try a much less expensive alternative - getting a clos-up filter. Attaching this to the front of the lens allows for close-focusing with no light loss.
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Pete H |
Hello David; I won't go into lens selections, but you may want to do a search for "Ken Rockwell." He has tested many lenses and has some great recommendations. I feel a need to comment on your comment about going "cheap." Old adage that applies to many things, so I will insert the appropriate words.. "Good lenses aren't cheap, cheap lenses aren't good."
Pete
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Peter K. Burian |
David: Well, since your budget is tight and you don't want a massive super-long telephoto, check out this zoom: High-Power Zoom Lenses At www.bhphotovideo.com The ED version is better at wide apertures, but the other one is surprisingly good as well. Regards, Peter Burian, Instructor,
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Imran Ashraf |
Hi David, I have purchased D50 recently and now im also working to buy new lens, I found 2 lens kit on ebay which is: Nikon AF mount 2 zoom autofocus lens set I guess this is the best options but I have question that is, If any expert is reading this, kidnly tell if u reccomend these lenes or not as if they are cheap and might be giving bad result. thanks
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Peter K. Burian |
Imran: That would be a good price for two lenses. The 28-70mm Sigma is very good. The 70-300 may be fine; depends on exactly which model it is and how old it is. Also the condition. Your question about lenses is very broad. You can find my older lens article at www.photo.ninemsn.com.au/article.phpx?id=20564 My more recent article about Digitally Optimized Lenses is at http://shutterbug.com/features/0305digitally/ Regards, Peter Burian, Instructor,
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