 Cheryl Flood |
Nikon Nikkor 24-85 mm f/2.8 - 4.0 D IF Lens ???? Hello, this is my first post here. I've enjoyed reading so many of the posts and learning quite a bit! I'm wanting to take my photography to a serious hobbyist level(or beyond) and am starting from a level far below that. :-) I'm planning on purchasing a Nikon D70s body at a local camera store - it's more camera than I need presently, but I also don't want to outgrow it as I learn more about photography in the coming year(s). I currently am using a film SLR and know basics (VERY basic) on some manual settings. I own a point and shoot digital, so the new camera is going to be quite a change for me. I'm also wanting to purchase the Nikon zoom wide angle telephoto AF zoom 24-85 mm f/2.8-4.0 D IF online at B&H since the cost savings is over $100 (over purchasing at the local store. Unfortunately B&H is out of stock on the camera body, and my son is graduating from preschool next week and I need to purchase now, lol!). I tend to shoot photos of my kids/family events the most and want to be able to do so indoors (as well as outdoors in all kinds of light) preferably without flash. I won't be able to add additional glass for quite some time, as it's taken me over a year to save the money for this purchase....with barely enough left over to take a course here on using my new camera (step 1 - learn to use the camera, lol). So here's my actual question: For the money on this lens, am I making a wise purchase or is there a comparable quality lens with similar qualities that I should consider in this price range (or lower)? I really can't afford more than $500 on a lens at this point. Thanks so much for your consideration!
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Jon Close |
Nice as the 24-85 Nikon lens is, it is not a good match as your only lens on the D70s. The D70s has a digital sensor that is smaller than the 35mm film frame - so requires shorter focal length lenses to give the same angle of view you are used to with 35mm. The 24-85 on the D70s would not give sufficiently wide angle range. It would be equivalent to a 42-128 zoom on 35mm film camera. I'd recommend instead the very nice Nikon 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G AF-S DX. An 18-70 lens on the D70s gives the same angles of view as a 27-105mm zoom on a 35mm film camera. The $200 savings over the 24-85 can be used for a nice accessory flash for the D70s, like the SB-600. Alternatively, if you prefer the wider maximum aperture, there are the very good Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di II and Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX DC for less than $500 (Nikon's own 17-55 f/2.8G DX is about $1100).
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Kerry L. Walker |
Well, this is not the answer you are looking for but I will give you my advice. (Of course, free advice is usually worth what you paid for it. LOL) Slow down a bit. Don't be in such a hurry to get the new camera that you overpay for it. Wait until B&H has it in stock and then buy it.
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Cheryl Flood |
Thank you both for your response. The real reason I'm in a hurry is that I've been saving and dreaming of this purchase for over a year. It'd be nice to try it out at the graduation, but of course I did plan on bringing a backup camera. I wasn't taking any chances! :-) I have found several lenses that have my interest - posted a separate question on them, but did want to thank you for so promptly replying this morning!! Onward in my quest for the "perfect" lens......
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy Cheryl. Personally, I don't think there's such a thing as the perfect lens any more than there's a perfect photographer. Well....there are exceptions to that last part, but I digress. To paraphrase Albert Einstein; Great photographers often encounter violent opposition from new equipment used initially at significant events. So, as Kerry so abtly pointed out, DON'T use a new camera to photograph an important deal, and wait to get your new one from B&H. If you notify them to let you know when it's in stock, they'll tell you or back order it for you. Save the dough you save by purchasing at B&H, apply it to a new lens (or even a good clean used one), and take the time to get to know your new stuff and develop an intimate relationship with it (hopefully without making your older camera jealous.) ;>) Mark
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Cheryl Flood |
Thanks Mark. You'll be happy to hear that I decided to buy a new battery for the ole film SLR (I had just recently loaded some professional grade film into it, only to come back later and find the battery dead.) It'll will be accompanying me to my son's preschool graduation. I know the camera and am not taking any chances! As for waiting on B&H.....man, that camera body is pretty much sold out EVERYWHERE! By the time I paid the s/h, I wasn't saving all that much by waiting (maybe $40) - not enough for me to justify waiting indefinitely to get the camera body! So I did buy the camera body at the local store and have been perusing the manual while the camera stays in the box. lol! But, after much research and deliberation, I opted to order a Nikon 50mm f/1.8D and a Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 (along with a compactflash card.) I got it from 17th Street Photo, which had decent reviews and competitive prices; delivery is scheduled for tomorrow. Even though it may all be here in time for the graduation, I've already decided to use the old camera. I am much anticipating putting the whole thing together and practicing. The grandparents are coming into town for the "big graduation", so maybe I'll use them as target practice, lol. Thanks all for you input!
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