Which lens should I buy?

rgphoto

So I'm treating myself to a new lens as a 'going back to school' present. Which lens should I buy to go with my d700?

I've been looking at the Sigma 50mm f/1.4, but I'm open to suggestions.

rgphoto

richy wrote: »

What do you like shooting? Sigma have the 85 1.4 out \ coming out so I guess thats another option! Your budget will be a large factor in it, you dont have any fast zooms in your sig, but a prime is always a nice thing to play with.

I love my fifty, I shot an entire holiday on one when my zoom died and really enjoyed the experience, but many people dont like the focal length, prefering 35 \ 42mm or a longer lens like an 85. The great thing with the Nikons is the availability of masses of manual focus lenses for cheaps so your present could be a brace or more of fast manual primes. The d700 from what I remember has a great viewfinder so manual focus would be easy for static subjects Good luck!

I shoot a verrrry wide variety of things. I was actually hopping back and forth between the sigma 50 and the sigma 85...funny you should suggest that one.

rgphoto

Yeah I've been considering a macro as well haha. I guess I really do have a list of lenses. I think I may go into the local camera store and try out a few and make my decision from there.

Icebear

Well, I'd get something to replace your 18-70 since it's a DX lens and wastes your D700. Seems like an obvious place to start.

rgphoto

Icebear wrote: »

Well, I'd get something to replace your 18-70 since it's a DX lens and wastes your D700. Seems like an obvious place to start.

Yeah that's on the list too haha. I'm beginning to realize just how big my glass wish list is. I think the 18-70 came with my d70 back in the day. I'm really leaning towards the sigma 50mm 1.4. Even though it's fixed, I think it can just about replace the 18-70.

catspaw

I'd go for the 85mm on your FF D700 body. It feels like a 50 on a crop frame.

Icebear

Everybody needs a good walkaround lens. The Nikkor AF 24-85mm f/2.8-4 D IF would be a fine replacement for your 18-70. It's a really good value, even if not up to the standard of the 24-70. Costs a hell of a lot less, with a bit larger range.

borrowlenses.com

You can always rent and see what you like. Are you looking for just one lens?

Art Scott

Ditch the 18-70 and the PROMASTER Macro.....the 18-70 because it is a crop lens and the Promaster because it is junk.....I have not seen anything with the promaster name
that had any quality to it.......then I would opt for one of 2 zooms......a 24-70 or a 70-200............Sigma makes both in a macro model and they are both great lenses........

rgphoto

Art Scott wrote: »

Ditch the 18-70 and the PROMASTER Macro.....the 18-70 because it is a crop lens and the Promaster because it is junk.....I have not seen anything with the promaster name
that had any quality to it.......then I would opt for one of 2 zooms......a 24-70 or a 70-200............Sigma makes both in a macro model and they are both great lenses........

Hahaha agreed. The 18-70 was a carry over from my d70, and the PROMASTER was an xmas present from mom (who knows NOTHING about cameras) and I couldn't tell her it was crap.

The 70-300 lens I have is a half decent lens. I would really like to get that 85mm sigma lens, but $500 is my budget right now. I think the 50mm is a pretty good 'walk around' lens.