Lens for Nikon D50

va-amateurva-amateur Registered Users Posts: 1 Beginner grinner
edited May 23, 2006 in Cameras
I have decided to get a Nikon D50 and need to decide on lenses. Most of my shooting will be standard family shots -- holidays, visits to relatives, etc. Also I take pictures of my son playing soccer and swimming, though I have no delusions about my ability there (out of about 300 shots I have maybe two good ones). But what I really like to take pictures of is the outdoors -- mountains, waterfalls, buildings, streams, etc.

The two lens kit (18-55 and 55-200) looks interesting, but I hear there is a good Nikon 70-300 for about $150. Also maybe I should go with a single 28-200 that goes for $300-$350. I don't want to spend a lot of time switching lenses around (I can hear my wife now, "And you said this new camera would be BETTER?")

Comments

  • MrBook2MrBook2 Registered Users Posts: 211 Major grins
    edited May 23, 2006
    All around lens for Nikon
    I hate to give you this advice (since your spouse *really* won't like this price tag) but I suggest the Nikon 18-200 VR DX lens. I just got one myself (after a long backorder but just in time for a vacation I just got back from) and it is fantastic. It is a great all purpose lens and gives you those extra couple of stops with the VR. The bad news is that it is about $750. The worse news is that it is backordered most places. But I think it is worth every penny.

    --Aaron
    http://mrbook2.smugmug.com
    Nikon D200, usually with 18-200VR or 50mm f/1.8D
    Ubuntu 9.04, Bibblepro, GIMP, Argyllcms
    Blog at http://losthighlights.blogspot.com/
  • Cliff PhotoCliff Photo Registered Users Posts: 128 Major grins
    edited May 23, 2006
    For the type of shooting you'll be doing, look into a Nikon 24-120 VR. At least half the price of the 18-200 VR if the cost is a concern. You'll be giving up some focal length and a bit of sharpness for the difference in price though. A good all around lens nevertheless and better IMHO than the other lenses you've metioned thus far.

    Cliff


    Nikon shooter: D200, Tokina 12-24, 17-55 2.8, 70-200 VR 2.8, 50 1.4 :click
  • greenpeagreenpea Registered Users Posts: 880 Major grins
    edited May 23, 2006
    When taking family pictures, I like to get more candid shots, so I try not to use a flash. Because of this my favorite lens for family shots (and outdoors) is the Nikon 24mm 2.8. Although it doesn't give you the flexibility of a zoom lens, it’s fast enough for you to be able to take most of those family shots, indoors, hand held without a flash.
    Andrew
    initialphotography.smugmug.com

    "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 23, 2006
    A great lens for indoor shots and family shots is the 50mm 1.8. The best bargain in Nikon's line at under $100.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Sign In or Register to comment.