Lens dilemma

ifocusifocus Registered Users Posts: 161 Major grins
edited March 10, 2008 in Cameras
I need a medium range fast telezoom to shoot a wedding. Of course, budget for new lens is limited so here is the situation; I already got a nikkor 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR which I love very much but I do not think suitable to shoot low light despite the VR. Am I right to think this?

If yes, here are some options I am thinking about;

1. Keep the nikkor 70-300mm and get a Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8

2. Sell it, and get a nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 or a sigma 70-200mm f/2.8.

Any other options? What would you do?

JY

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited March 8, 2008
    ifocus wrote:
    ...

    2. ... get a nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 or a sigma 70-200mm f/2.8.

    Any other options? What would you do?

    JY

    I suggest that the Nikkor 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR is still valuable for other purposes, so you might want to hold onto it.

    I note that you list the Nikon D80 as your camera. With a D80 I really think you should also like to have something a bit wider for the ceremony and some of the formals. I suggest the Tamron SP 17-50mm, f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) as a nice general purpose standard zoom, or the Tamron SP 28-75mm, f/2.8 XR Di LD-IF if you don't need quite as wide.

    Is this wedding a paying or personal project?
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ifocusifocus Registered Users Posts: 161 Major grins
    edited March 8, 2008
    ziggy53 wrote:
    I suggest that the Nikkor 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR is still valuable for other purposes, so you might want to hold onto it.

    I note that you list the Nikon D80 as your camera. With a D80 I really think you should also like to have something a bit wider for the ceremony and some of the formals. I suggest the Tamron SP 17-50mm, f/2.8 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF) as a nice general purpose standard zoom, or the Tamron SP 28-75mm, f/2.8 XR Di LD-IF if you don't need quite as wide.

    Is this wedding a paying or personal project?

    The wedding is a personal project in order to learn. I already got a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 and a nikkor 50mm f/1.8. So, I really need something a little longer and I realize the limitation of the 70-300mm in low light.
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited March 8, 2008
    If you like the siggy 18-50..then you might want to cinsider the siggy 70-200 f2.8......this has been a fantastic lens for me....there is even a macro model now....so check ebay and other such places for used in the nikon mount.
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  • Tee WhyTee Why Registered Users Posts: 2,390 Major grins
    edited March 10, 2008
    I think a Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 II maybe a good idea.
    If you can spend more and/or need more reach, then a Tamron 70-200, Sigma 70-200, Nikon 80-200mm are all available wtih f2.8. Of course there is the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR, but it's expensive.

    If budget is a concern, then I'd probably go for the Sigma 50-150mm. Tokina also has a 50-135, but it's more expensive and near the price of 70-200 f2.8 zoom lenses.

    Also have you considered any fast primes? I know Canon has a 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm which are faster than f2.8. I would guess Nikon has their versions as well. I like primes more b/c they are cheaper, lighter, and faster. Often with better optics. Of course if you can't really foot zoom in weddings, then a zoom may be more practical.
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