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Nikon Lens Recommendation

Discussion in 'Creative Arts' started by 4REphotographer, Nov 22, 2011.

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  1. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #1 4REphotographer, Nov 22, 2011
    I switched from Canon to Nikon last year and have so far had 0 qualms about it and for the first time I'm starting to regret it over one single lens. Right now I have a D7000 and the kit 18-105mm, which I'm perfectly happy with, I wanted a single lens and camera that could do almost everything and I very rarely ever want something past 105mm.

    That said, I had a Canon 100mm f2, it cost me $325 and it was by far the best lens I've ever had. Very cheap, incredibly sharp and perfect for automotive photography. Nikon has nothing even close, 85mm just doesn't feel right although it should since I was using a full frame Canon with the 100. Is there a lens I'm overlooking, I can't find anything in that range for <$1k? I can deal with the 18-105mm at that length and the sharpness is good enough, but I really miss that f2.
     
  2. ylshih

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    #2 ylshih, Nov 22, 2011
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  3. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

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    #3 Far Out, Nov 23, 2011
    If you're going really cheap, look for the Samyang 85mm 1.4 (also sold as Rokinon and other bradns). Optical quality is fantastic for the price.
     
  4. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

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    #4 Crawler, Nov 23, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 23, 2011
    The 85 wouldn't necessarily "feel right" as it's roughly a 125 full-frame equivalent, considerably longer than your old Canon 100. It seems that what you're really looking for is a 70mm lens.

    Sigma has a 70mm f/2.8 that's been quite highly rated. It sells for around 500 bucks. As a bonus, it has very good macro capability. Granted it's not f/2, but 2.8 should work well for you, and is a lot better than your kit lens' 3.5-5.6.

    http://www.photodo.com/topic_213.html

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/444462-USA/Sigma_270306_70mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html
     
  5. rlips

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    #5 rlips, Nov 23, 2011
  6. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #6 4REphotographer, Nov 23, 2011
    The weird part is that when I had 85mm on a crop it seemed so much shorter than the 100mm on FF, that combination was just perfect and I'm not sure how to match it on crop. That said, I think I will have to go with the 85mm, at least to try it.


    I saw that one and want one, but it's 4x what I want to spend.
     
  7. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

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    #7 Crawler, Nov 23, 2011
    Weird yes, also physically impossible. You have me confused.
     
  8. blackwood

    blackwood Formula 3

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    #8 blackwood, Nov 23, 2011
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    To me, both seem rather long for still car photos, and rather short for motorsports. But if it was working for you, I hope you find what you're looking for.

    The math is simple. Assuming you are standing the same distance from your subject and want to fill the frame the same way, Dino's suggestion for a 70mm lens is accurate (70*36/23.6=105, which is close to your 100).

    Also note that for the same framing, you'll have a wider depth of field with your D7000 (since you don't have to get as close to the subjects as with a larger frame).
     
  9. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

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    #9 Crawler, Nov 23, 2011
    4RE, are you 100% sure that your Canon had a full-frame sensor?
     
  10. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #10 4REphotographer, Nov 23, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    The math obviously works out, but for some reason it just didn't seem right.

    Positive, 5D.

    Well I'm going to give the 85mm another try, just got one for $315 shipped, if I don't like I can resell and probably make money off it.

    This is what I loved about the 100mm.
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  11. rlips

    rlips Formula Junior

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    #11 rlips, Nov 23, 2011

    True, sort of. That lens will probably hold it's value or go up over time. Look on ebay, the prices for used ones are the same as new. More than likely, you would buy it, then, if you need to free up cash or are not using it, sell it easily.

    I did that with the 24-70 F2.8, I owned it for 2 years for a net cost of about $35.00. Not bad, considering the banks are paying .25%.
     
  12. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #12 4REphotographer, Nov 23, 2011
    True, but I wouldn't use it enough to justify the $$$, even if I'm guaranteed to get it back at a later date.
     
  13. msdesignltd

    msdesignltd Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #13 msdesignltd, Nov 23, 2011
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    Love My Nikkor 105 2.8
    Ideal for automotive...stand back and fire..

    Except for Nikons 85 and 50 1.4 autos..The 105 has Highest rating.
    Matches the 70 - 200 2.8...98% approval

    and thens theres light room
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  14. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #14 4REphotographer, Nov 23, 2011
    It's just too much for my uses, I got the 85mm for 1/3 of that.
     
  15. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

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    #15 Crawler, Nov 25, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 25, 2011
    Is yours the 105 Micro VR or the older 'D' lens?
     
  16. Sandy Eggo

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    #16 Sandy Eggo, Nov 25, 2011
    I picked up the 85mm 1.8D used for $300 about a week ago and have it mated up with my D7000. So far, I loooooooove it.

    Granted, I'm doing a slightly different kind of automotive photography - closer to portraits actually - but I still can get mind blowing images of just the car. I'll post a couple samples when I get back to my laptop.

    Good luck with your choice.
     
  17. Sandy Eggo

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    #17 Sandy Eggo, Nov 25, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I think I've fired off close to 1,500 frames with the Nikkor 85mm 1.8D - it took some getting used to for sure (was previously using Nikkor 18-200 3.5-5.6) but now I'm just in love. I would suggest trying the new lens for a week or two (hide the old one) and see if you warm up to it.

    Here are a couple sample shots...basically un-retouched (Ok, I confess, I took care of a few blemishes on Chrissy's face).
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  18. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #18 4REphotographer, Nov 25, 2011
    Very nice, it got shipped out this morning and I'll have it on Monday. I'll be interested in how it performs and if I could replicate some of my previous shots.

    On another topic, how is the 18-200? I've been thinking of replacing my 18-105 with it, but I worry about lenses that have that large of a range.
     
  19. Sandy Eggo

    Sandy Eggo F1 Rookie
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    #19 Sandy Eggo, Nov 25, 2011
    The 18-200 is a wonderfully versatile lens; I didn't shoot with anything else on my D40. The Nikkor version gives you spectacular images but it's spendy - I recall paying ~$900 for it new. I switched to the 85mm prime lens due to the "fit" with the nature of my shots and the desire for really 'fast glass' and amazing bokeh.

    If you haven't already, read up on Ken Rockwell's review of the lens. He always does a nice job.
     
  20. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #20 4REphotographer, Nov 25, 2011
    How the sharpness of it at both ends? I always read Rockwell's reviews of lenses because of the technically depth he goes to, but I take all of his opinions with a large grain of salt.
     
  21. Sandy Eggo

    Sandy Eggo F1 Rookie
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    #21 Sandy Eggo, Nov 26, 2011
    I'll be honest, I'm not really so much into the specs, facts and figures, etc. I don't even know quite how to answer your question. What I do know though is "what I like" and I can say that I was never disappointed with the results from my 18-200 Nikkor.

    That said, I am in awe of what the 85mm prime lens has done for my images. When I get it right, the subject leaps out the frame. Apples to coconuts comparison though...since they are different tools meant for different jobs.
     
  22. tazz99

    tazz99 F1 Rookie
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    #22 tazz99, Nov 27, 2011
    +1 regarding Ken Rockwell. Good reviews and lots of tips. He has kept me from spending money unnecessarily on over hyped stuff.

    As for me I use 18-200 VR exclusivly.
     
  23. blackwood

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    #23 blackwood, Nov 28, 2011
    He (KR) is a bit of a blowhard, though.
     
  24. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #24 4REphotographer, Nov 28, 2011
    Just got the 85mm, my kitchen at night is hardly an ideal testing environment so I'll play around with it tomorrow.
     
  25. Sandy Eggo

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    #25 Sandy Eggo, Nov 30, 2011
    How do you like the lens so far, Chris?
     
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