Anyone feel abit limited with Nikon's glass selection?

FreeloaderJoe

FreeloaderJoe

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Currently tossing up between a switch to canon or keeping my nikon stuff (i lost most of my camera gear recently...so have the chance to maybe switch).

Anyway...looking at the Nikon glass range and there isn't a single lens with a standard zoom range for the DX or FX which is reasonably fast (lets say f2.8) for under a grand!

The jump from their entry level kit lens to their nice glass is huge! The entry level stuff stops at about £300 and the pro stuff starts at around a £1000

What is the lens of choice for everyday walk about stuff for the enthusiast with his D300?
 
I use a 24-70mm f/2.8 Sigma or my 50mm f/1.8 as a walk about lens.

If you want fast stuff (i.e. f/2.8) you have the same issue with Canon as you do with Nikonn, it's just they also do a series of f/4 stuff in the middle of their cheap and expensive gear.
 
I use my 18-200mm for everyday walkaround stuff, light and works a treat, also covers a huge range and has VR

No good/fast lens is ever going to be cheap, not with our messed up pound the way it is too
 
Foggy said:
I use a 24-70mm f/2.8 Sigma or my 50mm f/1.8 as a walk about lens.

If you want fast stuff (i.e. f/2.8) you have the same issue with Canon as you do with Nikonn, it's just they also do a series of f/4 stuff in the middle of their cheap and expensive gear.
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Not quite true Foggy. 24mm f2, 50mm f1.8 and f1.4 and 85mm f1.8 are all utter bargains in the Canon range. Yes they do have mega expensive options at f1.2 and f1.4 but these lenses are one reason I've stuck with Canon. Superb for the money with the 85mm f1.8 being the best non L lens I think they ever made and at £300 is a real no brainer for me. :) I LOVE mine. :)
 
It is a problem with Nikon, that there is very little that fills the gap between 'amateur' and 'pro' lenses [dont jump on me, just generic terms], although some of the lower end stuff is still very good indeed, if not as quick. For that reason I went down the Sigma route so I could have faster glass at better value. Chose carefully, do your resarch and test it when you receive to make sure you have got a good copy [as opposed to a friday lens] and there are options there in that mid-range bracket. I do plan over time and as finances will allow to replace it with Nikon glass, specifically the 24-70 and the 70-200, but only as and when I really can afford to make that investment. I think for someone planning to be a full time tog, then Nikon glass is the way to go, but for the keen amateur there are other options available from Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc - its just a matter of doing your homework and finding the kit that suits your pocket and your needs.
Having said that, it is probably cheaper to go with Canon if you are determined to be brand junkie :p ;)
 
there is a limit to any range and Nikon can be said to have this fault.
However, that's party what third party lenses are for.
I can't afford the 70-200 2.8 ,or the f4...so I had to look at a sigma alternative.
it depends upon what you find most appealing..the glass or the camera body..??
 
FreeloaderJoe said:
Currently tossing up between a switch to canon or keeping my nikon stuff (i lost most of my camera gear recently...so have the chance to maybe switch).

Anyway...looking at the Nikon glass range and there isn't a single lens with a standard zoom range for the DX or FX which is reasonably fast (lets say f2.8) for under a grand!

The jump from their entry level kit lens to their nice glass is huge! The entry level stuff stops at about £300 and the pro stuff starts at around a £1000

What is the lens of choice for everyday walk about stuff for the enthusiast with his D300?
Click to expand...

I would suggest looking at the used market, for a constant f2.8 mid range zoom there is the 35-70 f2.8D for £300.
 
AliB said:
Not quite true Foggy. 24mm f2, 50mm f1.8 and f1.4 and 85mm f1.8 are all utter bargains in the Canon range. Yes they do have mega expensive options at f1.2 and f1.4 but these lenses are one reason I've stuck with Canon. Superb for the money with the 85mm f1.8 being the best non L lens I think they ever made and at £300 is a real no brainer for me. :) I LOVE mine. :)
Click to expand...

You have the 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8 with Nikon too, as well as the 35mm f/2 (or even the 35mm f/1.8 if you are DX). My 50mm f/1.8 is one of my most used lenses.

In fact, the only lenses I really feel that Nikon are missing are the f/1.2 that the Canon's have. If I had the money I would buy a 5dMkII and superglue an 85mm f/1.2 onto it.
 
Foggy said:
If I had the money I would buy a 5dMkII and superglue an 85mm f/1.2 onto it.
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lol, you and me both!

Perhaps Canon should launch it as a fixed, sealed unit (no cleaning) and paint it a snazzy colour and call it a limited edition. Black and grey zebra stripes or something...:thinking:
 
I find it a pain with the lack of choice....unless you can afford it. My two lenses of choice were the Nikon 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8, probably looking £2500 for both!!

I have had to settle for a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and the Nikon 55-200 VR.....until I can afford otherwise. I have spent on these two lenses £480, would I really see a £2000 difference if I bought the Nikon Pro lenses ?......I doubt it. It does make you wonder if a change to Canon is more economical!
 
HCK said:
My two lenses of choice were the Nikon 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8, probably looking £2500 for both!!
Click to expand...

...and if the equivalent Canon offerings were your lenses of choice you'd be looking at roughly the same outlay.
 
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