New lens for D90

Cocohoney

Cocohoney

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178
Name
Alexandra
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Hi,
I have a D90, a 35mm 1.8 prime and two kit lenses (that came with my D60), an 18-55 and a 55-200

I would like a new lens I think (who wouldn't:D), I don't have that much to spend, but I am thinking I should sell the kit lenses and the D60 and put that towards it too. Then I could manage around £500-£600.

Mostly I take pictures of my and friends' children. I am finding that when I take outdoor pictures- say a group at a bit of a distance, I am not getting the clarity I would like.

I am not sure if this is operator error, the focus is in the right place iyswim, but the whole picture is just a bit grainy or hazy. I wondered if I was overexposing, so I stopped it down a bit but I still get the same problem.Am I missing something?

I don't have this problem with close up shots, they are nice and sharp generally (especially with the prime), but even a group/distance shot with that lens is not how I would like it to be.

I am hoping that it is more that I am noticing or expecting more now that I have been using a DSLR for a little while, and that a new lens is the way to go.

So my next question is what do I go for? I was thinking perhaps a 24-70 or a 24-85? The camera shop said I shouldn't bother with Sigma and should only go for Nikon- is that the opinion here too?

I want something that will be good for taking photos of children/groups on walks and in low light without flash if possible <asks for too much>

Any suggestions?
 
Sell the D60 and kit lenses. With £600 to play with I would look at something like a Tamron 28-75 2.8 which I used to have and is around £200 second hand. No, its not as good as a Nikon 24-70 but is 1/4 to 1/5 of the price and is almost as good. I dont shoot wide and always prefer longer hence why I suggest this not the 17-50. You could look at a 28-70 Nikon, but that may be £700 or so.

I would also look at a 70-300VR which is a good zoom at just under £300 and the 85mm 1.8 could be useful too, although at £200 that puts those 3 up to £700. Maybe you dont need the 70-300?
 
I would say stay away from the purchases at the moment and confirm your technique is OK. Would be a shame to spend all that money and not see an improvment!

Which lens specifically are you having the problems with?
 
What can I do to check my technique? The problem is particularly with the 18-55.

I have taken tripod pictures and noticed the same thing, so I don't think it is camera shake- what other things should I be looking at or changing do you think?
 
Cambsno I wondered about a longer prime. I don't really need a long zoom I think. I will look at the Tamron, are Tamron/Sigma similar in quality then?

Even if it is my technique, I can work on that so I am going to sell the D60 and kit lenses anyway.
 
I only use my 70-200 for the odd airshow, odd trips with the kids (say beach) sort of thing so in many ways could do without it. 85mm is ideal for trips to park, out and about but too close for indoor, where I use my 50mm or 24-70.

If you get a good Sigma they are very good, but the Tamrons are pretty good and I think more consistent.
 
I would try and take a few shots at 55mm with the 18-55 and 55mm with the 55-200mm.. Also check your ISO to make sure that its at 200, maybe set up on a tripod to eliminate user error..
 
Hi, sorry I forgot to check back!
Thanks I am happy with the 35mm prime really, it was more the other two.
My ISO is definitely at 200 and I have tried a tripod with the same results. I think maybe I am expecting too much when I zoom in on the picture and also wonder if the resolution of my computer screen (which isn't that fab) is affecting my view of it.
Having played with some of the pictures a bit I am a bit more sure I am overexposing slightly as when I increase the blacks and sharpen a little it improves the look of it.
What am I looking for when I take a shot with each at 55m?
Thanks Cambsno, I like the look of that Tamron, I might look for a second hand one of those anyway.
 
Can you post example picture and point what exactly are you talking about?
 
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