What lens?

Longimanus · 31 Mar 2012

I want to invest in a couple of lens for my new d7000.

I have the following which are specifically for underwater, Tokina 10-17 fisheye and want to invest in a 60mm macro (not sure whether to get the aps version or the older ap one?)

So I am asking what lens to get for above water really? I want a lens that I can use to photograph my children who are 3 and under and another for some wildlife shots.

What do people recommend?

Wookee · 31 Mar 2012

What's your budget?

Longimanus · 31 Mar 2012

Probably looking at about £500 for the 2, I will eventually get a wide angle as well

Mountaineye · 31 Mar 2012

Nikon 60mm F2.8 AFS will do your macro nicely and also make decent portait lens for the kids. Maybe a 55-300mm for a good starter wildlife lens?

Longimanus · 31 Mar 2012

Thanks mike, any specific make for the 55-300?

Mountaineye · 31 Mar 2012

The Nikon 55-300mm (here on Amazin') is a steal. Also plenty on Ebay. Results way beyond the price point.

allanm · 31 Mar 2012

The 60mm macro may be a bit short for macro work. The shorter the focal length, the closer you have to physically get, which could scare some bugs away.
I would recommend either a Tamron SP90 or a Nikon 105mm macro lens. Both are really good and the Tamron will be especially good for portraits. Its commonly known as "The portrait macro" lens, which should give you a clue how good it is.

A couple of other good wildlife lenses apart from the one Mike mentioned are Tamrons 70-300 VC and Nikons 70-300 VR. Around £300 or so for a good used version. They are both very highly thought of.

So, for around £500, you could get a Tamron SP90 and a Nikon 70-300 VR if you take some time looking around the used camera shops.

Allan

Longimanus · 31 Mar 2012

Allan, thanks for the other options, the 60mm macro is a given as its used underwater a great deal!

Mountaineye · 31 Mar 2012

Agree with Allan about considering the 70-300mm VR. It is much more robust lens and probably slightly better at the long end. However the price paid is size/weight/cost. Well worth trying to compare if you can. I use the 18-55 and 55-200 on my holiday DX setup. At the prices of those lenses s/h they are almost disposable in the event of damage.

Longimanus · 8 Apr 2012

I have been recommended a sigma 17-70 mm lens and wondered what people thought about this?

I had a sigma for another camera in the past and thought that it was pretty good, so I am quite tempted!