Calling All NAS Enablers, Need Help - Update: Decision Made

[WDWFigment]

Here is a Tokina 11-16 that would be $549.50 after bing.com cashback. Not too bad, and you could definitely resell for more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110423229894&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

 

[fitzperry]

Not to confuse matters further, but have you considered the Tokina 12-24? It's f/4 instead of 2.8, but a more versatile range (IMO) than the 11-16 and cheaper to boot. $399 at B & H right now (unless you need the newer version with the focus motor in the lens--I can't remember which camera body you have), and I think you could use that bing cashback thingie to save a few more $$. Haven't used mine at Disney yet, but I would think it would be a fun lens to have there.

Also, you mentioned the 80-200 2.8--I almost had one for $350 on Craigslist last weekend. I traded voicemails with the seller trying to arrange a time to meet, and evidently someone else just jumped in and said they'd take it.

 

[annnewjerz]

I thought you wanted the 105mm for macro until I read that you already have the 60mm. My take is that manual exposure on macro stuff might not be so bad as you have time to be more deliberate and you're manually focusing anyway, but used as a medium tele, that just sounds like an exercise in frustration.

If you already have the 60mm for macro I would have to agree with Code and say skip the 105mm. The smooth manual focus is the ticket for macro stuff but not all that great for everything else unless you are just in to that kind of stuff. And as for the AF macro's in the 105-150 range I mentioned they all focus hunt like crazy and are even more frustrating to use as a medium tele.

I triple agree... if you don't get the 105 for macro, I'd totally skip it. If you want a fast prime lens that has beautiful bokeh and is just freaking awesome, buy the 135mm f2. That lens is awesome... however it's old. And I've heard rumors that Nikon is releasing a newer version of the lens (BTW - If I could get myself to ever put down the 70-200, the 135 would be a close second. ).

D'oh! Triple agreements that I shouldn't get it.

Susan, the 135 f/2 looks . I saw some used on KEH (I don't think I would buy one new for over $1,000) and it's something to consider---just not something to consider right now, since at this moment $700 is going towards my mortgage payment rather than a new lens. Unfortunate, I know.

Here is a Tokina 11-16 that would be $549.50 after bing.com cashback. Not too bad, and you could definitely resell for more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110423229894&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

Ooooooh. Thank you for the link. I didn't even know what bing.com cashback was---but that's the best price I've seen recently. I was on Amazon the other day and it was $650 and up.

Not to confuse matters further, but have you considered the Tokina 12-24? It's f/4 instead of 2.8, but a more versatile range (IMO) than the 11-16 and cheaper to boot. $399 at B & H right now (unless you need the newer version with the focus motor in the lens--I can't remember which camera body you have), and I think you could use that bing cashback thingie to save a few more $$. Haven't used mine at Disney yet, but I would think it would be a fun lens to have there.

Also, you mentioned the 80-200 2.8--I almost had one for $350 on Craigslist last weekend. I traded voicemails with the seller trying to arrange a time to meet, and evidently someone else just jumped in and said they'd take it.

Here is my thought on the Tokina 12-24. It looks very nice, I like the price much more and I agree---it is covers a range of focal lengths that I would probably find more useful. That being said---the f/4 is my problem. For now, f/4 would be more than fine, but we are thinking about taking a trip to Europe in the next year or two and I'm thinking the f/2.8 might be better for indoor shooting in places like churches, museums, etc. The D90 can handle pretty high ISOs, but having never been to Europe before I'm not sure exactly how dim "dim" really is. I would hate to buy the 12-24 and then need to rent the 11-16 for our trip to avoid using ISO 3200 & 6400.

As for the 80-200 f/2.8----$350?! I don't even think I've seen the older push/pull models for that cheap used. That would have been a great deal if the lens was in nice condition and you were able to get it for such little money. I've been looking at Craig's List a lot recently and for living around a few big cities, there sure isn't much in the way of used gear floating around.

 

[fitzperry]

Here is my thought on the Tokina 12-24. It looks very nice, I like the price much more and I agree---it is covers a range of focal lengths that I would probably find more useful. That being said---the f/4 is my problem. For now, f/4 would be more than fine, but we are thinking about taking a trip to Europe in the next year or two and I'm thinking the f/2.8 might be better for indoor shooting in places like churches, museums, etc. The D90 can handle pretty high ISOs, but having never been to Europe before I'm not sure exactly how dim "dim" really is. I would hate to buy the 12-24 and then need to rent the 11-16 for our trip to avoid using ISO 3200 & 6400.

As for the 80-200 f/2.8----$350?! I don't even think I've seen the older push/pull models for that cheap used. That would have been a great deal if the lens was in nice condition and you were able to get it for such little money. I've been looking at Craig's List a lot recently and for living around a few big cities, there sure isn't much in the way of used gear floating around.

It was the AF-D version. I discovered in my research that the guy had tried to sell it on eBay w/ an opening bid of $400 but got no bids. He had only 1 feedback, so that is likely why, but it still surprised me. Looked nice in the pictures; he had the box, but no lens hood; said it was in perfect optical condition and that he was the original owner. I was hesitant because I'm concerned about getting burned on a used lens purchase and because I honestly feel kind of guilty about paying far less than something is worth. If it was in the condition he represented he should have been able to get at least $700 for that lens. But it looks like my hesitation cost me a great bargain on a lens I'd love to have.

Wrt the Tokina, I just took a look at a few of the darker shots I took with my D70 and 18-70mm kit lens at Notre Dame when we were in Paris a couple of years ago. In aperture priority mode I was using ISO's of 800 and 1600 with f/4.5 and f/5.6, and I was getting shutter speeds varying between 1/25 and 1/50. I did pretty well in the museums with that kit as well, though obviously it would have been nice to have the option of a wider aperture. Personally, I wouldn't feel the need to rent a faster wide angle than the f/4 if we were going back there (and I really want to do that!), especially with a couple of fast primes in my arsenal as backup. Tough decisions!

 

[Chikabowa]

Here is my thought on the Tokina 12-24. It looks very nice, I like the price much more and I agree---it is covers a range of focal lengths that I would probably find more useful. That being said---the f/4 is my problem. For now, f/4 would be more than fine, but we are thinking about taking a trip to Europe in the next year or two and I'm thinking the f/2.8 might be better for indoor shooting in places like churches, museums, etc. The D90 can handle pretty high ISOs, but having never been to Europe before I'm not sure exactly how dim "dim" really is. I would hate to buy the 12-24 and then need to rent the 11-16 for our trip to avoid using ISO 3200 & 6400.

Oh to confuse matters more...
If you wanting a lens to do great architectural photography in dim-lit places... then the f2.8 isn't necessarily something you need to spend money on. A good, small and light carbon-fiber tripod is what you want to spend some money on. You'll have better results with an f4 lens and a tripod than you will with a f2.8 and ISO of 3200.

 

[ColleenG]

ColleenG:

Nikon Acquisition Syndrome

Aaahhh! I didn't realize it was brand specific. I have a Canon so I guess I have CAS.

 

[annnewjerz]

So everyone will be shocked by this statement---but I have decided to exhibit some self control and will not be purchasing anything at this time.

Hard to believe, right? Well that's because I'm full of it. Here is the real story of why I will not be making any purchases (a little OT, but it all comes full circle by the end).

We have two dogs, Mickey (a Golden Retriever) and Rocky (a Chocolate Lab). Both dogs are 2 years old. Mickey has two bad back hips already and will need replacements eventually. Here they are:

Recently, Rocky has developed a limp. He was acting grumpy, sleeping a lot, had gained some weight and just generally seemed unhappy. We took him for some x-rays last week hoping for the best and found out that he also has a bad back hip and arthritis in his knee. We started him on supplements and pain pills.

...............Well, I guess those things work wonders because our usually off the wall, goofy dog is back to normal. Yesterday he chewed not one, but two pairs of my flip flops and we knew he was back to his "good" old self. After complaining I told DH "I would rather have ruined flip flops and a happy dog than have Rocky be unhappy." Little did I know, today that would already come back to bite me in the butt.

I got an e-mail from DH while I was on my 12th hour at work and in the middle of getting a huge filing out the door to the Court and this is what I saw:

Well, Rocky managed to break out of his lock-up while we are at work and ruined not his first, but his second set of couches in his short two years of life. The last pair were down to boards and foam before we replaced them. This is the same dog that around Christmas last year, decided to use the brand new domes that came with my brand new Gary Fong diffusers as a frisbee/chew toy. Luckily (if you can call it that) he just tore apart a few of the cushions that you use for behind your back.

So, to make a long story longer---the money I was itching to put towards a new lens will now be put towards throw pillows/slip covers and a new ottoman for our living room.

Oh the joys of having pets.

For the record, the Golden Retriever is my dog and the Chocolate Lab is my DH's. It goes without saying that my excuse for being able to spend money on photography stuff each year is the fact that his fun money goes out the window every time his dog gets his mouth on something.

 

[spinetnglr]

All I can say to that story and pic is

​

 

[annnewjerz]

All I can say to that story and pic is

​

....................my thoughts exactly.

 

[Gdad]

See what your hesitation got you? Stop asking questions- embrace impulsive NAS!

 

[Suburbanmom]

See what your hesitation got you? Stop asking questions- embrace impulsive NAS!

He's right...if you had acted faster, you have the lens AND a mess to clean up. The moral of the story is to buy the lens quickly.

 

[Chikabowa]

Oh my... Jeff just totally cracked me up.

I'm sorry... I'm not much of an animal lover (don't mind if other people have them, just don't want them myself), but that would have made me sooooooooooooooo mad. Oh, I would have been steaming.

Sorry you have to not get the lenses and put the money towards furniture.

 

[annnewjerz]

See what your hesitation got you? Stop asking questions- embrace impulsive NAS!

He's right...if you had acted faster, you have the lens AND a mess to clean up. The moral of the story is to buy the lens quickly.

Good point---next time, I'll make sure I do that. After Christmas when I'm supposed to be saving for a down payment for a new car, I'll just rush right into lots of lenses. I'll take the Tokina 11-16, the Nikon 10.5 Fisheye, the Nikon 70-200 and the 85mm f/1.4. Who needs a car when there are so many other wonderful things to spend your money on?

Oh my... Jeff just totally cracked me up.

I'm sorry... I'm not much of an animal lover (don't mind if other people have them, just don't want them myself), but that would have made me sooooooooooooooo mad. Oh, I would have been steaming.

Sorry you have to not get the lenses and put the money towards furniture.

Oh I was feeling LOTS of things. Mad was definitely one of them---unfortunately shocked was not one of them.

We have waste far too much money fixing up things the dogs have ruined (couches, chewed walls, chewed shoes, etc.) and we're finally getting the idea that maybe a baby gate isn't the best thing to keep 2 100lb+ dogs locked up. Live and learn right? It will not be happening again.

I'm not too concerned about the lens. It'll always be there and I kept myself from yet another impulse purchase. I'm sure I would have loved the lens (haven't found one yet that I haven't enjoyed)---but it's probably for the best that I didn't buy it juuuuust yet.

 

[Sewfun]

ColleenG:

Nikon Acquisition Syndrome

So if I have a Sony it would be SAS?

 

[spinetnglr]

I think we should maybe generalize this affliction and just call it PEAS - Photography Equipment Acquisition Syndrome.

 

[Todd_H]

Wow. First, I am very sorry to hear about Mickey and Rocky's hip problems. Those will not be fun issues to deal with down the road. Second, I am very sorry about your couch cushions (may they rest in peace... or pieces... not sure). I can relate to this as our 7 month old Husky is a goat in disguise. She literally eats EVERYTHING. We can't leave her unsupervised in our back yard for fear that she'll eat a bunch of landscaping rocks (I kid you not). She has also eaten shoes, socks, kid's toys (fortunately none of my "toys" yet ), carpet, our lab (tries to chew her face occasionally), a remote control, some outdoor furniture, and the plastic dryer vent cap right off of the house (seriously). Oh, and she gets me up at 5:45 every morning to be let out. If she wasn't so cute, I'd probably still put up with it .

 

[Quicklabs]

Very, very, VERY naughty Lab. Time to institute some Labby tough-love. I'm a strong believer in NILIF for bad labbies. I'm not shocked by that mess. Since I have Labs, too, and lots of friends with Labs I've seen it all. I need to find the picture where Augusta climbed up the bookcase and made about 50-60 hardcover (some irreplaceable) books into confetti. It's a Lab thing. NILIF worked for Augusta, as well as giving her opportunities to put her mouth on things legally. This is why she helps me do the laundry and has so many jobs around here. Really did help to solve the problem of confetti books, sunglasses removed from purse in a closed closet (handles--she can open them), I don't know how many pairs of flip flops, a $300 gold necklace disassembled link by link (most of it on the floor, the rest in 24 Karat poop!)

That being said, you need to console yourself with a new lens. I really think it will help you feel better about your relationship with Rocky! Glad to help, as always.
NILIF:
http://k9deb.com/nilif

 

[Todd_H]

Very, very, VERY naughty Lab. Time to institute some Labby tough-love. I'm a strong believer in NILIF for bad labbies.

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

That being said, you need to console yourself with a new lens.

That's funny... my wife and I are reading a book called "Have a New Kid By Friday" that preaches those exact same tactics for children. Great stuff

 

[annnewjerz]

Very, very, VERY naughty Lab. Time to institute some Labby tough-love. I'm a strong believer in NILIF for bad labbies. I'm not shocked by that mess. Since I have Labs, too, and lots of friends with Labs I've seen it all. I need to find the picture where Augusta climbed up the bookcase and made about 50-60 hardcover (some irreplaceable) books into confetti. It's a Lab thing. NILIF worked for Augusta, as well as giving her opportunities to put her mouth on things legally. This is why she helps me do the laundry and has so many jobs around here. Really did help to solve the problem of confetti books, sunglasses removed from purse in a closed closet (handles--she can open them), I don't know how many pairs of flip flops, a $300 gold necklace disassembled link by link (most of it on the floor, the rest in 24 Karat poop!)

That being said, you need to console yourself with a new lens. I really think it will help you feel better about your relationship with Rocky! Glad to help, as always.
NILIF:
http://k9deb.com/nilif

That's a very very very good little article to read. I have read similar things before (about ignoring a dog that wants attention, etc.) and just never thought it would work. The hardest part of all of this is that the dogs really don't know much in the way of basic obedience. They can sit, they can (sometimes) stay, they can jump on the couch if we want them to sit with us (bad humans, I know! ) but I don't know if that's enough.

It has really gotten to the point where it's CRAZY. We don't even sleep in the same room at night because all the chocolate lab does is bark (we don't let them upstairs because of the Golden Retriever's hip problems---we're worried on the way down in the middle of the night he might hurt himself). One night, we decided to put our foot down. We laid in bed for 5 hours listnening to non-stop barking before my DH finally gave in and came downstairs because he wanted to sleep before work. I told him not to, but he wouldn't listen. So, things haven't gotten any better. We thought maybe they'd grow out of it, but it's been two years now. We thought maybe if we started taking them out to play fetch and walking them more it might make them a little less anxious and crazy while they were locked up for the 10 hours we are at work each day, but that doesn't seem to be working either.

If I wasn't such an animal lover, I'm at the point where I'd get rid of them in a second, but I just can't. It's a bad situation.

 

[Todd_H]

It has really gotten to the point where it's CRAZY. We don't even sleep in the same room at night because all the chocolate lab does is bark. One night, we decided to put our foot down. We laid in bed for 5 hours listnening to non-stop barking before my DH finally gave in and came downstairs because he wanted to sleep before work. I told him not to, but he wouldn't listen. So, things haven't gotten any better. We thought maybe they'd grow out of it, but it's been two years now. We thought maybe if we started taking them out to play fetch and walking them more it might make them a little less anxious and crazy while they were locked up for the 10 hours we are at work each day, but that doesn't seem to be working either.

If I wasn't such an animal lover, I'm at the point where I'd get rid of them in a second, but I just can't. It's a bad situation.

It sounds like your chocolate lab is going through some bad separation anxiety. Here's a pretty decent article that offers some tips on dealing with it: http://www.2ndchance.info/sepanxiety.htm