Decisions Decisions

[broberts]

Good morniing. I will be traveling to WDW in a about 2 weeks. I have decided that I want to add one more lens to my arsenal.

I am debating between a couple of lens. I can't decide between the Sigma 30 1.4 and the Sigma 18-50 2.8. I was also looking at the Sigma 17-70 2.8, but want the 2.8 throughout and read that this lens was variable.

Currently, I have:

Nikon 50 1.8
Nikon 70-300 VR
Nikon 18-135 kit

I really like the idea of the zoom on the 18-50.

Forgot to mention that I am using Nikon D300.

Thanks.

Brian

 

[annnewjerz]

Good morniing. I will be traveling to WDW in a about 2 weeks. I have decided that I want to add one more lens to my arsenal.

I am debating between a couple of lens. I can't decide between the Sigma 30 1.4 and the Sigma 18-50 2.8. I was also looking at the Sigma 17-70 2.8, but want the 2.8 throughout and read that this lens was variable.

Currently, I have:

Nikon 50 1.8
Nikon 70-300 VR
Nikon 18-135 kit

I really like the idea of the zoom on the 18-50.

Forgot to mention that I am using Nikon D300.

Thanks.

Brian

What do you plan on shooting the most of? The 18-135 seems like it will be a good walkaround lens, the 70-300 will be a good one for any trips to AK and the 50 1.8 will be good for low light, although I have read a lot of comments that it's a little tight for things like the indoor rides or getting a nice wide shot of a nighttime parade. It seems like you have most bases covered.

If it was my choice, I would probably pick the Sigma 30 because it gets great reviews not only in its performance in low-light but also as being a great sharp lens during the day.

Good luck and happy shopping!!
Ann

 

[broberts]

I have read the same thing about the 30 1.4. I was thinking that the 18-50 might be a little more versatile. It is a tough decision. I might just hold off since I have the 50 and buy some other goodies.

Thanks for your input Ann.

 

[handicap18]

What would you want to use the 18-50 f/2.8 for that the 18-135mm couldn't handle? Granted the 18-50 will probably be sharper, but the f/2.8 still wont be enough for the night parades and the indoor rides. ISO3200 on the D300 will most certainly help, pushing up to 6400 will help too, but its 1 1/3 stops slower than the f/1.8 and 2 stops slower than the 30mm f/1.4.

Strickly Disney speaking,,,, I would go with the 30mm f/1.4 over the 50mm f/1.8 and 18-50mm f/2.8 and also use the 18-135mm and 70-300mm. Our trip last year these were the 3 lenses I used most often (well, substitute the 18-70 for the 18-135 after my 18-135 lens broke). I really liked the 30mm f/1.4 as just a regular walk-around lens. I used it almost exclusively at EPCOT (that is where the front lens element of the 18-135mm fell off early in the day) and got great results with my D50. With the D300's better high ISO performance it would be an even better combination. Using the 30mm f/1.4 wide open with a high ISO gave me a lot of noise with the D50. The D300 would certainly do a better job.

Here is the link to my EPCOT photo page. I would say that 90% of the photos there were with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4.

You could easily get away with just the 18-135mm and the 30mm for the majority of your park visits. The 70-300mm I used ALOT at AK and it also is good at DHS for Lights, Motor, Action; Indiana Jones; and Beauty and the Beast (all depending on where you get a seat).

 

[broberts]

Well I researched to death and then my OCD kicked in. I went with the Sigma 30mm 1.4. One of the deciding factors was the holidays coming up and the low light capabilities for Christmas morning. I think I would have been happier either way, but the 30 brought a little more to the table in my case.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

 

[annnewjerz]

Well I researched to death and then my OCD kicked in. I went with the Sigma 30mm 1.4. One of the deciding factors was the holidays coming up and the low light capabilities for Christmas morning. I think I would have been happier either way, but the 30 brought a little more to the table in my case.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Good choice - I'm SURE you will enjoy it!