got a new lens, so which do I take on my trip?

[camsmomE]

Hello all!

I recently got a new lens for my Nikon D-40 (ok, so it was at Christmas, but I haven't used it yet) it's a

Nikkor AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 G IF-ED

I already had the one that came with the camera
AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 G II ED (at least I think that's what it says)

If I had to choose ONE to take on the trip with me (I mean come on now, a 2-year-old, stroller, and back-pack in tow) which one would capture more (and better) shots?

I usually have problems getting decent night/ inside pictures with my old lens. Then again, I really think it's user error

I just don't want to miss a good shot because I didn't take the right lens.
Can anyone help? TIA Stace

 

[photo_chick]

I'd take the 18-55 with me if I had to take just one. It's faster and a more usable focal range for the way I shoot.

 

[camsmomE]

I'd take the 18-55 with me if I had to take just one. It's faster and a more usable focal range for the way I shoot.

Thanks! I was just shooting a couple practice shots with the new lens, since they rushed me on Christmas day , and determined that there was no way I could photograph my FOOD if I take the new one. Therefore, it's settled. I buy another camera bag and take both. You are totally right about the original lens though. I'll just have to figure out what I'm doing wrong with the night and indoor shots before we leave. thanks!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the problem may not be with your technique as it is with your combination of lenses and camera. I had a very similar problem ( and still do) photographing low light action. Your camera has a maximum 1600 ISO (with a boost to 3200). Since I don't know your camera that well, I will make an assumption that the noise will be high at 1600-3200. Add in the fact, that your lenses are variable aperture kit type lenses and you will have difficulty with low light action. If you wish to solve that problem, you will need to move to faster lenses (zooms-f2.8 and primes- f1.4-1.8) and then maybe add flash photography to your repretoire. Of course, those lenses tend to be very expensive. To shoot static topics with your lenses, you will need a tripod for the longer exposures. I would also recommend some type of remote, either wired or wireless (I use wireless).

 

[camsmomE]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the problem may not be with your technique as it is with your combination of lenses and camera. I had a very similar problem ( and still do) photographing low light action. Your camera has a maximum 1600 ISO (with a boost to 3200). Since I don't know your camera that well, I will make an assumption that the noise will be high at 1600-3200. Add in the fact, that your lenses are variable aperture kit type lenses and you will have difficulty with low light action. If you wish to solve that problem, you will need to move to faster lenses (zooms-f2.8 and primes- f1.4-1.8) and then maybe add flash photography to your repretoire. Of course, those lenses tend to be very expensive. To shoot static topics with your lenses, you will need a tripod for the longer exposures. I would also recommend some type of remote, either wired or wireless (I use wireless).

I do have a remote, I also purchased a remote flash (that has a contraption to screw the camera to a plate that is attached to the additional flash), I definitely need to purchase a tripod (although taking it with me on these trips may be a challenge). I know I need that f1.4-1.8 lens- I'm just not sure I can convince my DH that I need it . You are absolutely right though... taking photos indoors with no flash (like on a ride), leave the resultant photo looking like I was intoxicated.

 

[NLD]

Nikon makes a 35 1.8 prime lens for about $200 that will enable you to get some decent indoor and low-light shots.

There is also a 50 1.8 for about $100. On a crop-body camera (like the D40) though some people find the focal length a little long.

These were taken with the Nikon 35 1.8 on a D60 (practically the same camera as the D40):


Hippo, Hippo, Burning Bright by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


Jasmine by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr

For night shots of stationary objects and fireworks, the key isn't the lens so much as using a tripod. D60 and a kit lens (18-105 variable aperture) on a tripod with remote shutter release:



Another Perspective on the Sorcerer's Hat by nicole_lynn_, on Flickr


If you can spring for a fast prime before your trip, I'd highly recommend it. It will open up a lot of shots to you. That 35 1.8 was well worth the $200, IMO.