More Low-Light Lens Questions

[fan1080]

Thanks everyone for your help in my previous low-light thread.

I think I've convinced myself to buy a good low-light lens. Now, I can't seem to figure out if I really need something with a fair amount of zoom.

My options so far:

1. Sigma 18-50 2.8 ~$500-600
2. Sigma 70-200 2.8 ~$800-900
3. Nikon 80-200 AFS 2.8 (used) ~$800-900

From what I can find on the net, I can get the Sigmas new for the above prices. The Nikon would have to be used for that price. The 18-50 has had some good reviews, but it isn't that much more to move up to the 70-200 Sigma, or the 80-200 Nikon. I'm leaning toward the Nikon for the good reviews I've read. It seems to be a work horse, even used ones.

My need (desire) for a low-light lens is for shows such as Festival of The Lion King, Fantasmic, etc. I usually prefer to be a little further back for seating, so that seems to suggest the longer reach would be better. But, I don't have enough experience to know if the 18-50 would be enough reach for these shows if I'm seated toward the back. And, if I do go with the longer reach, how limited am I to how close I can sit?

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[Steve's Girl]

The 18-50 will not give you much reach at all. However, I'm not sure I would buy a fast zoom lens just for a few WDW shows. I think having a fast lens in your collection is a great idea, but if I were you, I would evaluate what focal length would give you the best overall use. What focal lengths do you most often use now? Sigma and Tamron both offer 2.8 lenses in the 24-70 and 28-75 range. You may want to take a look at these as well. They are both priced in the $400 and under range.

 

[fan1080]

The 18-50 will not give you much reach at all. However, I'm not sure I would buy a fast zoom lens just for a few WDW shows. I think having a fast lens in your collection is a great idea, but if I were you, I would evaluate what focal length would give you the best overall use. What focal lengths do you most often use now? Sigma and Tamron both offer 2.8 lenses in the 24-70 and 28-75 range. You may want to take a look at these as well. They are both priced in the $400 and under range.

I'm sure I'll find plenty of uses for a fast zoom. Besides, I like my toys (wink)!

Good question about what focal lengths I currently use. I went back and reviewed some pics from Beauty and The Beast at MGM. Looks like 100-200 was used more than anything else. 55 left the shots too wide for my taste from where we were seated, pretty much back row.

Looks like the longer reach will be my best option. Now I just need to figure out if I want the Sigma or the Nikon. Does anyone have any experience with these two lenses?

 

[boBQuincy]

Judging from the price for a used Nikon, it will likely hold it's value better than the others and should still be worth more when you trade it in a few years later.

My "Lion King" photos are mostly in the medium range, maybe 50-150mm and I use a monopod for better stability.

 

[fan1080]

Judging from the price for a used Nikon, it will likely hold it's value better than the others and should still be worth more when you trade it in a few years later.

My "Lion King" photos are mostly in the medium range, maybe 50-150mm and I use a monopod for better stability.

I was thinking of the same thing with regards to the Nikon retaining value, and my desire to have VR in the future.

And, I pretty much need a monopod for the bigger lens. I have a terrible shake in my right hand (only my right hand, left hand is fine, I think it has to do with repetitive motion injury from the last 15 years working with a mouse on the computer) and it affects my hand held photography really bad. Which is another reason I lust after the VR's.

 

[handicap18]

That particular Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 is very good. With the AF-S its focus will be pretty quick (make sure its the AF-S and not the AF, as the AF wont auto focus with the D40). I've read excellent reviews on it. Its definately a great alternative to the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR. If you can swing it I would go with that one. It would definately serve you well at FotLK and Fantasmic.

Also consider other situations you'd use it. Not just Disney.