Please help with Nikon D7000 Lens Recommendation

[Sbunit]

Hey Everyone,

I'm an amateur photographer (my hobby) and own the D7000 (started off with the D60 before that). Due to finances I don't own any Lens (besides the kit lens) but I always rent when I go on vacations. The lens I've been "practicing with" has always been the Nikon 17-55mm 2.8f.

I'm going back to Disney this December and really want to step up my game (I feel I learned a lot in the last 2 years), do you think I should stick with the 17-55 as my lens or do you have any other recommendations (again I rent so money isn't a factor when deciding...just looking for an optimal high quality lens)?

I've also been toying with the idea of bringing along a prime lens for dark rides and fireworks (I will also be taking a tripod with me). If you think that's worthwhile in addition to a zoom lens, do you have any recommendations on which prime lens to rent? I do have basic knowledge of Photoshop, but I don't shoot in RAW (I honestly just don't know how or what to do with it) if that matters at all.

Thanks to everyone in advance. You guys are worth your weight in gold!

 

[rmattman]

I started using the D7000 a few months ago (Happy Anniversary from DW) along with the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens. During our recent trip to WDW, I used that lens for most of my photos with the exception of the darker indoor rides where I used the Sigma 30mm 1.4 (rented). Looking back on the data from those images, I noticed that most of the outdoor shots (parades, fireworks, castle pics) were taken using a focal length between 18 and 40 mm. Occasionally I would use longer focal lengths for more distant details (think Safari ride at Animal Kingdom).

I think you could shoot the majority of your outdoor shots with the 17-55 and just rent a fast prime for the dark indoor rides. I would recommend the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for the indoor rides and nightly parades. If you are planning lots of images requiring more zoom power, I would recommend the 18-200 for a great all around lens to rent. All of my fireworks photos were taken with the 18-200 on a tripod using focal lengths between 18 and 40mm.

I have basically no Photoshop experience but I have been shooting in RAW on one memory card and JPEG on the other card in the D7000. For now, I am using the JPEG images mostly. Once I learn more about Photoshop, I will go back to those stored RAW images and try my hand at post processing.

Have a good trip.


Ron

 

[wbeem]

The 17-55 is a nice lens for crop-sensor cameras, so I don't think you'll go wrong with that one. For well-lit shots, you can get a lot of variety out of the 18-200mm lens. However, it's not going to be fast glass you can use on a dark ride.

To be honest, those are tough shots. I was on Pirates of the Caribbean last weekend with my D700 & 70-200mm f/2.8. I shot wide-open at ISO 6400. I had a few keepers and plenty of throw-aways.

Here's an un-edited example. Even as one of the better shots on a full-frame camera, it's got a lot of noise. I hear the D7000 does very well with noise control, but I'm not sure how it compares, so that's your call.

http://beem.posterous.com/town-drunk

For the majority of my walking around photos, I like the 70-200. If you're looking for portraits or character shots, you'll get a much better perspective with a long focal length. For something like a parade in plenty of light, that 18-200 will be great (and lighter than my 70-200).

The sad truth is that there are plenty of variables in lens selection. That's why I have the 24-70 & 70-200 out there (and occasionally rent the 14-24). Heavy glass, but versatile.

 

[kgreen]

I'm so glad you posted this question! I am a fairly new D-7000 user, & I am also looking for a new lens to buy. I have heard great things about the 18-200mm lens. I am leaning towards that lens & also either the 35 or 50mm prime for the low light & darker rides. I am really curious to see what everyone reccommends. So far the only lens I have is the kit lens 18-105mm I do like it, although I sometimes would like a little more reach, or the capability to get a little closer with a macro lens.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

First of all, I'm not a Nikon shooter but my Pentax K5 shares the same sensor as the Nikon 7000. IMHO, I would look for lenses that cover focal lengths I don't have, UNLESS, you are adverse to changing lenses. Since you have 17-55 f2.8 covered (nighttime parades (?), and you want to get the dark rides, then you are going to need something in the 30-35mm f1.8 or less range. My recommendation would be the Sigma 30mm f1.4. With the Nikon 7000 sensor and the ability to go to f1.4 there should be no reason not to be able to get some decent dark ride shots. For your telephoto, I have found that I needed more than 55mm (in my case 70mm because my walkaround is a 28-70mm f2.8) on numerous occasions. There is a trade-off between a consumer lens (aka slower) and a more professional lens (aka faster) in that the better lens, for example a 70-200 f2.8, is going to be heavier, but will give you more options of lighting conditions. I chose the 70-200 route (I also shoot sports for which I also needed this lens). I have found that with shows like the FotLK (AK) I needed the length and low light capability of the faster lens. With the heavier lenses, I scrapped the neck strap and went with a cross-body Black Rapid strap. Carrying a heavy camera (body, vertical grip and heavy lens) around my neck all day became unbearable. With the cross-body strap, I can go all day without a problem. Also, if you want to shoot the fireworks, I would definitely bring a tripod and remote. Again, I have found that most things at WDW can be shot with three lenses, a walkaround in the mid-telephoto range, Lowlight lens 30-35mm f1.8 or less, and a longer telephoto up to at least 200mm. You choose if the weight to lowlight advantage of the 2.8's is for you.

 

[Sbunit]

Thanks so much for the input guys!

I think I'm going to stick with the 17-55mm and bring along a prime lens for the night time parades and dark rides.

In regards to the prime lens:
1) I'm debating between the 35mm and the 50mm (both 1.4). The 35mm is considerably more expense to rent for the week than the 50mm. Is the 35mm that much superior? Can someone please explain the differences between the two for me so I can make a better informed decision (recommendations too please)
2) When you guys take fireworks shots (with your tripods) do you use a prime or a zoom? Same thing for night time shots in general with a tripod (castle, landscapes etc..)

Thanks so muchfor the help

 

[wbeem]

I found this comparison and it may help you decide which is right for you. I'm sure both are fine lenses.

http://mansurovs.com/nikon-35mm-f1-8g-vs-50mm-f1-4g

I tend to shoot fireworks with my 24-70 at 24mm, mostly because that's what I've got. I haven't stocked up on primes, except a nifty fifty. Modern zooms have outstanding qualities and I think the zoom vs prime debate is stuck in the past (with the exception of aperture and its affect upon bokeh wide open).

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

When you are shooting with a crop sensor camera inside the dark rides, 50mm seems to be too narrow. That is why many recommend the 30-35mm range. When shooting fireworks it depends on how wide you need to be. I have used my 28-70 and my 18-55. When you have the perimeter fireworks shows, you need to be wide to catch the entire show and I will go with the 18-55 at 18mm. If I don't need that wide then I will use the 28-70. Since I'm usually shooting at F11 with manual focus and bulb mode, the determining factor is how wide do I need to be depending on where I set up my tripod. That is why I try to get there a little early to set up to ascertain what the situation will be for that fireworks show.