Rent or Buy

[clairemolly]

I'm looking for a lens to use at the MNSSHP, Boo To You parade, the spectro parade and more. All low light/moving subjects environment.

Unfortunately my budget is tight at this point so I can't fork out the $489 list price for the sigma 30mm f/1.4. I have the D70 w/ 18-70 f/3.5-4.5, 70-300 f/4-5.6, and a 28-200 f/3.5-5.6 macro.

Do I buy the nikon 50mm f/1.8 ($120) or should I rent the sigma (~$50 two weeks) for the trip?

I'm leaning toward buying the 50mm because everyone seem to have one and rave about it. But I don't know if i will be limited because it is not as wide as the 30mm.

I'm also renting the 80-200 f/2.8 (or 70-200 f/2.8 VR) for the trip.

Thanks.

 

[dr_zero]

A)Buy the nikon 50mm f/1.8 ($120)

or

B)Rent the sigma (~$50 two weeks) for the trip

I vote C

C) Buy a Nikon 50mm off Ebay for $50 or less and spend the rest on a Disney camera strap and a burger at pecos bills in the park.

The 50mm lens came standard on many of the older Nikon film bodies and if you look you can sometime get a lens and body for less that the cost of the lens.

 

[clairemolly]

The 50mm lens came standard on many of the older Nikon film bodies and if you look you can sometime get a lens and body for less that the cost of the lens.

That's a great tip. I'd been watching just the lens auctions and they are still going for $100. I'll try looking for the bundles too.

 

[handicap18]

I'd buy the 50mm f/1.8 new. The VAST majority of the inexpensive 50mm primes you'll find on e-bay are manual focus. For a $10-20 savings on the occassional used one that pops up your better off with a new one and the FULL warrantee from Nikon.

I have both the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. I found the 30mm a better option for Disney, however, if the price difference is a big concern then the 50mm is perfectly fine. I also like to use the 50mm for portraits of the kids and also take it out occassionally for random low light/natural light candids. It really is a great piece of glass for the money.

Oh and I also have the Disney camera strap and while it is better than the piece of junk camera strap that comes with the camera it is in no comparison to an Op/Tech strap for the same price.

The burgers are Pecos Bills are a thumbs up too though!!!

 

[handicap18]

Now that I think about it more,,,, check craigslist for used camera gear. You Might be able to come across and older film camera with a 50mm lens for pretty cheep. just be sure its an auto focus lens not a manual focus. AF is just so much easier to use than manual.

 

[clairemolly]

Oh and I also have the Disney camera strap and while it is better than the piece of junk camera strap that comes with the camera it is in no comparison to an Op/Tech strap for the same price.

The burgers are Pecos Bills are a thumbs up too though!!!

Thanks for the advice... I've gotta look into the Disney camera strap and I'll add Pecos Bill's to the food list.

Word on the street is that Nikon is stopping production on the current 50 1.8 so the can retool it to work with the d40/60 line too. So these may be harder to find new.

 

[handicap18]

Thanks for the advice... I've gotta look into the Disney camera strap and I'll add Pecos Bill's to the food list.

Word on the street is that Nikon is stopping production on the current 50 1.8 so the can retool it to work with the d40/60 line too. So these may be harder to find new.

Maybe. I haven't seen that on the Nikon rumors pages yet, but if they do end up doing that the price I would guess would be more than the $120 or it is now. Also Nikon now has 2 full frame digital camera's and I'll bet they'll add more over the next few years. This may be another reason they're not making updated versions of some of the prime lenses.

Technology progress tells us that in 5 years there will be a Nikon full frame body for under $1800 if not less. Less than 10 years ago the first Nikon digital SLR was released. $6000 and it had 2.5MP and a crop sensor.

 

[YesDear]

Buy the 50mm 1.8 a no brainer to me. You will definitely use it on your trip and be glad you have it in your bag.

I agree 100% on Pecos Bill

Only get the strap if you want for your child. Get an op/tech one and but a mickey button on it. I love Disney but their straps are as bad as Nikon ones in my opinion.