Zoom lenses

[annnewjerz]

However if you're looking at it for a nice walk around I happen to know someone who is getting rid of theirs in favor of a multi lens set up...

 

[kaffinito]

You're not an idiot, a little crazy maybe... The D90 has 11 focus points.

OP, the 18-200 is not a fast lens I don't think it will meet your needs as far as birding goes. However if you're looking at it for a nice walk around I happen to know someone who is getting rid of theirs in favor of a multi lens set up...

Really? Do tell... No seriously, do tell! I am looking hard at that one, and think it would be a darn shame if I had that nice new body with out an 18-200 and a 70-300 to go on it.

Now I'm the one that's confused!! Either I'm an idiot (which is a definite possibility ) or my D90 has 11 focus points.

Well, my D90 (yes - I picked it up today ) has 11 as well.

Now for the lenses - I'm not thrilled with the kit 18-105 that I had to buy with it - maybe I'll give it to DH?

Now I'm off to play with the D90 and my beloved 50mm.....

 

[wenrob]

You have a pm. And congrats on the D90 it's a great camera!

 

[YesDear]

Ann and others. Totally my bad about misstating the number of focus points on the D90. I have the D300 and was looking at the D90 the other day at a chain photo store and the sales person said it had the same as the D300. I am so sorry it I created confusion with my ignorance.

 

[annnewjerz]

Ann and others. Totally my bad about misstating the number of focus points on the D90. I have the D300 and was looking at the D90 the other day at a chain photo store and the sales person said it had the same as the D300. I am so sorry it I created confusion with my ignorance.

We'll let it slide this time, John.

Honestly, I second guess myself on everything and when you said it had 50ish I was like, uh.....I'm really stupid cause this whole time I thought those 11 little boxes were the focus points.

In my head, I knew there were 11, but I guess when I hear it from a seasoned expert like yourself it just automatically makes me think I'm wrong. I need to get over that, me thinks.

AND---you should know by now that you can probably get more useful information from Ken Rockwell's site than a chain photo store. When I went in to hold the D90 before purchasing, they were trying to sell me on the fact that the D80 was the new improved model of the D80 and when they asked why I was getting rid of the D60 and I said the lack of focus motor in the body as one of the reasons---they told me that it should still AF with all AF lenses, not just AF-I and AF-S. That's why now---I just ask all of you every single question that pops into my head. Lucky you!

 

[wenrob]

We'll let it slide this time, John.

But only this time...

Honestly, I second guess myself on everything and when you said it had 50ish I was like, uh.....I'm really stupid cause this whole time I thought those 11 little boxes were the focus points.
In my head, I knew there were 11, but I guess when I hear it from a seasoned expert like yourself it just automatically makes me think I'm wrong. I need to get over that, me thinks.

I do this too!

AND---you should know by now that you can probably get more useful information from Ken Rockwell's site than a chain photo store. When I went in to hold the D90 before purchasing, they were trying to sell me on the fact that the D80 was the new improved model of the D80 and when they asked why I was getting rid of the D60 and I said the lack of focus motor in the body as one of the reasons---they told me that it should still AF with all AF lenses, not just AF-I and AF-S. That's why now---I just ask all of you every single question that pops into my head. Lucky you!

No kidding. DD and I were in Best Buy the other day and I was looking at the D5000. The kid was just making stuff up! After correcting him a couple of times he asked me if I was a pro.

 

[kaffinito]

I can relate. I went to Ritz yesterday to get my D90, and the guy was trying hard to sell my husband the D40. He even told me that the D90 was a few steps below the D40 in abilities and features, and that it had been replaced by the D5000.

I still got the D90 though.

But to agree with annnewjerz - I read and ask (a few) questions on the boards, this one and some photography forums, because you guys know the answers. I won't find the answers if I ask the photography "experts" at the stores! I might not post much, but I'm still here...

 

[safetymom]

I have the 18-200 VR Nikon lens and I love it. It works great for almost all occasions.

 

[wenrob]

I can relate. I went to Ritz yesterday to get my D90, and the guy was trying hard to sell my husband the D40. He even told me that the D90 was a few steps below the D40 in abilities and features, and that it had been replaced by the D5000.

Oh my, even if he was clueless why would he try to push a camera that was half the cost of the one you wanted? Talk about losing your commission! And I'm sure you know but the D5000 is not replacing the D90 it's the "in between" for the D60-D90 it's features a step below the D90. See? We should be selling the cameras!(I have actually given my 2 cents to people at the camera counter and swayed them, POs the salesmen right off!)

 

[kaffinito]

Oh my, even if he was clueless why would he try to push a camera that was half the cost of the one you wanted? Talk about losing your commission! And I'm sure you know but the D5000 is not replacing the D90 it's the "in between" for the D60-D90 it's features a step below the D90. See? We should be selling the cameras!(I have actually given my 2 cents to people at the camera counter and swayed them, POs the salesmen right off!)

I wondered about that too! I think he was just trying to sell DH on the D40 (It's what he uses) and dissuade me from the D90. Maybe he was being nice?

I don't think they work on commission at Ritz, so that may be a part of it. I have read elsewhere (not this forum ) that the D5000 was replacing the D90 so maybe that's why? There was a rumor going around initially before its release to that effect, so maybe the info just hasn't filtered out yet?

 

[Gdad]

I want to supplement my kit of mostly primes with a decent and affordable normal range f2.8 zoom. I was going to pick up another Nikon 35-70mm f2.8- I sold mine when I got the 24-70 for a while- and now wish I still had it. I always liked the small size and that it would do casual macro shots- just a nice little walk around lens on FX- the only drawback for me was I wish it went a bit wider than 35mm. Just wondering if there is something else out there I should consider in the $400-$500 price range (New or Used.)

I know Sigma and I’m sure some others have a 20something-70mm f2.8 Zoom, any thoughts on any of these options? Anything I’m missing?

 

[Code]

Sigma has the 24-70mm for $569 for the older non-HSM macro version (new HSM is $900), and the 28-70mm for $379.

The Tamron 28-75mm is $400.

(all prices from b&h)

The one review I read for the Tamron said it was decent on APS-C but pretty bad for full frame.

The Sigma 24-70mm is a bit larger/heavier, and seems to have better reviews than the 28-70mm... but I have no experience with either.

Honestly, I'd be surprised if you were satisfied by any of these options

 

[handicap18]

KEH has some 35-70mm Nikkor f/2.8's. Tamron made a 28-105mm f/2.8. There are some used one's out there, though I don't know anything about its performance. KEH has a used Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 for $159 and some Tamorn 28-75mm and Tokina 28-80mm f/2.8's.

Something to think about.

 

[Gdad]

Yeah- I have had pretty good luck with KEH. Usually ever their BGN Rated Scratch-n-Dent stuff is pretty clean or I have just got very lucky. And you can return it if not happy.

Now just to figure out WHAT to GET.

 

[handicap18]

I've bought 2 lenses from them, one a BGN and it looked fine to me, no glass issues.

When I was shooting film I used a 28-90mm variable zoom, but always wanted more width, though shooting 18mm on digital is about the same, so I guess its not as big of a deal as I used to think.

 

[Suburbanmom]

I just sold my Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 in favor of the same Nikon version.
The Sigma was just too soft at the 2.8 end to make me happy. Love the Nikon.

 

[Groucho]

The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 was considered about the best image-quality-wise of the third-party zooms in that range back when I bought mine (which is now on its way to England!) - the image quality is very nice but the build quality is not at the level of better OEM or older metal lenses. There is some lens creep (hence the need for a "lock" slider), etc. It is a nice lens though; I would still be using it but I wanted something wider and weathersealed.

I seem to recall reading some comments that the new big-buck Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 is really something special... of course, it better be for the price. Apparently it's a lot more than just the old lens with new focusing.

 

[FINFAN]

Hi...sorry to bother you all, but we are starting a search for a second camera. DD has a Panasonic/Lumix...( she has it with her os I do not know model #) butit is an 8 mp w/a 12x optical zoom...and the MAIN thing...rechargeable battery Now I know you can get rechargable AA's, and Lithium are supposed to have a better life, but I know our battery impairment in this family, and we like the rechartgeable. We do not like fumbling w/AA's, are they new/old/charged etc. Who can steer me in the right direction for a 10 mp/ 15 x optical...under $350? I see that HD video capabilities are becoming the norm...but that is not needed, if on the camera, fine, but no deal breaker for sure.


Thaks if ther is any help out there...btw, awesome photos on this thread, very happy place to stop by and enjoy!

 

[ColleenG]

I have a Sony DSC H-10 that does not use AA batteries. I think they have a newer model out now. Maybe the H-20. My H-10 is 15x optical zoom and can do 20x digitally. But it is 8 MP. Takes great pictures and does have some manual abilities. But I have to say I wish it used AA. The camera I had before that used AA and I always kept a set of regulars as a back up if the rechargables died. Once a battery pack goes you have no back up unless you have an extra battery and those aren't cheap. The H-10 used Sony's G and they are about $50. The only time I ever really used the second set was at WDW. I just got an SLR and will probably invest in a second battery for our next trip, whenever that may be. Good luck in your search.

 

[SendLessRain]

The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is an 18x camera with a rechargeable battery. I bought mine at Costco for just a little more than your max price. I really like it.