Which Lens ? Options

[Zina]

I have a Nikon D80 with the Nikkor 18 - 135 lens that I purchased with the camera as a kit. I would now like to add a couple of new lenses, one for photographing small objects such as insects close up and one which will allow me to bring distant objects much nearer than my present lens does. Could someone advise as to which lenses might be appropriate please.

Regards,
Zina.

[gelu88]

the two types of lenses you need are a Macro lens and a Telephoto.

starting with the macro, you have 2 main options

-if you can afford it or plan to keep improving your gear overtime, the best option would be the Nikon 105mm micro VR

its has amazing build and image quality, VR, and gives good working distance, which is the minimum distance you have to be from the subject to get the biggest image. it sells for $900

another choice that just was announced was the Nikon 85mm micro DX, it has even more working distance, which is good for not scaring away bugs by getting too close. While it hasn't been tested yet probably will be of very high quality. It will sell for $500. Its biggest fault is that its DX, which means it is not compatible with higher end cameras like the D700($2500) or D3($5000). If you don't intend to ever go to that level this lens should be great.

Another option is the Nikon 60mm micro, but this one has a very short working distance (the front of the lens can only be a few inches from the subject) as such its more suited to studio work, or anything that doesn't move such as flowers. its also around $500-$600


now for your other lens, you have 3 telephoto choices, it all depends on what quality of equipment you are looking for.

-Nikon 55-200 4-5.6 DX VR ($250)
-Nikon 70-300 4-5.6 VR II ($500)
-Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR II ($2000)

the build quality, image quality and light gathering abilities (max aperture) get better as you go up. All three are considered great at their respective price points. I have the 55-200, and have had much success with it, but i'm finding it too slow for my needs, which means it does not gather enough light, you can tell by the aperture which starts at 4 but goes to 5.6 as you zoom out.

that is one of the reasons the 70-200 is so expensive, it maintains a fast (meaning large) aperture at any zoom level, f/2.8

note that the smaller the number, the bigger the aperture.

hope that clarifies your needs.

[shubh_bw]

Do check out the new 18-200 VR II. For the D80 it would pretty much replace every other general purpose lens. Costs about $850.

[Zina]

gelu 88 and shubh bw,

Thank you very much for your responses... Sorry that I have not written to both of you earlier – had some problems...

I think I will start with a telephoto lens … others are costly for me for now…

Thank you very much again…

Best wishes

[JasminenHoney]

Hi Zena,

I also own the D80 & hubby bought the camera as the kit too...
Unfortunately for me... lol (not ) the kit lens inner guts fell apart...
Nikon did replace it but... I decided I wanted or rather needed a new lens.
I also wanted a macro lens but felt too guilty in paying the high prices that Nikon products want.
Finally decided on a good lens 70-300 BUT for the macro itself, I tried out many & decided to go for the "Tamaron-F 2x Converter."
I'm actually pleased with this lens and saved a bundle.
Now when I truly decide to buy again...rather hard earnt cash being thrown away instantly, I can save for a better quality in the future.
~kelly

[ssnet]

I have a Nikon D80 with the Nikkor 18 - 135 lens that I purchased with the camera as a kit. I would now like to add a couple of new lenses, one for photographing small objects such as insects close up and one which will allow me to bring distant objects much nearer than my present lens does. Could someone advise as to which lenses might be appropriate please.

Regards,
Zina.

Price macro is considerably higher than for other photographic equipment, but the lens can subsequently be used as a portrait, so it pays to get serious especially for those interested in macro photography.
Most commonly used for macro shots as the following lenses::
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-...94-nikkor_60_28
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-...ew--test-report
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-...-report--review
Greeting
Stan