What Lenses for D60/30? Primes?

[steve_usa_2000]

I currently have one lens. The Canon 28-200mm USM and I am happy with it. I know I need some clear glass or prime lenses for this camera. I am wonding what has worked well for other owners of the D60 & D30 as the CMOS is 1.6 smalled than 35mm frame. This is the part that makes it a tough choice.

[jmublueduck]

what are you going to use your camera for? that's step #1 before dropping big bucks on prime glass. for my D60 i have a 50mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2.0, & a 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS.

the 50mm f/1.8 -- a great, sharp, fast, inexpensive, lightweight lens that becomes an 80mm on the D60/30.

the 100mm f/2.0 -- again, wonderful, sharp, & fast, becomes 160mm on the D60/30. this lens creates excellent bokeh (background blur) for outdoor environmental portraits while "flattening" the perspective for a more flattering look. close focus distance isn't comparable to the 100mm f/2.8 macro, but it depends what you use it for.

if you're looking for a wide angle prime, consider the 20mm f/2.8. it becomes a 32mm and is >3x cheaper than the 16-35 f/2.8 zoom.

longer applications, the 300/400/600mm L primes are incredible. i've never used one but have seen plenty of gorgeous shots taken with them.

don't rule out zoom lenses either. many of the "consumer" zooms preform VERY well, especially if you stop them down to f/8 or so... seems to be a sweet spot w/ many canon lenses. i have the 28-135mm IS & love it, despite people's complaints here. it becomes a 44-215mm zoom & is very sharp if used well... plus the IS is well worth the $$.

i work for a pro who shoots portraits w/ a D30 and a 28-105mm stopped down to f/8 & they're very sharp... i've seen perfect prints up to 20x30" he's made using this gear... & you can find that lens for $200 @ B&H (gray).

so, back to the original question... what are you shooting the most?

[steve_usa_2000]

I am going crazy wanting to shoot everything as is evident by my collection of photos here.

http://www3.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26000

Portrait work is important to me. Also I love the outdoors stuff everything from Macros to Landscapes.

I am the kind of person that hates limitations and so is the reason I upgraded my G1 to the D60.

I spent a fair amount on my 28 - 200 USM and want to make sure I don't buy lenses I dont need. My guess is there are about 3 lenses that will cover me.

I like the list you gave and the results you have achieved with them. This type of information is very useful.

Thanks You!

[redbutt]

As far as "consumer" zooms go, I have the new Tamron 28-300. for my D30. That is a great travel lens. The pictures have been great and it's nice to just have one lens that can cover most everything that I want to shoot. Of course it's no "L" glass lens...but, since you already have the Canon 28-200, you're pretty much set for that type of lens.

I've heard that the 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens for the D30/D60.

[jmublueduck]

well, in an ideal world, spring for the 16-35 f/2.8 L & the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS... BUT there's honestly no need to drop close to $3000 on these 2 lenses unless you're working for some extremely picky clients.

for portrait work, I'd suggest the 85mm f/1.8 or 100mm f/2. these lenses are well worth the money & will be more than enough. if you need a shorter range, a 50mm will work well w/ the multiplier effect.

for wide angle to normal stuff, consider the 20-35mm f/3.5-whatever [consumer] zoom. chances are you'll want more depth of field anyway for this application, and this lens is very sharp stopped down to f/8. otherwise, I've seen great shots w/ the sigma 15-30mm, but it's $600. as i mentioned before, the 20mm prime is great too...

if you're hardcore into macros, buy a macro lens. accept no substitute... BUT if you shoot them occasionally, buy a lens w/ a reasonable close focus distance (just a thought... what is it @ 200mm on your zoom? w/ the multiplier, you've got up to 320mm at a probably close enough distance to make it work -- from a distance)... but get a sturdy tripod.

are you planning on making any large prints?

[jmublueduck]

steve_usa_2000 wrote:
I know I need some clear glass or prime lenses for this camera.

how do you know you NEED this? you said you're happy w/ the zoom... is it enough? do you use a tripod? if not, get one first.

i believe in good glass, don't get me wrong... but be practical too!

[steve_usa_2000]

jmublueduck wrote:
steve_usa_2000 wrote:
I know I need some clear glass or prime lenses for this camera.

how do you know you NEED this? you said you're happy w/ the zoom... is it enough? do you use a tripod? if not, get one first.

i believe in good glass, don't get me wrong... but be practical too!

Yes, I have a tripod and use it often. in fact I have 3.
1. Studio Tripod
2. Field Tripod
3. Mini Tripod

You are right and I do plan on being practical. I am taking my time puting my bag together for digital. I purchased 28-200 USM to get started but I know at some point I will want to get a good portrait lens and macro lens. I will use the 28-200 USM until I need the prime lenses.

I know some people are hard core on primes and I just want the best results I can get. So I have some learning to do on what works well with this camera.

Take a look at my link for idea of what I like to shoot. Its not great but it will give you an idea.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! :)