Max713 wrote in post #12354758
Hello!
Couldn't think of a better spot to ask on the forum, so I'll put this here (Sorry for the long read!!):
I came here looking for some lens help.
I'm an amateur photographer, with about a year and a half of shooting experience. I've only ever had a couple paid gigs (shooting friends cars), but I only do this for fun anyways so I'm ok with that!
I have a pretty particular subject preference, but I have been known to shoot just about anything.
My main interests include (in order):
-Automotive
-Animal (Reptiles in particular, mine especially)
-Landscape
-Motorsports (action)
-Portrait
-Everything else
Right now my equipment consists of:
Nikon D60
18-55mm VR F:3.5-5.6
55-200mm VR F:4-5.6 w/ Hood
Nikon Small Bag
4GB SD Card
1 Battery
Camera Strap
Sunpack 8001 UM Tripod
I have a Lowepro Photo Sport 200 bag on order, scheduled to be here in early June, and I can't wait!
http://www.lowepro.com/photosportPlanning to add a shutter remote, and circular polarizer eventually, along with an extra battery.
Sorry for so much to read, but my understanding is the more info I provide, the easier it will be for you to help.
At the moment I'm looking at a couple lenses, a higher max f stop short to mid range lens, and
one lens to replace my 18-55/55-200.
-For the higher max f stop short/mid, I'm looking really hard at the Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D. It's an awesome value at just $135 retail... My understanding is the 50mm f/1.4 is far and above a better lens, but it is also 3-4 times as expensive. I am a broke college student, so value is HUGE.
-For the "universal" lens I'm looking at both the Nikkor AF 18-200mm VR f/3.5-4.5G and the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3
Di II VC. At first I was definitely attracted to the Tamron, for both the 70mm of extra zoom, and the $480 price tag after rebate (on amazon). The reviews are great, except for area: focus. Supposedly the autofocus on the Tamron tends to be much slower than average, and sometimes focusing entirely improperly. This worries me, especially for any type of moving subject situation. The Nikkor on the other hand has nothing but good reviews, and is tried and true. Only problem? The $830 price tag... (on amazon)
So this is where you guys come in... My inexperienced mind needs some guidance! I'm pretty set on the 50 f/1.8, unless someone has a better suggestion. I do however need some serious advice on my universal lens choice.
Thanks everyone ahead of time!
Max
I, like you, am in university, so I get the bit on costs. If I were you, I'd look at purchasing the 50 for portraiture, but TBH, it sounds, ,for more of your needs, the 35mm 1.8 is a better choice. With cars, you want something wider, generally, so you can get it with the 18-55, but the 35mm is going to be a lot sharper and better with color. You sound like you want to shoot all kinds of things, which isn't very budget friendly ("everything else"?), but, fortunately, none of the top ones have to have a lens with super fast AF. The Tamron and the Nikon are not very different in terms of AF speed that it'll make a significant difference for you I don't think.
I started with a D40 + 18-55mm in the summer of '09. Right away, as a college student, I knew I had to get paying gigs to support what I wanted; better equipment. I bought a 50mm 1.8 (which I still have), and did a ton of portraits. Everywhere. All the time. It was all about versatility for me, which, from the looks of it, doesn't sound like a 50, but the ability to control the DOF that much made such a difference. The next bit of kit were cheap flashes (Vivitar 285HV's), and I was really able to push my photography. There's not much you can't do with a DSLR, 50mm 1.8, and a couple of vivitars. That said, if you push yourself, and you're a little crazy, you can end up with a typical college kid $2000 car with $30,000 worth of equipment in it 
Great bag.
