08-07-2011, 12:47 PM
[quote name='BG_Home' timestamp='1312709719' post='10442']
I guess we on this forum can do little to resolve this dilemma...
Additionally, the list of subjects you gave above is extremely long (particularly if she's only using those three lenses above at the moment...). I'd just dump the birds, for example (unless they're really a main interest) because they require a really long lens, which, particularly if a prime setup consisting of only three to four lenses is desired, constrains the choice on the others way too much.
Also, you should give us a clue about the budget, about the weight this person is willing to carry, and about the quality requirements. The obvious four-lens zoom suggestion as far as quality goes is 12-24/4 DX + 24-70/2.8 + 70-200/2.8 + 85/1.4, but that costs a ton and weighs equally much... so swap the 85/1.4 for a 85/1.8 (or a 105/2.8 AF-S Micro) and the 70-200/2.8 for a 70-300 AF-S - now, is that good enough (that would be a clear yes for me, in fact, it's close to what I have - but other people's requirements may be different)?
If she wants more primes, I'd probably stick with the wideangle zoom and add a 50/1.4, 105/2.8 Micro, and 180/2.8 AF-D...
I think those lens choice threads are fun for speculation, but at the end, everybody's got to figure it out for themselves, especially if they're skilled photographers already...
[/quote]
You are right and she will of course. She was just asking for good ideas from people who have used DSLR's for a while and I think there are some already. In reality, she will almost certainly start with a 35mm f1.8 Nikkor lens and take it from there. She will be borrowing some zooms and primes from me to test and, being a good photographer, she will find her own "optimal" approach"! But thanks to all who have provided suggestions.
I guess we on this forum can do little to resolve this dilemma...
Additionally, the list of subjects you gave above is extremely long (particularly if she's only using those three lenses above at the moment...). I'd just dump the birds, for example (unless they're really a main interest) because they require a really long lens, which, particularly if a prime setup consisting of only three to four lenses is desired, constrains the choice on the others way too much.
Also, you should give us a clue about the budget, about the weight this person is willing to carry, and about the quality requirements. The obvious four-lens zoom suggestion as far as quality goes is 12-24/4 DX + 24-70/2.8 + 70-200/2.8 + 85/1.4, but that costs a ton and weighs equally much... so swap the 85/1.4 for a 85/1.8 (or a 105/2.8 AF-S Micro) and the 70-200/2.8 for a 70-300 AF-S - now, is that good enough (that would be a clear yes for me, in fact, it's close to what I have - but other people's requirements may be different)?
If she wants more primes, I'd probably stick with the wideangle zoom and add a 50/1.4, 105/2.8 Micro, and 180/2.8 AF-D...
I think those lens choice threads are fun for speculation, but at the end, everybody's got to figure it out for themselves, especially if they're skilled photographers already...
[/quote]
You are right and she will of course. She was just asking for good ideas from people who have used DSLR's for a while and I think there are some already. In reality, she will almost certainly start with a 35mm f1.8 Nikkor lens and take it from there. She will be borrowing some zooms and primes from me to test and, being a good photographer, she will find her own "optimal" approach"! But thanks to all who have provided suggestions.