Lens/upgrade recommendations

[Weenis]

So.. I've got a D90 and a 18-55mm (non vr) an 18-105 VR (came with the d90) and a 55-200 non vr and a 50 f/1.8D.

I'm trying to debate what I should do next and thought here would be a good place to ask for advice.

In the future I'd like to move to FX format but not sure yet.. I don't want to drop over 1500 on a body really.. but I'd like to go to full frame at some point.. Not sure what the best path is from here.

I'd like one piece of really nice glass. I would love a 70-200mm f/2.8VR II but yeah, can't justify that as it's more of a hobby. I mostly do landscape/touristy photos now but would like to start doing a lot of portraiture.

I've been mulling over an 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR / 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR (since it could be used on FX later..) / or an 80-200mm f/2.8D

I'm not entirely opposed to switching to Canon, but I like the ergonomics of Nikon.

Any recommendations would be awesome.

 

[Daggah]

Your 50 f1.8D is more like a 75mm lens on a crop sensor camera. Get the 35mm F1.8G. It's $200 and a fantastic lens, and it gives you a "nifty fifty" prime. Other than that, what's your budget? I just bought a Tokina 11-16 ultra-wide angle and I can't wait to try it out.

 

[Weenis]

Well I don't have a specific budget laid out, I'm just trying to get the most bang for my buck.

grabbed a 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR from a guy locally for 375$

 

[MN Scout]

That seams to be a great price for the 18-200. I haven't been keeping track of the market....

You may just want to go FX instead of putting more money into DX glass. Buying it used, 18-200, sure does help soften the resale blow though.

My dream FX kit at the moment would be D800, 14-24, 50 1.8G, 70-300mm. If I went FX right now the only lens I'd need is the 14-24. Already have a 35mm Hartblei Tilt Shift, 50 1.8D, and a 70-300. For pictures with people in them, I like the compression provided by longer lenses, so I'm not sure how much the 50 would even get used. I need to get an FX!

You do have a very nice collection though. I'd be very happy shooting it.

 

[Daggah]

Your dream FX kit doesn't include the Nikon holy trinity (24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8), what's up with that?

What would be your actual reason for going FX? What specifically about full-frame would you require?

Anyway, Weenis, that's a great price for the 18-200, but you now have a three lenses that cover the same focal range, all of them zoom lenses that compromise a bit of sharpness for image quality. The 18-200 is great for convenience but if you're going to use it a lot, you should consider selling the other two 18-zoom lenses you have. And I still say every DX shooter NEEDS to own the 35 1.8.

 

[Weenis]

Your dream FX kit doesn't include the Nikon holy trinity (24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8), what's up with that?

What would be your actual reason for going FX? What specifically about full-frame would you require?

Anyway, Weenis, that's a great price for the 18-200, but you now have a three lenses that cover the same focal range, all of them zoom lenses that compromise a bit of sharpness for image quality. The 18-200 is great for convenience but if you're going to use it a lot, you should consider selling the other two 18-zoom lenses you have. And I still say every DX shooter NEEDS to own the 35 1.8.

I'm trying to sell the 18-55 and 55-200.. but no one is biting so far on CL.

I thought about grabbing the 80-200mm F/2.8 ED because that would work well on DX/FX.. it's just ugh.. moving to a d600 + FX glass would be super wallet rape.. I just can't afford that. Let alone a D800 witha 70-200 2.8.

I have the 50 1.8D.. I was still kinda new to shooting SLR when I got it and didn't know of the 35 1.8.

 

[Empty_Quarter]

If not the 35mm, check out the 85mm 1.8, a short tele with epic bokeh for a low price. Compatible with fx too

 

[cyclone3d]

You "need" a 50/1.2 or 135/1.8 :-D

 

[northrop]

I'm trying to sell the 18-55 and 55-200.. but no one is biting so far on CL.

I thought about grabbing the 80-200mm F/2.8 ED because that would work well on DX/FX.. it's just ugh.. moving to a d600 + FX glass would be super wallet rape.. I just can't afford that. Let alone a D800 witha 70-200 2.8.

I have the 50 1.8D.. I was still kinda new to shooting SLR when I got it and didn't know of the 35 1.8.

I picked up my first DSLR back in '07. After using it for a few months, and doing a little bit of research, I knew I wanted to upgrade to FX. You know how long it too me to actually do it? Five years! I was still in college, mind you, working a part time job in retail, paying for everything myself, so take the time frame with a grain of salt. But yes, a jump to a full frame isn't easy on the wallet. I averaged one lens purchase per year, and then finally, this year, when I had all the FX glass, I picked up the D800.

My advice? Do the same thing. Unless you're doing it professionally, there's no good reason to upgrade "now". Especially if you're short on cash. Be patient and be smart about your purchases. Don't buy the "same" lens twice. If you really want that 70-200 II, don't buy 80-200. Save up, get it six month later. Get the gear you want. Again.. it took me five years to get to where I am with the gear that I have. But I do photography for shits and giggles, so YMMV

 

[Daggah]

If not the 35mm, check out the 85mm 1.8, a short tele with epic bokeh for a low price. Compatible with fx too

85 1.8 is a weird focal length for DX cameras. You'll have a hard time getting far enough away from your subjects in a lot of situations. Get the 35 first.

 

[Empty_Quarter]

85 1.8 is a weird focal length for DX cameras. You'll have a hard time getting far enough away from your subjects in a lot of situations. Get the 35 first.

hmm, I do feel 50 at times is a little "wide", I think 85 is perfect for street photography and portraits. I also think it's a very ideal lens for the brenizer technique. If I had to pick one of the primes, I'd pick the 85

35 is great for DX, but weenis is looking to jump the FX ship at some point, he might as well start looking into FX compatible lenses (though he could get the 35mm f/2)