Quote Originally Posted by billybudd
For the Nikon D-70, I use the following lenses in the manner indicated. Your ideas and comments are warmly invited.

12-24 mm 4.0 (Nikon): Architecture, landscape and scenery where context and majesty are important. In photojournalist's context, the lens often disappoints by portraying too much for the viewer to take in. But when it works, it's magnificant.

35 mm 2.0 (Nikon). Low light, people and groups.

50 mm 1.8 (Nikon). Low light, people.

35-70 mm 2.8 (Nikon). This lens is panned by some reviewers as not long enough nor short enough to serve any useful purpose. I like the super sharp lens for street scenes, people, sports (if I can get close enough) and the 105 mm digital equivalent (70mm) is great for portraits and--with enough distance--becomes a wide angle lens.

28-200 D (Nikon). I know the value of this lens on film cameras. Use with digital gets mixed reviews. Is this a great travel camera or is the 42mm short side too long?

80-200 D 2.8 (Nikon). Splendid. Sports, people, wildlife, action, low light. A classic lens.

Aspirations:

The 17-55 mm 2.8 Nikon impresses me as the best all around lens for photojournalists, travel, low light, street scenes. What do you think?

Thanks for commenting.
DV
You don't have the 18-70 DX kit lens that comes with the D70?? This is an excellent lens, and very versatile. I find that for most situations in good light there's no need to put anything else on the camera. In particular for travel I find the 18mm setting essential and no way would I use the 28-200 that you mention.

In more extreme conditions - or when I want to distinguish myself from the crowds of D70 users - I fit the 17-35 f2.8, 28-70 f2.8 or 80-200 f2.8. The 17-55 is magnificent but I figure I don't really need it.

I've discovered that the 28-70 is particularly useful for flash fill-in photography in crowds. As its widest setting is fairly long (=42mm) it forces me further from the subject and gives me better balance between the subject and the background, avoids burn-out.


Charles