lens for my d50?

[1low6]

im wanting to pick up a new lens for my d50. i already have a descent lens for zoom, but as for more closer shots the lens i have isnt up to par i think. i go to alot of car shows and do alot of photography with cars. right now i just use the 28-80 lens that came with my camera, but would like to get a lens of higher quality. im not really sure what lens i should buy, so i was hoping someone could help me out.

[deckcadet]

Easy. Take your pick between the following:

Nikon AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF DX Aspherical... an inexpensive lens with very good optical quality at a low price. New cost at B&H: $270 for import, $320 for USA.

Sigma AF 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro...supposedly pretty good, slightly faster at the wide end, and with a macro function with a 1:2.3 magnification ratio. It does not have AF-S (or rather, it does not have the Sigma HSM version of AF-S), but still works quite well I'm told. $389.

Sigma AF 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC... constant f/2.8 aperture, in their EX series of lenses, good quality and only $409. Also lacks HSM though.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF]...also constant f/2.8, a relatively recent addition to the line. If you get a good sample it is supposedly excellent, though a few people had less than stellar copies. $449.
Tokina is supposed to be coming out with a 16-50mm f/2.8 soon, but no availabilty or price seems to be out yet. They have a good reputation for their recent digital lenses, such as their 12-24mm f/4.

Nikon has their 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX, which is the top of the line in this group. It is very expensive, over $1000 new. IMO it is worth its price, but oftentimes a lens isn't worth considering if you just flat out can't afford a $1000 lens.

Really the key here is getting a good sample. If you can pick up one locally it may be worth it to try it before you buy. I personally am not keen on the looks or feel of Tamron lenses, but that is a personal preference. I love Nikon glass, but honestly the really good stuff is expensive. I paid $975 for my used (but pristine) copy of the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX lens, and while it is worth every penny, you'd probably be more able to afford the Tamron 17-50 at the lower price.

Hope this helps

[1low6]

that actually helps alot, thank you. one more question. i was browsing online for the nokon 18-70 lens and it always seems to mention the d70 or the d200 in the review. well that lens work with the d50?

[deckcadet]

Yes, all Nikon DX lenses are compatible with the D50, as are basically all the autofocus Nikon lenses.

[1low6]

sweet thanks alot

[tknight]

I am new to this sight and somewhat new to SLR's so HELLO everyone. On with the subject at hand. I have had my D50 with the Nikon 18-70 since January. I am still learning the strengths and weakness of this lens. The strength that I am most impressed with is how well it and the D50 work together with the D50's ability to keep its noise down at higher ISO's. When I am indoors and need to keep the shutter speed up I turn the ISO up to 800 and shoot away. On a monopole or tripod this lens takes quality shots at f/8. What I don't like is close up portraits taken wide open at 18mm. For any indoor shots taking candid indoor pictures without the flash and in manual I use my Nikon 50/f1.8 lens, it takes awesome hand held pictures in this situation.

[another view]

What I don't like is close up portraits taken wide open at 18mm. For any indoor shots taking candid indoor pictures without the flash and in manual I use my Nikon 50/f1.8 lens, it takes awesome hand held pictures in this situation.

Hi and welcome - most lenses, especially zooms, don't perform at their best wide open. One stop down makes an improvement and sometimes two stops is much better. In the case of an f3.5 wide open aperture at 18mm, you're very close to the f8 you mentioned by closing down two stops. Primes are usually better at this, and that 50 f1.8 is a really good lens. It's deceiving how good a lens can be that only costs $100 brand new for a US model, but it's really a sharp lens.

[starriderrick]

I'm going to suggest a 50mm 1.8D. This will be my first choice for a Prime lense upgrade.
I recently got the Sigma 10-20mm... I just have to wait for my D80...

Here is a good site for comparison, reviews for Nikon


http://www.dealtime.com/xPP-camera_lenses--brand_nikon


With regards,
Rick