Nikon lens suggestions?

[Bella]

I'm switching camps . . need some advice on the better "starter" (and not thousands of dollars) lenses.

I'm purchasing a D7000 body, and will have approximately $1000 to spend on lenses. Can anyone offer some suggestions about which lenses might be good to start with? The 105mm macro I want will have to wait, since that would be almost the entire lens budget right there. Aside from macro, I tend to shoot a little of this, a little of that, so I'm looking for fairly wide coverage, but with my previous system, never really used anything more than about 300mm (35mm equivalent)

Any and all suggestions are appreciated as I try to navigate the Sea of Nikon.

-Cindy

[shnitz]

Do you want these to be lenses that last? I'm sure you have noticed, $1,000 doesn't go incredibly far when you're talking about lenses. Especially right now, since the Japanese disasters have caused shortages, leading to us having to pay MSRP for most products. Do you want to just have a decent range now, and then upgrade lenses later, or do you want to buy to last? I'm going to make my recommendations based on the fact that you're wanting lenses that last and that give respectable image quality.

First, let's talk midrange zooms, since this is what most people use, most of the time. Nikon's 16-85 with image stabilization is their best non-2.8 midrange zoom. It has very good image quality, as long as you're willing to have variable aperture, and costs $700. If you're willing to go third-party, you can always get the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or the Tokina 16-50 f/2.8 (respectively costing $640 and $590, but the Tamron is smaller, and is an image-stabilized lens. You don't get in-body stabilizationwith Nikon). I've had better luck with those two than with Sigma, but many people like them, so you could always get their offering if you're partial to them.
TexasPhotoForum.com: Photography: Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR Nikkor Wide-Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Make sure to default as Amazon for the seller, does anyone know how to fix this at the Texasphotoforum Amazon store?
TexasPhotoForum.com: Photography: Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 SP XR Di II VC (Vibration Compensation) Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I think that the 35mm f/1.8G should be a staple of anyone with a Nikon DX-sized sensor. It's back to $200 at Amazon right now, I would jump on it immediately. That's pre-tsunami pricing.
TexasPhotoForum.com: :

The 55-200 VR provides good enough image quality and is cheap and light enough, that I'd also feel okay recommending it to people new to Nikon. Should be about $250 right now.

[ryno]

A few to consider....

Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 or save a bit more and you could find a used 70-200mm f2.8 VR I in good condition for around $1500. Check the buy & sell section here on the board, you may find a good deal. Good Luck and glad to see you chose Nikon

[KenJulio]

Nikon 24-85 f2.8-4, it does macro and will provide enough range with the D7000 since it's a 1.5 crop. Which leaves you room to buy other gear.

[PhotoByLeal]

Originally Posted by KenJulio

Nikon 24-85 f2.8-4, it does macro and will provide enough range with the D7000 since it's a 1.5 crop. Which leaves you room to buy other gear.

+1 on this LOST GEM that no one likes, it's underrated and one of the sharpest lens and AWESOME in doing MACRO, about 6 and 1/2 inches away from your subject! It runs NEW $699, Used for about $325 to $500!

later....

[tc95]

Cindy...I'm gona get flogged for this one...


OK 1000.00

Kenko Extention Tubes....$150.00(New) or $110.00(Used)
(For your macro needs right now)

Used Sigma 50-150 2.8....$600.00....
(Just a great all around lens)

Used Nikon 35 1.8....$170.00
(Tact Sharp...one of cheapest nicest lenses I used to have)


Alternate Lenses:
Tamron 10-24....Used - $400.00
Sigma 10-20....Used - $375.00
Sigma 70-200....Used - $650.00
Sigma 24-60....Used - $350.00

Depends on what you shoot...the 50-150 with the extension tubes make for a great macro lens....the 35 is a must have in every DX kit....just a fantastic lens...I would get the Sigma 10-20 for your wide shots...(and it even gives you a great feel with the extension tubes too...)...but there is a lot of Alt-Glass that works...and with a budget of $1000 you will probably want to start there...I still use a lot of alt-glass...from the stand-point of getting a little more for the same amount of money...the other glass everyone stated earlier, are awesome...but you will get one for your $1000...

Just my two cents....

[Flea77]

I have a little different take:

Nikon 105mm 2.8D about $450 used
Nikon 50mm 1.8D about $90 used
Nikon 24mm 2.8D about $250 used

Put the rest in the bank and wait until you can afford something more.

Allan

[Pametz]

I like Allan's picks. Covers a fair amount of range combined with a walking zoom. You would be a little short on reach but fast+long=$$$. You can always add one of the zoom kit lenses that can give you a longer arm until you are ready to roll into 70-200 vr world.

Actually I am enjoying primes all over again and always favor the wide range so I could be perfectly (happy 80% of the time) with those lenses.

[rwwright]

just bought 24mm 2.8 used and like using it on my d300. have a 17-200 zoom that i use for normal vacation type trips. pretty sharp lens, but not like a 70-200 but costs only around $600 instead of $2000.
check the used lenses for sale often and get a good used if possible. and if you want really sharp and cheap get a 50mm 1.8 for around $100

[Bella]

Thanks everyone :)

There's a lot of great advice/suggestions in the above posts, and I definitely have more of a starting point now than I had before.

-Cindy

[brewercm]

Couple more that haven't been mentioned (at least I dont' think I saw them).

Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro, also makes a great portrait lens
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8
Nikon 50 1.8, or older 1.4 at a decent used price (if wanting low light options)

I own both of these and love them.

[PhotoWiz]

You pose a hard question to answer. Their are so many variables. 17-55mm seems like it would suit you well. I would pick up a 50mm for sure ($100).

[Concisus Cognatus]

For an everyday type lens I'd consider finding a used Nikon 18-200 mm. It's one lens to cover decent macro shots, reasonable wide shots and long shots. Pair it with one of these primes, 35 1.8 or 50 1.8, and you're set along with not spending your entire $1000 bucks. Of course i speak only from a hobbyist perspective.

[Cope]

I think the 16-85 and a 35 f/1.8 would make a good set up.

[Flea77]

I forgot to mention that the 105mm 2.8D I listed is also a very very good 1:1 Macro lens without extention rings etc. Although it does not have VR it is optically every bit as good as their new 105mm Micro lens and also an excellent long portriat lens.

Allan