Lense selection

[markafstop]

Hi all,

I understand that some ranges are better for events, others portraits.

I am looking around for a portrait lense to replace my kit lens, as the sharpness and CA are unacceptable. Is there any criteria for selection?

To extend that question, are there some criteria (in general) when choosing a lense? Sharpness, CA, finishing etc etc?

If there's more specifications I can provide, please let me know ;)

Thanks!

[espn]

There's no hard and fixed lens to choose for a particular shoot, sometimes thinking out of the box and exploring the endless possibilities do get you some surprises.

However, if you're looking at portrait lenses, some of the common ones are the 50mm, 85mm and 70-200mm.

Criteria for me in selecting lenses is subjective for you, so you have to even out for yourself:

i) Image colour
ii) Sharpness
iii) Lens built
iv) Aperture

As you can see my criteria and my choices are very toned towards my own preference, so you have to ask yourself if these fit you.

Eg:

50 f/1.8, I got it because it's cheap, reasonable sharpness/DOF and of course a very large aperture of f/1.8. Good for lowlight, walkabout, portraits and more.

You need to evaluate what you are seeking in getting a new lense, better quality? Faster aperture?

Lastly but not least, of course price will be a major concern as well. A kit lens is good in many ways, but of course there are better ones out there, but how much are you willing to spend is also going to limit your search criteria.

[harrynkl]

Hi all,

I understand that some ranges are better for events, others portraits.

I am looking around for a portrait lense to replace my kit lens, as the sharpness and CA are unacceptable. Is there any criteria for selection?

To extend that question, are there some criteria (in general) when choosing a lense? Sharpness, CA, finishing etc etc?

If there's more specifications I can provide, please let me know ;)

Thanks!

for portrait a 50 1.8 or a 85 will do.
events coverages anything from 24-105 if u using FF Nikon or get the 17-55 for crop factor

[markafstop]

hi guys, thanks for your comprehensive advice.

Build of the lens is something that surfaced as an important consideration recently. What do you consider a "good build" lens? I'm not too familiar with the construction of the lens myself.

Personally, sharpness matters a lot, other than build.

[espn]

hi guys, thanks for your comprehensive advice.

Build of the lens is something that surfaced as an important consideration recently. What do you consider a "good build" lens? I'm not too familiar with the construction of the lens myself.

Personally, sharpness matters a lot, other than build.
To me sturdiness, weight, and design. A proper designed lens will have ample weight to aid in the shoot, holding and ease of zoom/ergonomics.

Like I said, it's really my criteria, so you have to consider for yourself if you need this criteira.

Sharpness is a very debatable issue as everybody's perception of sharpness is different. My definition of sharpness is as long as the edges of the subjects/items in the image is clearly enough defined, it's sharp enough.

Resolution which resolves the pimples, nostril hairs etc, doesn't belong to the sharp category though, that's more on sensor and optics.

[markafstop]

Hi espn,

Thanks for your advice.

I agree with you that sturdiness is important.. I guess that affects the durability. Would that mean lenses with metallic parts are more lasting? The zooming of my kit lens is showing signs of resistance at certain ranges.

[espn]

Well, technically and physically speaking yes. Pro-longed usage over time of course will wear the parts out eventually, but you're looking at driving a BMW vs a Cherry QQ.

What you pay, what you get. Hope this example helps.

[danielho]

Can I ask which type of lens is suitable for wedding photography? Any recommendation?

[espn]

Can I ask which type of lens is suitable for wedding photography? Any recommendation?
Any glass can be suitable, there's no hard and fast rule actually.

[Stanley]

Can I ask which type of lens is suitable for wedding photography? Any recommendation?

For me the best is 16-80mm, but not for full frame.

[danielho]

For me the best is 16-80mm, but not for full frame.

Hmm how about 17-50mm or 18-200mm?

[Stanley]

Hmm how about 17-50mm or 18-200mm?

17-50mm:thumbsup: but 18-200mm too long liao, and this lens not very good.

[harrynkl]

Can I ask which type of lens is suitable for wedding photography? Any recommendation?


some photog use only prime lens to shoot and some use mid range zoom or even all in one zoom lens.

It all in you, do a trial and error then you will know what suit you. We can only advice you, but in the end, you the one behind the cam and shooting it :thumbsup:

[markafstop]

Well, technically and physically speaking yes. Pro-longed usage over time of course will wear the parts out eventually, but you're looking at driving a BMW vs a Cherry QQ.

What you pay, what you get. Hope this example helps.

Hi espn,

Thanks again for your advice. This leads me to looking at 3rd party lenses, specifically Sigma, Tokina and Tamron. Has anyone used these before, and how do you find their build?

[espn]

Hi espn,

Thanks again for your advice. This leads me to looking at 3rd party lenses, specifically Sigma, Tokina and Tamron. Has anyone used these before, and how do you find their build?
Build wise, I find they are adequately built for normal usage, however, personally don't like the usage of plastics in some of the moving parts. Some do swear by 3rd party, I think it's a personal psychological effect on everybody.

Some will like it, some like me although not a 'purist' but we just want the best we can get.

Bear in mind, something which I find very true - It's not how expensive your setup is. It's how good your images are. Go with your heart. :)

[Stanley]

Build wise, I find they are adequately built for normal usage, however, personally don't like the usage of plastics in some of the moving parts. Some do swear by 3rd party, I think it's a personal psychological effect on everybody.

Some will like it, some like me although not a 'purist' but we just want the best we can get.

Bear in mind, something which I find very true - It's not how expensive your setup is. It's how good your images are. Go with your heart. :)

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Good said! So ART also!

[Lone Wolf]

Hi espn,

Thanks again for your advice. This leads me to looking at 3rd party lenses, specifically Sigma, Tokina and Tamron. Has anyone used these before, and how do you find their build? From your initial post, I gather that what you want to gain with a new lens is sharpness and chromatic aberration control. Since your primary usage would be for portraiture, you should be looking a primes rather than at zooms. However, whilst I am satisfied with the primes I have from Sigma and Tamron, the ones I have are rather long for portraiture, unless you are okay with posing your model via handphone.;)

[Rex]

If you're getting something for portraiture, usually it's often advisable to use prime e.g. 50 f1.8 and 85 f1.8 which are both value for money, costing $130 and $660 respectively.

If you don't mind spending more, you might want to even consider the 85L or the 135L. both of these lens are of superb built quality, bokeh and colour, which would create splendid results due to the lens coating.

[markafstop]

Thanks guys, for all your valuable advice which allowed me to look at this question from multiple perspectives. I guess the bottomline is back to what you need, then test and match against expectations. :coolnod:

[jacky001]

My friend keeps saying "get a prime lense...... get a prime lense....... "

OKAY! now I'm confused. I currently have a:

sigma 28-70mm F2.8-4DG and a sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro

I think it would be good to get something in a lower range (sorry about the verbage) so I'm looking at 17-135mm or 18-200mm, with a price range of about $3-400. My friend at work is recommending something like 17-35mm

Can someone help me figure out a "prime lense". (I'm guessing that it's a lense I will use nearly all teh time). I shoot all sorts of things from protraits, sports to scenery.

Also how can I tell if the lense is fully compatible with a D80.

Brand-wise I'm looking at Sigma, Tamaron or Nikon in case thats important to know.

[KopiOkaya]

Can someone help me figure out a "prime lense". (I'm guessing that it's a lense I will use nearly all teh time). I shoot all sorts of things from protraits, sports to scenery.

With today's advanced technology, most modern zoom lenses are as good as their "prime" counterparts. In terms of image quality, there are minute differences between both.

Also how can I tell if the lense is fully compatible with a D80.

Bring along the D80 when shopping for lenses. If compatibility concerns you, just buy Nikon.

sigma 28-70mm F2.8-4DG and a sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro

These lenses are good enough for your current photography needs. If buying a "prime" lens is your priority, I suggest buying the Sigma 50mm f1.4 HSM.

My friend keeps saying "get a prime lense...... get a prime lense....... "

By the way, it is "lens", not "lense".

[excelglsi]

My friend keeps saying "get a prime lense...... get a prime lense....... "





Yes for mi prime is alway better... But its sometime too limited... As for zoom lens U need to got a BIG HOLE lens like the F2.8, be it 70-200yr or a 80-400VR, it will cost more..")

I would say a 70-200vr for u to solve all ur need. It can do almost everythin .. Just my 2 cent tot :coolnod:

[KopiOkaya]

I shoot all sorts of things from protraits, sports to scenery.

I would say a 70-200vr for u to solve all ur need. It can do almost everythin ..

For 70-200 f2.8, I suggest buying Nikon, not Sigma or Tamron.

[TheChef]

Can someone help me figure out a "prime lense". (I'm guessing that it's a lense I will use nearly all teh time). I shoot all sorts of things from protraits, sports to scenery.

Also how can I tell if the lense is fully compatible with a D80.

Brand-wise I'm looking at Sigma, Tamaron or Nikon in case thats important to know.

For portrait - Nikkor 70-200f2.8VR (if money is not a problem) or Sigma 50f1.4HSM.
For sports - Nikkor 200-400f4VR2 (if money is not a problem) or Nikkor 80-400VR
For scenery - Nikkor 14-24 (if money is not a problem) or Nikkor 16-85VR

[KopiOkaya]

FFor scenery - Nikkor 14-24 (if money is not a problem)

Walao~~~ FX lens on a DX body is a little overkill leh. Since Jacky likes Sigma lenses, I recommend the Sigma 10-20 f3.5 HSM. :coolnod:

[KopiOkaya]

Walao~~~ FX lens on a DX body is a little overkill leh. Since Jacky likes Sigma lenses, I recommend the Sigma 10-20 f3.5 HSM. :coolnod:

Okay, I retract my words... :o :knock1::knock1::knock1: The Nikon 14-24 AFS f2.8G ED is indeed a great lens for DX camera too. :thumbsup:

[TheChef]

Okay, I retract my words... :o :knock1::knock1::knock1: The Nikon 14-24 AFS f2.8G ED is indeed a great lens for DX camera too. :thumbsup:

BBB arghk!!! :rofl:

[jackk001]

I have a D80 and right now I am using a standard 18-55 Nikon lense. I have used my friend's Nikon 70-200 Nikon lenses. I am shopping around and alot people are showing me the Tamron or Sigma version of the 70-200 for the D80. I'm confused. Can anyone tell me if there is a huge difference in quality and functionality between the Nikon brand and these sometimes less expensive brands?

Any help at all would be great.

[TheChef]

I have a D80 and right now I am using a standard 18-55 Nikon lense. I have used my friend's Nikon 70-200 Nikon lenses. I am shopping around and alot people are showing me the Tamron or Sigma version of the 70-200 for the D80. I'm confused. Can anyone tell me if there is a huge difference in quality and functionality between the Nikon brand and these sometimes less expensive brands?

Any help at all would be great.

It depends on what you believe in. Some believe that the man behind the equipment makes the difference, while others believe that the equipment in front of the man is important. If you believe that the man behind the equipment makes the difference, then it is not important whether your lens is a Samyang, Tamron, Sigma, Tokina or Nikkor. Just buy the cheapest lor. If you believe in the latter, then BBB Nikkor lenses lor.

[KopiOkaya]

It depends on what you believe in.

Agree!!! :cheers:

If brand is a concern to you, go for Nikon. If you BSBS (Buy Sell Buy Sell) often, buy Nikon. If you have extra money to spare, buy Nikon. If you have the habit of pixel-peeping and feel that original lenses equal better images, buy Nikon. BECAUSE... after using so many third party lenses (Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, Carl Zeiss, Soligor, Vivitar... you name it, I've used it), I still bought Nikon lenses in the end. :coolnod:

[brotherian11]

i have to agree, after using Sigma's and tamrons

Nikon's still has the best overall image quality that i want