Nikon Users! Q Re: which lens to get?

Richardsmom_817

I'm upgrading to the Nikon d7000. 

I'm debating between the 55-200mm VR & the 35mm F/1.8.

I will also be adding an SB-400 external flash to my camera.  

Any info on either lens would be great!!!!

mamarazzi

Do you have a need for a long zoom right now?  If your kids don't play sports (and they look pretty little to be involved in them right now), the zoom probably is going to sit in your bag.

If you're looking for a portrait-type lens, the 35mm f/1.8 is a fabulous choice.  I still kick myself for selling mine.  It's a great length for portraits and the wide aperture means you can use it in low-light situations and still get great shots.  It'll also give you fabulous bokeh (that "blurred background" effect).

As far as the flash, might I recommend looking at used ones and getting the SB600?  The reason I suggest this is because the SB400 is fixed where the 600 can be tilted and rotated, allowing you to bounce the flash off the ceiling or walls, giving you a much more natural/less harsh look.

Congrats on your new purchases -- how fun!

JCS2007

I am getting the 35mm F/1.8 for my D3000.  It is the cheapest that does autofocus on the Nikon. I have the 55/200, and it is a nice lens, but we never use it, given that it is a zoom lens. I actually was kicking myself at the zoo last week b/c I didn't think to bring it, and it was the first time in ages that we could have used it. I want the 35mm b/c it is much more of a portrait lens, and given all my pics are of my kids and fairly close up, it is what will be great for me. 

I would love an external flash, but think that will have to wait. I do have a Lightscoop, which clips onto the pop up flash and seems to help some with coloring when using the flash (it makes it bounce off the ceiling and not off of the subject.

 Not sure if that helps, I am not terribly camera savvy but trying to get there!  

Richardsmom_817

Wow, thanks!  That is all great to know.  I knew it was a low light lens, which is ideal for me since well, sometimes you just don't have much light!  So, I do like the fact that it is a low light lens.  I love that bokeh effect you're talking of.  That is a very good point w/ the SB-600.  I didn't realize you could tilt w/ that flash.  I know w/ the SB-400, you can't.  My son does Soccer, but that's only twice a year, so that longer lens might be nice for that, or for vacations.....on the web site I am looking at, the 55-200 comes ON the body of the d7000 & it's only $120 more than just buying the body.  I guess that lens alone goes for over $200!  Decisions, decisions!!

r9stedt

I love my 35mm f/1.8.  I had on my 55-200 the other day, and struggled to stay far enough away.  I can't imagine trying to use that lens inside. Ditto everything mamarazzi said about the lens-- except I have mine.

I don't have an external flash, so I am no help there.   

Richardsmom_817

Wow - thanks ladies!  So you think the 55-200 would be a more ideal lens if we are at the zoo, on vacation, sports games, etc?  Not in the house? 

As for the SB-600 flash, is it HUGE?  I know the SB-400 is nice & small.

r9stedt

What lenses do you currently have?

 

I'm trying to think even why I had the 55-200 on lately.

Maybe it was to do some sunset pictures.  IDK.

Richardsmom_817

I just have the stock one that came on my Nikon d80.  Would it say on the lens which one that is exactly?

r9stedt

you would just look at the bottom number and top number (like my kit lens was 18mm-55mm)

Have you checked into having the 50mm 1.8?   It is only around $100 where the 35mm is 2x as much.  I believe it will autofocus with the d7000, but not any lower than that.

Richardsmom_817

r9stedt:

you would just look at the bottom number and top number (like my kit lens was 18mm-55mm)

Have you checked into having the 50mm 1.8?   It is only around $100 where the 35mm is 2x as much.  I believe it will autofocus with the d7000, but not any lower than that.

 

The stock lens on my d80 is an 18-135.  

Kapalua

I'm looking at maybe getting this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00125XA36/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Tamron 18-250

I have the 50mm which I stupidly bought before I realized it wouldn't AF on my D40.  But if it will on yours, I would recommend it...it really is a nice lens.  I use it mostly now to photograph my crafty stuff b/c those don't move so it's easier to manual focus!  It's pretty much impossible to use on my kids!