Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
OT - Question for you photography buffs out there...
I sold the wifey on the idea and picked up a Nikon D5200 with a 18-55 kit lens and then got a 50mm prime lens. I love the 50mm. Can you say BOKEH?!?!?!?!?
The kit lens does fine, but I would like to upgrade and find a variable zoom lens with a longer reach (in the 100-200mm range) that can get close to the quality of the prime lens without spending a thousand dollars or more.
Is this possible? Any recommendations? I am not opposed to off brands as long as the build quality is good...
Thanks,
Josh
PS: I have lots of motivation to take good pics... This is this is their first fight.
Comments
-
For zooms I prefer large single aperture lenses. Since you have little chilluns, I'd look for a 2.8 or 4/VR mid-range (20ish to 100ish or 70-200). Unfortunately, Nikkor, just like Canon, will be a pretty penny and close to a grand. I'd look at Sigma or Tamron which can offer equal IQ to all but the most discerning pros for a third of the price.
-
Nikon makes so many zoom ranges you pretty much needs to just pick what you want, make sure the aperture is wide enough to get the bokeh you want, and that you can afford. I will say that modern CAM (that's computer-Aided manufacturing) and lens design are such that you really can't tell the difference between a prime and a modern zoom lens, except a prime can usually go wider/faster.I have a 12-24 f2.8-4.0, a 24-85 f2.8-4.0, 80-200f2.8, 300f4, and 105f2.8 Macro; all are Nikkors except the 12-24, which is a Tokina (I don't shoot enough wide-angle to justify the cost of the Nikkor, and the Tokina is fine). I still have my Nikkor 20f2.8 and 50f1.8, but don't use them anymore.Love that pic!_____________
"Pro-Life" would be twenty students graduating from Sandy Hook next month
-
Addendum, Large single aperture is great in low light(re:indoor) which will be the vast majority of your shots.
-
The 70-200 VRII stays on my D600 85% of the time. I had the Sigma equivalent and I can tell you if you have the funds to do so, get that lens. Portraits, sportraits, you name it it will do it. Plus if you ever go FX the 70-200 VRII will do wonders!
Sorry, but the last two I had to download from Facebook and upload (Facebook degrades photos, so the final is much sharper). Thought they were on my site.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
I will say though, the Sigma version got me started. I bought a used 70-200 HSM II (non-OS) model. It was my workhorse for a long time. You can get them used for around $600 or so. Maybe cheaper.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
Also, per the new DXO charts the new Tamron is supposed to be almost as sharp as the Nikon 70-200 VRII!
Another avenue if you want Nikon, is to get a 70-200 VRI model. You can get those for around $1400 in good condition. Adorama and B and H have great deals on used models that carry a warranty.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
I'd go with the Nikon 24-120mm f/4.
It's cheap, has good all around reach, it's light, has VR II and it will take some great images. It's not a 2.8, but you're not spending 2.8 money and it's more practical to carry while you're chasing those 2 cute kids around.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/729948-USA/Nikon_2193_AF_S_NIKKOR_24_120mm_f_4G.html
I went this route cause you mentioned how expensive the hobby is. Concerning bokeh, it is achievable with f/4 when compression and subject to background distance come into play. Lots of pros are switching to f/4 glass for the weight alone.Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
The 24-120 f/4 is a great lens for sure, however when the kids get into other activities the extra stop will come in handy. When you get into a gymnasium or auditorium f/4 just isn't enough.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
Exactly why I recommend VR with a 4.tarheelmatt said:The 24-120 f/4 is a great lens for sure, however when the kids get into other activities the extra stop will come in handy. When you get into a gymnasium or auditorium f/4 just isn't enough.
-
Yeah, but i dont get the impression that he's ready to invest 3 times the cost of his body on 1 lens. What works for you doesn't work for everyone.tarheelmatt said:The 24-120 f/4 is a great lens for sure, however when the kids get into other activities the extra stop will come in handy. When you get into a gymnasium or auditorium f/4 just isn't enough.
I love 2.8, and wouldn't trade my 14-24 for anything... I didn't care for the focus breathing on the 70-200 f/2.8 VR II. Use the Canon equivalent and you'll realize how off your lens is. I returned it.
Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
@Eggcelsior - VR shouldn't be used with moving objects, but I guess in a pinch and if that is what you have, that works.
@cazzy - That is why I recommended a used VRI, Tamron, or Sigma. I bought my first Sigma 70-200 2.8 for $650.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
I am trying to save the guy in the future from saying "man, I really need a little more reach and faster lens for my kids playing ball, gymnastics, etc".
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
I didn't see your follow up response. I like that lens better than the VRII. A lot of people were let down with the focus breathing issue. Lots of glass does that, but it was pretty extreme with the VRII. Still great glass though.tarheelmatt said:@Eggcelsior - VR shouldn't be used with moving objects, but I guess in a pinch and if that is what you have, that works.
@cazzy - That is why I recommended a used VRI, Tamron, or Sigma. I bought my first Sigma 70-200 2.8 for $650.
Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
Yeah, but one stop isn't going to help him too much. I'd rather see him get a current gen consumer-pro full frame body in 4 years...assuming his boys decide to take up gymnastics. To me, one stop is less important than having a body that takes great high ISO shots.tarheelmatt said:I am trying to save the guy in the future from saying "man, I really need a little more reach and faster lens for my kids playing ball, gymnastics, etc".
Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
@cazzy - The focus breathing is a non-issue for me. When I was wanting one I read these horror stories and it scared me. It has been love at first site since.
Either lens you just cannot go wrong and my suggestion may not work for him and that is okay. Just thought I would throw the ideas out there.
My theroy is glass first, body last....
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
Cool man. This damn thread is why I'm running late this morning. Sucked me in!tarheelmatt said:@cazzy - The focus breathing is a non-issue for me. When I was wanting one I read these horror stories and it scared me. It has been love at first site since.
Either lens you just cannot go wrong and my suggestion may not work for him and that is okay. Just thought I would throw the ideas out there.Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
tarheelmatt said:@Eggcelsior - VR shouldn't be used with moving objects, but I guess in a pinch and if that is what you have, that works.
@cazzy - That is why I recommended a used VRI, Tamron, or Sigma. I bought my first Sigma 70-200 2.8 for $650. -
I agree with your viewpoint 100%. However, a good sensor owns one stop in the scenario you gave.Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
-
Also, @cazzy and @tarheelmatt, tripod/monopod FTW, VR be damned. A lot cheaper too!
-
cazzy said:I agree with your viewpoint 100%. However, a good sensor owns one stop in the scenario you gave.
-
That's why I love love love love love love love my 6D. The sesnor is amazing at high ISO. Night and day with my T3i.Eggcelsior said:cazzy said:I agree with your viewpoint 100%. However, a good sensor owns one stop in the scenario you gave.
Didn't know you upgraded...good for you. Full Frame what what!
Sounds like the T3i lasted as long in your hands as it did in mine. Cept, I went to the dark side...or should I say, right side. :PJust a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
Holy cow... I created this post and looked away for a couple of hours. I never dreamed of starting this kind of discussion. What do you guys think about the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VRII?
B&H has a refurbished one for $430. That is more along my price range.
Stay tuned for my next post titled... "Do you like beans in your chilli?"
SBGE December 2012 • XLBGE December 2013 • Yoder YS640 JulyLocation: Jasper, Georgia -
@cazzy Sorry brother!
@Eggcelsior - Well, regardless of the avenue the OP takes, if he gets a 24-120, 70-200 (Siggy, Tammy, or Nikon) he will be set for a while.
Sometimes I get ahead of myself and forget to post things, so I have to go back...
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
I will speak for all of us and say NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! [-Xjtippers said:Holy cow... I created this post and looked away for a couple of hours. I never dreamed of starting this kind of discussion. What do you guys think about the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VRII?
B&H has a refurbished one for $430. That is more along my price range.
Stay tuned for my next post titled... "Do you like beans in your chilli?"Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
Eggcelsior FF is the way to go. I came from a D300 which was a great sports body, but when I jumped to FF it was a game changer.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
jtippers - Please post your budget (max) and I am sure we can help. The 18-200 is still a "kit" lens. Its a good lens though.
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
Don't get me wrong, it's better than your kit lens. The question you have to ask yourself is "where do I want to go with photography". If you want to eliminate the cost of hiring a pro...you need to invest in yourself.
Also...what shooting mode are you using right now?Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ.... -
Well, it's not right(light) or dark(well, black vs grey, so there). Nikon is just backwards. Zoom, exposure, lens attachment. How contrarian.
-
I was hoping to stay around $500. I have already sunk a lot into the hobby (camera, prime lens, Photoshop, speedlight, etc.) and don't want to go over the deep end anymore than I already have.
@Cazzy - I have been shooting in Aperture Priority mode.
SBGE December 2012 • XLBGE December 2013 • Yoder YS640 JulyLocation: Jasper, Georgia -
Give me a Canon and I am lost.. lol Probably the same giving a NIkon to a Canon buff... They could save some money by dropping Av and Tv and just having A and S like the good side...
------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site
Categories
- All Categories
- 182.7K EggHead Forum
- 15.7K Forum List
- 459 EGGtoberfest
- 1.9K Forum Feedback
- 10.3K Off Topic
- 2.2K EGG Table Forum
- 1 Rules & Disclaimer
- 9K Cookbook
- 12 Valentines Day
- 91 Holiday Recipes
- 223 Appetizers
- 516 Baking
- 2.4K Beef
- 88 Desserts
- 163 Lamb
- 2.4K Pork
- 1.5K Poultry
- 30 Salads and Dressings
- 320 Sauces, Rubs, Marinades
- 543 Seafood
- 175 Sides
- 121 Soups, Stews, Chilis
- 35 Vegetarian
- 100 Vegetables
- 313 Health
- 293 Weight Loss Forum