Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
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...

So, I think I have discovered a hobby that is more expensive than egging... After we got our babies home and payed a photographer several hundred dollars to come and take pics of them once. The thought hit me, you could do this and save money... yea right!

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?!?!?!?!?   :D

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.   :)
image
SBGE December 2012 •  XLBGE December 2013 •  Yoder YS640 July
Location: Jasper, Georgia

«1

Comments

  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    edited April 2014
    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.
  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 15,427
    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!  
    _____________

    "I mean, I don't just kill guys, I'm notorious for doing in houseplants."  - Maggie, Northern Exposure


  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    Addendum, Large single aperture is great in low light(re:indoor) which will be the vast majority of your shots.
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    edited April 2014
    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. 


    image

    image


    ------------------------------
    Thomasville, NC
    My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
    Instagram
    Facebook
    My Photography Site
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
    edited April 2014
    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....
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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
  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414

    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. 

    Exactly why I recommend VR with a 4.
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
    edited April 2014

    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.

    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....
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    @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
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136

    @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 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.
    Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
    edited April 2014

    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". 

    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.
    Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    edited April 2014
    @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
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136

    @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. 


    Cool man. This damn thread is why I'm running late this morning. Sucked me in! ;)
    Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    edited April 2014
    @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 get that, but action photography(in terms of fast movement with direction change; sports) won't really come into play for 8 or 9 years. Prior to that, indoor work with poor lighting will be plays/recitals and any sporting event will involve a lot of crowding around a ball and not much "action". Lenses hold their value well so you can easily trade up. I like future-proofing as much as the next guy so I completely agree with your point(EDIT: your point in your 9:13am post)
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
    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....
  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    Also, @cazzy and @tarheelmatt, tripod/monopod FTW, VR be damned. A lot cheaper too!   :D
  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    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.
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136


    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.

    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. :P
    Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
  • jtippers
    jtippers Posts: 512
    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?" 
    :D
    SBGE December 2012 •  XLBGE December 2013 •  Yoder YS640 July
    Location: Jasper, Georgia

  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    @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
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
    jtippers 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?" 
    :D

    I will speak for all of us and say NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! [-X
    Just a hack that makes some $hitty BBQ....
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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
  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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
  • cazzy
    cazzy Posts: 9,136
    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....
  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    edited April 2014

    Well, it's not right(light) or dark(well, black vs grey, so there). Nikon is just backwards. Zoom, exposure, lens attachment. How contrarian.  ;)
  • jtippers
    jtippers Posts: 512
    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 July
    Location: Jasper, Georgia

  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    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