If you could only have one lense!!!

O_S_O_K

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OK, here is the scenario. I am getting ready to go to Hawaii with the family next month. I am also ready to invest in a new lense.

I own a Nikon D7000 and I currently own the 18-105mm kit lense, the 50mm 1.8 lense, and the 70-300mm lense. They all do a pretty good job but I am ready for a more professional lense that will give me that extra bit of clarity and sharpness.

Now I spend most of my time photographing wildlife and shooting in the outdoors. Because of this I have been looking at the 80-400 lense. I know this will only perform well in good light but I really want the extra zoom.

I really want to make sure I have a lense with me in Hawaii that will capture the memories.

My question is: If you could only buy one lense to have with you on a trip like this which lense would it be and why?

I only have about $1,500 to spend and I know that somewhat limits me but I still want to hear from the experts on here. What lense would give me the best vacation, landscape type pics? Will the 50mm or the 18-105mm I have do the trick? If so which one? Would the high zoom work or should I really consider getting a different lense for the trip and wait on the 80-400mm? Reasons?

Thanks for any insight!


"The problem with quotes on Internet Forums is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
 
You might consider a used Nikon 24-70. You'd be shooting through the sharpest center of the lens with your crop 7000, but would have a pretty good lens if you upgrade to a FF body in the future. It might not be the best for wildlife, but would be better for landscapes on your vacation.

For landscapes, I use my 16-35 f/4 the most on my D90.
Your 70-300 should pretty good up to 200mm for telephoto landscapes, and then get softer, as mine does.

The 80-400 reportedly is slower to focus and is in long need of an upgrade. For wildlife, I went 300 f/4 and a TC 1.4

Will you have a tripod to use on your vacation to give you sharper landscapes? If not and handholding, the new Tamron 24-70 has VR, while the Nikon does not.

You are welcome to visit my Photo Gallery here http://www.plateaulightphotography.com/
The-Wave-9-15-10edited_210.jpg
 
Thanks Redrabbit,

PM Sent


"The problem with quotes on Internet Forums is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
 
I concur that the 80-400 is LOOOOONG overdue for a remake. The 24-70 lens is a great lens and if you can grab a used one that would be a great option. Another terrific lens is the Nikon 24-120mm. Not a 2.8 but sharp and great color reproduction.
The Tamron 24-70 2.8 is also a terrific lens at a very low price.

Joel Paymer
Camera Land
575 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
212-753-5128
www.cameralandny.com
 
Thanks Joel for your time today. Really appreciate your assistance.

Just a plug for Cameraland and Joel. Talk about service! I am 100% sold and will use them from here on out.


"The problem with quotes on Internet Forums is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
 
For what its worth ( I have a lot less experience than the guys who responded already ) my "do all" lens is a 18-200 VRII

Its easy to use, VRII, and lightweight

I use my 80-400 a lot but it is pretty bulky and heavy for vacation photos. The 18-200 will take great landscapes and has enough zoom to take portait shots and some wildlife.
 
Thanks NeverStop for the feedback,

I actually decided that my 18-105 should do the trick. It's actually a very good lens, especially for a kit lens and I shouldn't need too much zoom while in Hawaii. I figure if I am using my tri-pod I should be able to get good shots.

I have a hard time buying another lense that already covers the ranges I have covered. I am also seriously considering getting an FX camera in the near future so that may change my take on the type of lenses I would want for that camera.

Anyway, thanks again. It's always nice to hear other people's opinions and perspectives, many of which I have never thought about.

PS Yes, I did change how I am spelling Lens and I did so intentionally. I did some research on the proper spelling of the word as it always comes up as incorrect in spell checker. Apparently I spelled it wrong to begin with (Lense). Most mainstream dictionaries don't list it as an alternative spelling but some others do. It seems that many people will accept either spelling but I want to make sure it's correct. Why does this bother me? I think my Mother, who is an English major, may be the culprit. One last point. If we accept the plural spelling to be Lenses, then the correct singular of the word should be Lense. Just saying! Wheew, it's good to get that off my chest. Thanks Mom :)


"The problem with quotes on Internet Forums is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
 

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