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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon D70s Kit Lense Questions
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 09/10/2005 07:49:32 AM · #1
Hello everyone,

I know this has been asked before and if you could redirect me to the appropriate thread I'd appreciate it.

I've decided on the Nikon D70s for my new camera and I don't think I want the kit with all the extra stuff (have tripod etc). I've found a really good deal on body/4gb card but need to narrow what stand alone lenses I buy. I want to do portrait work, studio and informal outdoor ones too. Could I please impose upon this collective think tank as to the best lense setup for me to start with that I won't outgrow in 6 months? I've heard good things about the 85mm 1.8. Should I specialize the lenses or go with the kit of 28-80/70-300? I won̢۪t be limiting myself to just portrait work I̢۪m going to try to do some more challenges so want just a good base lense set up weighted towards portraits.

Thanks, Melissa
09/10/2005 07:54:11 AM · #2
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di as the replcement for the kit lens.
Little bit of wide angle, little bit of telephoto, macro and F2.8 through shooting range. Perfect walk-about lens.

Message edited by author 2005-09-10 07:54:26.
 09/10/2005 09:19:59 AM · #3
Give a serious consideration to the Nikon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D IF Autofocus Lens . On a D70 it covers 90% of the most used portrait settings (42-157.5mm 35mm equivenent). It also has IF, 9 blade diaphram for beautiful bokeh, and focuses to 1:2 for really good macros from a zoom. Later on you could add the 12-24 and the 80-400 and you could be completely covered by three lenses.

edit to add image



See it here on the DPC.

Message edited by author 2005-09-10 09:23:23.
 09/10/2005 09:35:10 AM · #4
Originally posted by BradP:
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di as the replcement for the kit lens.
Little bit of wide angle, little bit of telephoto, macro and F2.8 through shooting range. Perfect walk-about lens.


Absolutely awesome lens. This thing hardly ever leaves my camera. Very versatile lens.
 09/10/2005 10:01:00 AM · #5
28mm on the wide end.... That is an angle of view from a 42mm lens on a film camera, very limiting. But if it is only for portraits it will not be a problem at all.

If it is only about portraits I'd go for primes. Most of the time already sharp when stopped down a third of a stop. The 85mm f/1.8 (only the head), 50mm f/1.8 (half body/full body), 35mm f/2.0 (full body / group) might be a nice set to start with. Good contrast, color, bokeh and sharpness etc.

The kit 28-80/70-300 setup will be rather crappy in comparisson.


09/10/2005 11:02:32 AM · #6
Personally, if you have the funds, go with a few more specific lenses. I would say to get the 50mm f/1.8, the 70-200 VR lens, and the 17-35 f/2.8. That would cover most of the shooting.
 09/10/2005 11:30:13 AM · #7
I broke my kit lens when I was hit by a bicycle while photographing bicycle racing. I replaced it with an Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR lens as my everyday walk around lens. It has Vibration Reduction (VR) and works well for me on or off the tripod. I've never looked back. I probably shoot 60% of my pictures through it and 100% of the photos I take when I am traveling light. Here are a few shots I've taken with it.



Message edited by author 2005-09-10 13:41:30.
 09/10/2005 11:30:26 AM · #8
Hi, this has nothing to do with your question, but I just want to tell you that whatever you do, please do not buy at bestpricecameras.com or any other brooklyn-based electronics store. They bait and switch, and you will end up being very miserable. :)
 09/10/2005 11:34:13 AM · #9
Originally posted by traquino98:
Personally, if you have the funds, go with a few more specific lenses. I would say to get the 50mm f/1.8, the 70-200 VR lens, and the 17-35 f/2.8. That would cover most of the shooting.


IMHO, the 17-35 is not wide enough for the most popular landscape coverage of 84 degrees. The 84 degree FOV (24mm - 35mm equiv) is a natural for landscapes, because its the field of view that is aprox the same as what the eye sees with both eyes open.
Also the 70-200, while a great portrait lens, doesn't quite have the reach for wildlife.
 09/10/2005 11:54:06 AM · #10
I don't understand why not to get a kit with the 18-70mm lens. It does not include tripod or anything else, so you shouldn't worry about that, but for only $100+ extra to get a very decent lens... why not? It starts at 18mm which is way better than 28 (i have my old good old 28-105, but I rarely use it as a walkaround lens since 28mm is not nearly wide enough for a lot of shots.

Message edited by author 2005-09-10 11:54:17.
 09/10/2005 06:20:04 PM · #11
Originally posted by ltsimring:
I don't understand why not to get a kit with the 18-70mm lens. It does not include tripod or anything else, so you shouldn't worry about that, but for only $100+ extra to get a very decent lens... why not? It starts at 18mm which is way better than 28 (i have my old good old 28-105, but I rarely use it as a walkaround lens since 28mm is not nearly wide enough for a lot of shots.


The 18-70 DX is too soft for portraits at the widest apertures and it distorts like hell at 18-24mm. However, in a kit it is very cheap and well worth the money. It is decent but far from perfect.
 09/10/2005 08:25:47 PM · #12
Thank you everyone! The kit difference was $350 and I'd rather spend that on getting exactly the lenses I want/need vs what they provide.

You guys are awesome as always!!

Thanks again!
 09/10/2005 09:29:03 PM · #13
I replaced my kit lens with the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 A big improvement.

I think it's a much better lens and for some reason I could rarely take good pix with the kits lens. My kit images were soft and a little muddy to my eye and at 18mm it had pretty bad barreling.

Even though many people like the kit lens I still believe side by side the Tamron would win hands down.

Message edited by author 2005-09-10 21:31:29.
 09/10/2005 09:49:18 PM · #14
Just go 24-120 VR and so far I like it. I just wish for a wider angle. 12-24 will be next lens for me.

Nick
 09/10/2005 09:54:30 PM · #15
While everyone is suggesting what lens to buy, as for the 50 mm 1.8 one, which brand is good, to get for the Nikon D70, the Nikkor, or Sigma etc? I am taking note of all the suggestions for the other lens and will use this as a reference for the next lens I will buy after the 50mm one.

(BeachMel, I love your 'Waiting for Dad' pic. If you don't mind I'll use that for inspiration when my baby comes next year :-) )

Message edited by author 2005-09-10 21:57:08.
 09/10/2005 11:36:12 PM · #16
Originally posted by heatherd:
While everyone is suggesting what lens to buy, as for the 50 mm 1.8 one, which brand is good, to get for the Nikon D70, the Nikkor, or Sigma etc? I am taking note of all the suggestions for the other lens and will use this as a reference for the next lens I will buy after the 50mm one.


Just get the Nikkor, it's at most $100

Edit: ...and a damn nice lens. =)

Message edited by author 2005-09-10 23:36:58.
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