Recomended lens for £600

sisniper

Hi Guys

Ive always sworn not to post this sort of question but need some input

Ive got a spare bit of cash (£600) that i need to spend before my wife does:)

I have a D300, D5100, Sigma 70-200 2.8 (non OS), 18-55 stock and 35mm 1.8dx, not sure what lens to add to the list (possibly a macro 105??) I class myself as a generalist so probably dosnt help deciding

so seems like i have 3 possibilities - im happy to stick with DX if thats a better option

fisheye - if so which one?
general - 18-200 afd ??
macro - 105 2.8

Im happy to buy on ebay to save a few quid as well

thanks guys

Golf007sd

The Nikon 105 2.8 Micro gets my vote.

Hallvardk

Rokinon/Samyang makes an incredible fisheye that is pretty cheap. Without autofocus, but you really don't nned it.

Personally, I would sell the 18-55 and buy the 17-55 2.8. I see that as the lens that would be used the most, and that upgrade is a significant one. If you're ok with the 18-55, go with the 105 2.8. Wonderful lens.

You could also go with a wide angle zoom, but I guess you don't need it, since you haven't listed it.

Ironheart

Put yourself on the pre-order list for the new Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. This will leave enough £'s left over to get the Rokinon 8mm fisheye or a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or some other cool toy.

TaoTeJared

Considering you have a very good lens in the 70-200mm (which is good for a lot of stuff) but is very heavy a 70-300vr or 55-300mm should be in the mix as a good walk around option. Great all around tele and you would have some £ left over.
If you are looking for a macro and are not concerned about DX - either the 85 or 40 and even the 60 (FX) are good choices. The 60 would turn into a good portrait (90mm equiv) lens as well. You also shouldn't leave out the 50mm (1.4 or 1.8). You could always get a SB-700 flash as well. 12-24mm tokina or other ultra wide would fit in that price as well.

I would avoid Fisheyes - always tempting, but rarely used. I would say pick one of those up when you have filled out your collection more.

Thinking of what you miss/wish having, or why you leave the camera home is what should determine what you purchase. This is different for everyone.

sevencrossing

Put yourself on the pre-order list for the new Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. .

+1
this does seem to be a very good lens

Msmoto

If you have about 2 or 3,000 images you like, do an inventory and find what you shoot most. And, if you want to do specific venues, like motorsports, live entertainment, street people, landscapes, architecture, your decision is driven by the results you wish to obtain.

Almost every pro I know purchases lenses/bodies based upon the requirement of a specific job. There is no reason amateurs should not follow this advice.

sisniper

"If you have about 2 or 3,000 images you like, do an inventory and find what you shoot most. And, if you want to do specific venues, like motorsports, live entertainment, street people, landscapes, architecture, your decision is driven by the results you wish to obtain."

Brilliant bit of advice !!! and one that i will look at doing before I purchase

with the comments above I think I'm airing on the side of 105 micro and 1.6 TC (although I know I cant use on my sigma, would I not consider the sigma looking at other forums the sigma macros seem slightly better even than the 105 ?

thanks
all

bland

My choice would be the 70-300, great lens for the money!