First lenses for D750

protik

Hi all,

I have been shooting with a D3100 for past 4 years and currently own 10-24, 35 and 55-200 lenses. As an amateur I shoot mainly landscape, travel, candid portraits, astro and street. No birds, no sport.

I would like to sell my DX gears soon and transition to D750 and currently considering to purchase the following 5 lenses within the next 12 to 18 months period:

Prime: 20 f/1.8, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8 (about $1500 @ Amazon)
Zoom: 16-35 f/4, 70-200 f/4 (about $2650 @ Amazon)

I am however hesitant in which order to obtain these lenses (all primes/zooms first vs mix it up). Aside from general usage, we are traveling to Iceland in August next year and I hope to have a versatile set by then (I might also pick up a second used D750 prior to the trip).

Any recommendation would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Cheers

tcole1983

I personally shoot 3 primes and one zoom now. I love the primes but wouldn't ever get rid of my one zoom. I still need the flexibility to take a single lens that covers a decent portion of what I might shoot...my "walk around lens". Sometimes carrying 3+ lenses or having to change lenses all the time isn't convenient.

kanuck

That's a pretty nice collection of FX lenses I think you would be completely set for your trip to Iceland. Those primes are all spectacular and the 70-200 F4 is one the sharpest zooms Nikon currently makes just wait til you see the results you won't even use the 85 1.8 probably. You might be a tad bit disappointed with the 16-35mm especially if you are tripod, landscape shooter. It is very versatile though with VR and will make an excellent wide angle travel companion for such a huge trip as what you have planned.

PS you are in for a treat when you first start using FX format. I was literally blown away when I made the D300 to D700 jump back in 2008

Photobug

Hi all,
Prime: 20 f/1.8, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8 (about $1500 @ Amazon)
Zoom: 16-35 f/4, 70-200 f/4 (about $2650 @ Amazon)

I am however hesitant in which order to obtain these lenses (all primes/zooms first vs mix it up). Aside from general usage, we are traveling to Iceland in August next year and I hope to have a versatile set by then (I might also pick up a second used D750 prior to the trip).

I moved to the D750 and kept my D7100 but did shed the 17-55 F2.8 lens. You are in for a nice shock when you buy the D750. The improvement in IQ and DR was shocking and the focus ability in low light and noise reduction made me a happy guy.

I like your selection of lens and would buy primes and zooms intermixed to provide your coverage rather than focus on primes first and zooms second. I would buy the 85mm 1.8 last unless you shoot a lot of portraits, then move it up the priority list. I bought the 50 1.8 a few months ago and for the money, it's a great lens and it's sharp. I am looking at buying the 85mm 1.8 next year. You can always get 85mm using the 70-200 F4 zoom until you get the 85mm.

I actually played with the 20 f1.8 today, nice lens. Also looked at the 16-35 F4. I am thinking of adding the 16-35 lens to my tool bag since I can't justly the 12-24 mm lens. If you want to ever plug another prime in your bag, consider the 35 1.8. Overall, I like your selection of prime and zoom lens.

Finally, welcome to NRF. Do take the time to ad a photo to PAD so we can see your work.

WestEndFoto

That is a good setup. If it was me I would buy the 28 instead of the 20, but that is just my preference. 20 is very wide and I find 28 better for landscapes. Or you could do what I did and buy both.

Photobug

+1 @WestEndFoto on the comment on the 28mm lens over the 20mm lens. I am in the same boat.

Rx4Photo

If you're used to the 10-24mm on a cropped sensor and often use that focal length range then the 16-35mm on full frame will fall in line there. So if you're pretty firm on getting that lens then I'd say get that one first.

Next is up to you depending on what you want to shoot more. Next it's either the 50mm or the 70-200mm f/4. Personally, I'd probably get the 50mm next as you will thoroughly enjoy the slimmer depth of field and bokeh of that prime on full frame. I'd hold off on the 85mm till last. Excellent for portrait use but you will have that covered with the 70-200 and in a lot of cases the 50mm.

PB_PM

A good place to start might be the AF-S 16-35mm F4G VR, AF-S 50mm F1.8G and then add others from there.

heartyfisher

I would keep the D3100 and 35mm as a general backup.. its a good small kit, would be great for street. You wont get very much from selling them in terms of $ and you wont need a second D750 for your trip.

Other than that, depends on your primary interest. For landscape the 16-35 and 20mm.
It may not be primarily bought for landscape.. but the 70-200 F4 is a great landscape lense as well !

Since you have not listed a 24-70 normal zoom I assume that that mid range flexibility is not your primary interest.

The 20mm F1.8 will cover almost all of your wideangle requirements especially Astro. which the 16-35F4 will be weak at. With 24mp you have digital zoom ! (cropping :-) ).

So my recommendation for first lenses purchased would be
1) Keep D3100 and 35mm
2) 20mm F1.8 == 30mm on D3100DX
3) 70-200 F4

Remember you can use your DX lenses on the D750 in 1.5 or 1.2 crop modes which may be all you need if you don't use some focal lengths or functionality very often.

sevencrossing

The obvious overlap is the 16 -35 and the 20mm f1.8
May be start with the 20mm f1.8 then, rather than getting the 16_35 add the 35mm f1.8 giving you a nice rage of primes.If your budget allows conside the 80 -400 over the 70_ 200

spraynpray

The OP shoots no birds and no sport so the 80-400 is less use to him than the 70-200 f4 would be.

sevencrossing

I mainly use my 80_ 400 for candid portraits and urban landscape

protik

If you're used to the 10-24mm on a cropped sensor and often use that focal length range then the 16-35mm on full frame will fall in line there. So if you're pretty firm on getting that lens then I'd say get that one first.

You might be a tad bit disappointed with the 16-35mm especially if you are tripod, landscape shooter.

If you want to ever plug another prime in your bag, consider the 35 1.8.

The obvious overlap is the 16 -35 and the 20mm f1.8
May be start with the 20mm f1.8 then, rather than getting the 16_35 add the 35mm f1.8 giving you a nice rage of primes.

Thank you all for the replies so far, very much appreciated. So far the priority is:

1) 20 f1.8 + 35 f1.8 and/vs 16-35 f4
2) 50 f1.8
3) 70-200 f4
4) 85 f1.8

Thanks also for mentioning the 35 f1.8 FX lens which I hadn't considered previously. I wonder if the 16-35 f4 would still be needed if I obtain the 35mm in addition to 20mm. I have just returned from a 10 week trip to South America though and 10-24mm has been the most used focal length range by far. Few queries:

- Are you guys aware of any comparison available between 10-24 and 16-35 lenses (specially interested about distortion comparison at wide end)?

- I guess I should determine the focal length/s most frequently used on the trip between between 10-24 range. Is there any program available that can go through 6000+ photos and do a tally up to determine each focal length usage frequency?

Cheers

sevencrossing

The 16-35 like most ultra wide angles suffers from distortion . It can be easily corrected in pp with Lightroom

kanuck

I think you'd be pretty happy taking the 16-35mm, 50mm prime, and the 70-200mm F4. You'd miss nothing, come back with some excellent photos and not be limited by the glass you brought in any way. You would not be saying "if only the lens could have been a little sharper here", or "I wish I had more coverage there" etc. These 2 zooms and 1 prime would get the job done and then some. Decent overall weight as well. Now just add a tripod and all set! B-)

heartyfisher

One of OP stated interest is Astro .. where the 16-35's F4 and Coma would be a disadvantage.. so depending on how much interest he has in this field I would suggest that the 20mm F1.8 may be a better first choice. However, he did say he likes to use the 10-24 .. almost has his main lense. So it could make sense for him to get the 16-35. It always good to upgrade your most used functionality first.

Re analysing your 6000 photos, I would also like to add that there may be a difference between the 5star photos (where you would like to print and hang on the wall) and the 3 star photos where you love to snap away to document your trip. You would want to invest in the best lenses for the 5star photos and for the 3star ones, for me I use a nice dx kit lens super zoom. Maybe you may want to use your 10-24?. Ie have the 20mm on your D750 and the 10-24 on the D3100? of course my assumption of your use case may be totally wrong, I am just suggesting that you consider your method of photography.

spraynpray

I would love to get my hands on a 20mm f1.8 to assess its coma. So far - including a Zeiss - the best coma I have seen is from my cheap Samyang/Rokinon/Bower 14mm f2.8 and 24mm f1.4 manual focus lenses. They are not perfect, but they are the best I have seen so far. I was both surprised and disappointed when I found this. If the 20mm F1.8 Nikon is significantly better than them, I will sell them and buy one.

So, if astro/nightscape is important to the OP, my advice is buy carefully and satisfy yourself first.

Photobug

Looks like your all set, that would be a great tool bag of lens. I also like your priority:
1) 20 f1.8 + 35 f1.8 and/vs 16-35 f4
2) 50 f1.8
3) 70-200 f4
4) 85 f1.8

KnockKnock

1) 20 f1.8
2) 50 f1.8
3) 70-200 f4

That's a great first set. The 85 f/1.8 is reportedly great, but relegated to portrait work if you get the 70-200. Also look at the 18-35mm AF-S. Save money, weight, size. I think it's an underrated option.

Sounds like fun! There were also rumors of a 24mm f/1.8, just to complicate things.

kanuck

good call, that's a setup you would be pleased with as well the 20, 50 and 70-200. For myself I'd either grab the new 18-35 or 16-35 or get a 70-200 F4.

For my 5 month trip this fall I am bringing a 14mm, 20mm (I am a wide angle nut, I could really just bring 1 lens the 16-35 and be done), 24-70, and a 70-? that I haven't decided on with my D810. I am also bringing an M9p with a 15, and 35. I'll be visiting Nepal, Tibet, India, Berma and Chiang Mai in Thailand from Oct 15th to March 15th. I am quitting my job and likely uprooting myself when I return

spraynpray

. I'll be visiting Nepal, Tibet, India, Berma and Chiang Mai in Thailand from Oct 15th to March 15th. I am quitting my job and likely uprooting myself when I return

Wow! Sounds like you have itchy feet ok. I look forward to the pics.

Dhiraj

I am considering the following as a first time user

1) 20mm f1.8G - for landscapes and astro
2) 24-120mm f4G - overall travel lens (D750 kit)

what do you guys think about the 24-120mm lens. Does the above combination sound good for a novice user. I am also considering getting a 50mm prime some time later. Confused between f1.4G and f1.8G

cheers,
Dhiraj

WestEndFoto

I am considering the following as a first time user

1) 20mm f1.8G - for landscapes and astro
2) 24-120mm f4G - overall travel lens (D750 kit)

what do you guys think about the 24-120mm lens. Does the above combination sound good for a novice user. I am also considering getting a 50mm prime some time later. Confused between f1.4G and f1.8G

cheers,
Dhiraj

If you are thinking of using the prime for portraits, you might want to think about the 85 1.8G. If not, then the 50 and it is basically more bokeh for more money (a little extra weight, but it the 1.4G is already feather light). Some have also argued that the 1.8 is sharper, but if so, it is minor.

heartyfisher

I am considering the following as a first time user

1) 20mm f1.8G - for landscapes and astro
2) 24-120mm f4G - overall travel lens (D750 kit)

what do you guys think about the 24-120mm lens. Does the above combination sound good for a novice user. I am also considering getting a 50mm prime some time later. Confused between f1.4G and f1.8G

cheers,
Dhiraj

Nice kit for a "first time user" .. cant believe you have no previous experience :-) and bought this kit out of nowhere and nothing. tell us abit more about your experience and interests and subjects then we can give better advice ...

Dhiraj

If you are thinking of using the prime for portraits, you might want to think about the 85 1.8G. If not, then the 50 and it is basically more bokeh for more money (a little extra weight, but it the 1.4G is already feather light). Some have also argued that the 1.8 is sharper, but if so, it is minor.

Well I would like to start off with landscape hence considering the 2 lenses mentioned. The 50mm i believe would be overall good lens for cliking family, friends, events, and general everyday activities - walks in gardens or places around. Am sure i could do that with the 24-120, but i guess IQ would be better with a 50mm compared to the 24-120.

well i am not sure about the 85mm( i know its good from reviews) but how it would fare for everyday activities, do you think it would help me get better pictures or a 50mm would do good. I know bokeh is good with 85mm, but is that a good enough reason to get it over the 50mm. I am more interested in landscape, astro and catching everyday activities around.

Anyways i am considering getting the 50mm after i've played aorund with the other two lenses, please do let me know what i could do with a 85mm. I definitely dont want to do sports or wildlife anytime soon.

cheers n thanks :-)

Dhiraj

Nice kit for a "first time user" .. cant believe you have no previous experience :-) and bought this kit out of nowhere and nothing. tell us abit more about your experience and interests and subjects then we can give better advice ...

ha ha ha, i haven't bought it yet, but have mostly made up my mind. I should be getting the kit in a week or 2 weeks time. I don't have much experience with dslrs, but own a high end point and shoot.

My Interests: Landscape, Astro(milky way), Night, everyday activities, family, friends, events, festivals, or anything about nature that excites me :-)
Not interested in Wildlife and Sports - may be sometime in future.

Reason why i am considering the D750 as a first time user:(long read)
I was considering either the D5500(touchscreen) or D7200. Reading some great reviews about D5500, I went to a Nikon Dealer and checked out the D5500 - but wasn't impressed by the touch screen. I actually thought it would behave like a mobile phone, wherein i could touch various camera icons/widgets on the screen and set thing up with simple touch(ISO, shutter speed, metering, etc) only to find out that the touchscreen is good enough to navigate the menus and stuff - which i am comfortable to use the dials and buttons.

Considering the D7200/D7100 found out that the D750/D610 were close enough on the pricing. Did some research and thought of going for FX camera and lenses. I would not like to compromise on FOV & IQ when it comes to landscape photography. I know i could do fine with a DX, but then i am not constrained on the budget aspect, so as well as go for FX. More over i like the sheer capabilities of manual setup on the D750. It could keep me going on for months - which excites me ;-)

It came down to either the D5500 or D750 and i chose the D750. There is no way i can think of choosing the D7*** series when the FX series is close by within the pricing range - given the D750 prices have dropped.

I did an extensive research on D750 due to all the issues people complained about (flair, AF, metering n stuff) - have been through the manual(500+ pg one) quite a few times, watched a lot of videos and i guess i can operate a D750 in my head anytime. Although practically not sure how i would fare. One more reason for choosing the D750 is its performance in low light and ISO range. Although i am still skeptical about the D750, i hope that Nikon has resolved all issues.

Being a techie in life and a novice user w.r.t. dslrs, what really excites me is the learning aspect given the complexities and capabilities of the D750 camera in manual mode. Also i am more of a hiker and love to travel around in the limited time i get from work. I believe this camera along with the lenses will motivate me to hike more and travel places alone - have very few friends - almost all married or busy - so i want to start doing things alone now and hope this motivates me travel places. :-)


Now some questions regarding prime lenses:
I am going on a hike/trek to the Himalayas/Kashmir early August and i believe the D750 along with the lenses would help me get good IQ pictures. Although i have my mind set on the 20mm for landscapes and astro in Kashmir regions. Do you think the 24mm or 28mm would do good in the long run. FYI: i am already considering getting the 24-120mm kit lens, Should i consider any other zoom lens instead of this ?

i would love to buy the 10-24mm zoom, but i guess it would be crazy and insane for person like me with zero dslr experience to buy it. Also its very heavy and costly ;-)

What are your thoughts on lenses for places like Kashmir/Himalayas ?

cheers n thanks :-)
Dhiraj