Cropped sensor bodies and lens combinations used

Per Msmoto, How about someone starting a discussion on a specific lens/body as desired and let the newcomers drop info here as related to their introduction to the Forum.

For everyday use I really like my 18-140 on either of the two cropped bodies I have. The D7200 and D5300. Some days the articulating back of the D5300 really helps by keeping me upright instead of lying on the ground. Such was today as I need to purchase something wider than my current widest Sigma 35mm A for the D810. For these two cropped sensor bodies I normally carry the 18-140mm on one and a 70-200mm f4 on the other. All I believe is missing is the Nikon 200-500mm for what I like to do.
«1

Comments

  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    I use 18-140 on my standby 7100 for weddings
    a 24-85 for video on another 7100 and 55-300 for long Aisles shots from rear.
    Tamron 150-600 for a bit of birding on the 7100
    sigma 300 f4 +1.4 on a 7100 for the wife to bird with me
    The two 810s use 28-300mm zooms
  • BVSBVS Posts: 440Member

    For these two cropped sensor bodies I normally carry the 18-140mm on one and a 70-200mm f4 on the other. All I believe is missing is the Nikon 200-500mm for what I like to do.

    I'm curious, how do you use these two lenses together? From a purely focal length perspective it feels like the 70-200 wouldn't add much over the 18-140. Or, do you switch around 70mm or so to keep the f-stop faster or something?

    D7100, 85 1.8G, 50 1.8G, 35 1.8G DX, Tokina 12-28 F4, 18-140, 55-200 VR DX
  • FreezeActionFreezeAction Posts: 893Member
    BVS said:

    For these two cropped sensor bodies I normally carry the 18-140mm on one and a 70-200mm f4 on the other. All I believe is missing is the Nikon 200-500mm for what I like to do.

    I'm curious, how do you use these two lenses together? From a purely focal length perspective it feels like the 70-200 wouldn't add much over the 18-140. Or, do you switch around 70mm or so to keep the f-stop faster or something?

    The main reason is that's as long of I currently have. This combination allows the use of the articulating back as well as the other having the longest reach for the time being. The body with the 18-140 does allow me to go wider than a 35mm does on the full frame body. There is a 90mm gain with the 70-200 long and and about 70mm on the wide end. I've been debating with myself about a much longer lens for birding and a wider lens for landscapes on full frame. I won't purchase anything long soon with all the new options on the shelves and most of the birds about to head south. Fujifilm is tempting me with a dx sensor mirrorless packaged with a 100-400mm plus a 1.4 TC. With hummingbirds in my face with the addition of the Fuji 16-55mm f2.8 and a shutter speed of 1/32,000 and bright skies the challenge of getting the best poses for those little fighter pilots along with 4K video of them.

    As far as the fixed faster f-stop on the 70-200 I did like the one stop gain and longer reach with the D7200 shooting action in dim light. It was catching frames in addition to what the D810 was.

  • picturetedpictureted Posts: 153Member
    For general use and daily carry:

    With my D500 I'm still happy with the 16-85VR I bought with my D90, along with the Nikon 10-24. I've also found the 70-300VR performs well.

    On my D810 - 24-85VR, 20/1.8G and 70-200/4.

    I also like the Voigtlander 58/1.4 - small, fast and great for FX (long normal focal length) and DX (portrait length).

    The 200-500VR is excellent with both, but the D500 AF is clearly superior. I'm looking forward to the D850.
    pictureted at flickr
  • retreadretread Posts: 574Member
    I have two DX lenses I use. The Tokina 11-20 f2.8 and the Sigma 17-50 f2.8. I am happy with both of them. The kit lens that came with the D5100 sits on the shelf with my old manual lenses.

    The rest are FX, Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 G, 70-200 f2.8 G VRII, Tamron 150-600 G2. These are my work hose lenses usually on the D500.

    Hope to move to FX with the D850 at some point.
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    I only have the 16-80 f2.8-4 for my D7100, my other lenses are FX and get use on the D7100 and D750.
    Always learning.
  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    edited September 2017
    Best DX lens is the 35mm F1.8, hands down, it was used with the D300 and D7000 before going full frame. Not as good as the 50mm F1.8, but it was top of the crop for Nikon DX at the time.

    Back when I was shooting DX I had a few others, the first gen Tokina 12-24mm F4, which was good for most wide subjects. The only other DX lens I had was the 85mm F3.5 macro, totally under rated lens, and much lighter than the FX macros.
    Post edited by PB_PM on
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • NSXTypeRNSXTypeR Posts: 2,286Member
    I use 4 lenses with my D7000. At least 90% of what I photograph if not more is done with my 18-135mm and 35mm. I also own the 105mm AF-S VR Macro and the 70-300 FX VR, but those are specialty lenses I rarely use.
    Nikon D7000/ Nikon D40/ Nikon FM2/ 18-135 AF-S/ 35mm 1.8 AF-S/ 105mm Macro AF-S/ 50mm 1.2 AI-S
  • FreezeActionFreezeAction Posts: 893Member
    If lighting is a problem I will use the 70-200mm f2.8 on either cropped sensor but had rather not. I need a tripod collar on the 70-200mm f4.0 for stitched panoramas. I'm still debating on the support system to use the tripod. I had rather I think use the f4.0 lens on the D7200 for making 18x54" panorama prints than the D810 unless there is going to be a need for excess cropping. I'm somewhat dwelling on a 4/3 cropped sensor mirrorless to use for stitched panoramas by over lapping the 4 side. With stacking not so much of a tool with stitching this might be the best solution. Just a rambling thought.
  • webmastadjwebmastadj Posts: 219Member
    edited September 2017
    My favorite lenses depends on what I am shooting most of the time, but if I only had to leave the house with just one attached to my D500, it would be the 70-200 f/2.8E. If I could carry two more it would be my 24-70 f/2.8E and the 200-500 f/5.6. All of which are large heavy lenses. If I was going light and cheap, I would take my 18-140mm (DX) and AF-P 70-300mm (DX). Anything indoors, I would bring my 35mm and 50mm f/1.8. Any chance of macro shots? Then the 85mm macro (DX) gets put in the bag. It really is all about what the main goal is for that shoot / day.
    Post edited by webmastadj on
  • gene_mcgillgene_mcgill Posts: 395Member
    I bought the Nikkor 16-85 with my D7200 and was pretty happy with it. But then there was a sale on the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8. f/2.8 sounded attractive and a good excuse to try my first non-Nikkor lens. I have been happy enough with the Sigma that I gave the 16-85 to my daughter. I also carry the Nikkor 10-24 and like it. On the telephoto end, the AF-S 300 f/4D is outstanding.

    I usually take the D7200 on hikes with the 10-24, the Sigma, and either the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8G or the Nikkor 70-200 f/4G and call it good for the sake of weight and space.

  • FreezeActionFreezeAction Posts: 893Member

    On the telephoto end, the AF-S 300 f/4D is outstanding.

    I usually take the D7200 on hikes with the 10-24, the Sigma, and either the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8G or the Nikkor 70-200 f/4G and call it good for the sake of weight and space.

    Do you have any landscape images from the 300 f4D you would care to share? I'm probably going to trade my f2.8 70-200 in on the new 300 f4E this week or next keeping the 70-200 f4G for its lighter weight. The even lighter weight weight of the 300 f4E is appealing. Tripod with VR turned off should nullify the vr issues some have complained about.

  • gene_mcgillgene_mcgill Posts: 395Member

    On the telephoto end, the AF-S 300 f/4D is outstanding.

    I usually take the D7200 on hikes with the 10-24, the Sigma, and either the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8G or the Nikkor 70-200 f/4G and call it good for the sake of weight and space.

    Do you have any landscape images from the 300 f4D you would care to share? I'm probably going to trade my f2.8 70-200 in on the new 300 f4E this week or next keeping the 70-200 f4G for its lighter weight. The even lighter weight weight of the 300 f4E is appealing. Tripod with VR turned off should nullify the vr issues some have complained about.

    Landscape. . . Hmmm. . . These on various bodies:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/126560387@N02/22351250746/in/dateposted-public/

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/126560387@N02/17842920039/in/dateposted-public/

    https://alaskamcgillphoto.smugmug.com/Landscapes/California/i-8vvVzVw/A

    https://alaskamcgillphoto.smugmug.com/Nature/Denali-2012-09/i-LJJBdfq/A

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/126560387@N02/16505128954/in/dateposted-public/

    Do not be too concerned about how Denali, the mountain in the distance in this last photo is not so sharp - it is over 50 miles from the camera. That is a lot of atmosphere between here and there.

    Turns out I have used the 300 f/4D more for wildlife than landscapes.

    I have no experience with the 300 f/4E. The size is definitely appealing.
  • FreezeActionFreezeAction Posts: 893Member

    On the telephoto end, the AF-S 300 f/4D is outstanding.

    I usually take the D7200 on hikes with the 10-24, the Sigma, and either the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8G or the Nikkor 70-200 f/4G and call it good for the sake of weight and space.

    Do you have any landscape images from the 300 f4D you would care to share? I'm probably going to trade my f2.8 70-200 in on the new 300 f4E this week or next keeping the 70-200 f4G for its lighter weight. The even lighter weight weight of the 300 f4E is appealing. Tripod with VR turned off should nullify the vr issues some have complained about.

    Landscape. . . Hmmm. . . These on various bodies:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/126560387@N02/22351250746/in/dateposted-public/

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/126560387@N02/17842920039/in/dateposted-public/

    https://alaskamcgillphoto.smugmug.com/Landscapes/California/i-8vvVzVw/A

    https://alaskamcgillphoto.smugmug.com/Nature/Denali-2012-09/i-LJJBdfq/A

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/126560387@N02/16505128954/in/dateposted-public/

    Do not be too concerned about how Denali, the mountain in the distance in this last photo is not so sharp - it is over 50 miles from the camera. That is a lot of atmosphere between here and there.

    Turns out I have used the 300 f/4D more for wildlife than landscapes.

    I have no experience with the 300 f/4E. The size is definitely appealing.
    Thank you

  • CoastalconnCoastalconn Posts: 527Member
    Well my D500 pretty much has my 500 F4 VR-G glued to it and that is my walk around combo... On my other D500 body sits the 300 F2.8 DII and occasionally the Tamron 70-200 G2... I also occasionally use the Tamron 150-600 G2 on days I'm tired and have really good light.
  • tcole1983tcole1983 Posts: 981Member
    With my D5200 I use my 17-55 most of the time. I have found myself many times now not even bringing my camera bag and just grabbing that.

    My only other DX lens is the 35 F1.8 and I know it is pretty good, but I just don't use it. It doesn't give me much over the 17-55 and I lose all the flexibility of the zoom.

    The 105 F2.8 and 300 F4 have their purposes. Longer. Both can do pretty good portraits. My 105 is my go to portrait lens. I would also walk around with my 105 any day over my 35. 300 mostly just for animal photography.

    The one lens I sold that I wish I still had was the 18-200. It to me was the all around do it all lens in one. I wish I had it to carry on my D5000 as a second body that never needed to change lenses. For me in a lot of cases it was good enough and the master of flexibility.

    I kept the kit 18-55 that came with my D5200...and I tried to use it once and I think I threw it in a drawer and am not really sure where it is actually. Last option on that one.

    D5200, D5000, S31, 18-55 VR, 17-55 F2.8, 35 F1.8G, 105 F2.8 VR, 300 F4 AF-S (Previously owned 18-200 VRI, Tokina 12-24 F4 II)
  • Capt_SpauldingCapt_Spaulding Posts: 729Member
    I have a 24-85 that I use as an everyday lens on both my D610 and D7200. At an effective FL of 36 it doesn't offer much on the wide end when on the 7200, but the 7200 isn't used much for landscapes.

    I also use a 70-300 afs for limited wildlife and auto racing, a 105 2.8 macro that serves a number of purposes from macro work to portraits and 50 1.4 that I still wonder why I bought. The 70-300 works ok for me but takes far too much sharpening when pushed much beyond 200.

    As of now I'm salivating over the 70-200 f4 and the 200-500 5.6. I suspect which ever goes on sale first will join the stable, unless GAS wins out over reason.
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    Yeah, for me, the 16-80, 60 or 105 macro (or both), 70-200 f4 and 200-500 on a D500 is a great, great kit.
    Always learning.
  • Capt_SpauldingCapt_Spaulding Posts: 729Member
    Maybe a D500 ... someday. Or a D850 ... the day after.
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    edited September 2017
    Well, here is an issue I have discovered. The 400/2.8 with the TC-20EIII on the D500. Still trying to figure this out with cars and bikes.... maybe some practice tomorrow at Virginia International Raceway... one of the Nation's finest. Here is one which actually was acceptable...

    VIR_MotoAmerica_VII_05.12.2017_TFL-6

    Really Big: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/33842133003/sizes/o/

    I think shooting the "equivalent" of 1200mm means I have to use a far faster shutter speed than with the D4 when 800mm is out front. I missed about two hundred shots (maybe an exagerration) to get the one shown... at slower shutter speeds. Anyway, I get to try again tomorrow.
    Post edited by Msmoto on
    Msmoto, mod
  • ggbutcherggbutcher Posts: 390Member
    D7000:18-140mm.

    I think this is the equivalent sweet spot of the D50:18-200mm

    I am developing an interest in a wide large-aperture prime, but I'm paying off re-siding the house first... :D
  • HikerHiker Posts: 197Member
    D7200, Sigma 17-50mm f2.8. My walk around setup. Have yet to try my Tokina 11-20mm f2.8. And looking for a replacement for the Nikkor 70-300 G version. Would like something sharper 250mm.
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    I was able to figure out the issues of my D500 and long lens... most likely this was my inability to keep the focus point on the rapidly moving subject. Seems to have worked well today at Virginia International Raceway.
    Msmoto, mod
  • manhattanboymanhattanboy Posts: 1,003Member
    @Msmoto try shooting without the TC. The D500 requires an f4 or larger lens to activate all of the tracking af points. Or use a 1.4 tc instead.
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    edited September 2017
    Well, this was shot with the D500, 400/2.8, TC-20EIII at 1/800th sec, f/7.1, ISO 320
    Monopod used
    Estimated bike speed 80 mph

    VIR_Cyclefest_I_09.17.2017_TFL-4

    This link shows as 27" wide on my monitor and looks acceptable to me:

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/36478257693/sizes/o/

    My conclusion is with the "1200mm equivalent" a shutter speed of 1/800 is about correct to be able to capture a sharp image yet have the wheels blurred, an essential quality in photos of moving vehicles....

    For a shot without the TC...

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/37301824145/sizes/o/

    D500, 400/2.8, 1/640, f/9, ISO 280, monopod
    Estimated bike speed 70 mph

    I have become a fan of the D500 now....LOL
    Post edited by Msmoto on
    Msmoto, mod
Sign In or Register to comment.