Lens question for Nikon DSLR owners

[poker]

Just picked up a Nikon D7000 and looking for opinions on some nice glass. I was interested in the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AF-S, and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 SIC SW Prime.
The camera came with a 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR lens but Im interested in your opinions on some nice lenses and where I might start looking for a good price. What about used or refurbed lenses? Pros/cons/forget it?

Thanks for any and all help.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by poker

where I might start looking for a good price. What about used or refurbed lenses? Pros/cons/forget it?

I'm a Canon guy, so I can't comment on the Nikkor lenses, but for used lenses and equipment, I've been doing business with KEH Camera ( www.keh.com ) for over 20 years now and have yet to be disappointed. They rate their stuff very well and they really do stand behind it.

[Chainsaw13]

B&H Photo is another great place to deal with. You can get some nice deals on used equipment there also.

My friend just got in a really nice lens for his D3000. Let me find out which one, as I know he loves it.

Me, I want either the 80-200 2.8 or the newer 70-200 2.8VR. Only if I was made of cash.

[Chainsaw13]

Talked with my buddy, he got the 35 1.8 for XMas and loves that lens. It's pricey, but takes some incredible photos.

I had the opportunity years ago to us a friends 35-135 Nikkor lens on my N70 film camera. Stellar portrait lens. The sharpness on all ends was spot on, plus it opened wide enough to get a nice bokeh. I didn't want to give it back.

[poker]

I saw that 35mm f/1.8 too but when I saw the 50mm f/1.4 I almost pulled the trigger but figured I better wait and ask a few questions first.

[Chainsaw13]

It's hard to beat a nice prime lens. That 50 would give you a digital equivilant of 75mm f1.4 which would be a awesome setup for a great deal of shooting. I can't imagine how low light you could use a f1.4 lens in.

I've seen my friends shots with the 35 f1.8 and there are very nice, but for me it's too short of lens. I do more outside/action stuff so need lengths on the other end of the spectrum.

What type of pictures will you be taking primarily?

[poker]

Primary would be portrait and landscape type shots

[Chainsaw13]

Originally Posted by poker

Primary would be portrait and landscape type shots

Hmm, I would think the 85mm f1.4 would be better suited for that application, but then again I don't shoot that style so the 50 might work. Nikkor makes some nice glass so I don't think you could go wrong with picking up their stuff. I would honestly look at used. As long as the glass is still in good shape and the body isn't beat up you'll save a bit of coin going that route.

[poker]

The 50mm f/1.4 AF-S is not really the wallet breaker, its the 85mm f/1.4G AF-S and no luck so far finding one used.

[ArgusP2]

Hey Kelly! Give these guys a try if you are unsure of a particular lens. You can try them out first.
www.rentglass.com

[T.G]

Originally Posted by ArgusP2

Hey Kelly! Give these guys a try if you are unsure of a particular lens. You can try them out first.
www.rentglass.com

Is PRS still around? Like 2 minutes off the 10 at Bundy. They had everything. I don't think there was a professional lens that they didn't carry.

I'm sure Sammy's on Fairfax still does rentals too.

[Chainsaw13]

Originally Posted by poker

The 50mm f/1.4 AF-S is not really the wallet breaker, its the 85mm f/1.4G AF-S and no luck so far finding one used.

Yea, I saw B&H had a new one for $1600 or so.

I wish I had $1700 myself. they have a used 70-200 2.8VR in a 9+ condition.

[Brutus2600]

I just bought a D7000 a month ago as well. I previously had purchased the 50mm 1.8, and that is really my favorite lens of the four I own (18-55, 70-200, 18-105, 50).

The 50 works great for portraits, shots you want a super creamy background in, and up close work too. On the other hand, I've been VERY pleased with the 18-105 kit lens that came with the D7000. I think it really handles the 85mm and 105mm lengths great, so really you just have to ask yourself what focal length are you going to be shooting the most in and in what kind of light.

I use the 50mm in low light more than I do the longer focal points, so the 50mm made the most sense to me.


Do you have any other lenses or is this your first Nikon F-Mount camera?

[poker]

First Nikon. Had Canons before this.

[Brutus2600]

What was your favorite lens on your Canon?

[poker]

Originally Posted by Brutus2600

What was your favorite lens on your Canon?

Actually neither of the Canon lenses I had were very impressive. Granted both lenses were on the lower end quality wise. I figured this time I wouldn't try to cheap out on the glass.

[Brutus2600]

Well the good news is, with the D7000 you can get any Nikon lens and you don't have to limit yourself to the ones with the internal motor (also, ones without the internal motor are cheaper!).

Having said that, the 50mm 1.4 is a fairly cheap, very amazing lens. If you wanted to go an even more inexpensive route, the 50mm 1.8D (no internal motor) is only around $100. Then save up and get a longer prime lens later on. Between the 18-105 and the 50mm I think you'll be pretty happy.

[poker]

Thanks Brian! Definetly something I'll consider.

[poker]

Found and pulled the trigger on a used but mint condition AF-S 50mm f/1.4G!

[emopunker2004]

kelly. for the future you can get new/refurb/used lenses at Adorama and B&H and used lenses from usedcameras.com i have used all these sites at one point in time for either a lens or body