Lens suggestions (probably for a D700)?

[Punwit]

Hi Folks,

I may be purchasing a new camera sometime within the next year. Presently I'm salivating over the prospect of perhaps buying a Nikon D700. The issue for me is lenses. While the bang for the buck can't be beat I still need to be smart when buying a lens or lenses. I'm trying to figure out how to start out with a moderate lens outlay that combines versatility with quality. I think the edge here should be towards quality rather than versatility The majority of my work is scenics but I also enjoy macro. At this point speed isn't a critical requirement. I'd appreciate any thoughts on how to go about making a sensible plan for lens procurement

Darren

[JoeMc]

Wow Darren.....The full frame D700.

Ok.....My next step is that direction too....and I am already a die-hard Nikon guy that has played with just about every great lens they have, (Nikons glass is superb)

For me there is only one landscape lens that fits my needs and that is the Nikkor 17-35 f/2.8...Fantastic lens and it works perfect on the full frame sensor. The other fantastic lens in this catagory is the Nano crystal Nikkor 14-24...Also a fantastic lens but does not allow for filters (does not work for me I love my filters)

The next is the meduim telephoto...either the 28-70 f2.8 or the newer 24-70 f2.8 great lens and very user friendy on the full frame sensor.

The praised 70-200 VR f/2.8 would be my next....but some say that there is a slight vignetting on the full frame sensor..
It is still the best lens it that range.

I hope this helps.
Good luvk Joe

[SMcEvoy]

Darren, I drool over the thought of D700 and all the lenses Joe has mentioned. If you want a less expensive but pro-quality macro I own, and highly recommend the Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1. I use it to take shots like this: http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...hp?photo=80736 and most of my floral shots on my website have been taken with it as well as many of my portrait photos. It's a phenomenal lens and runs about $500 US. When I upgrade my D50 to the D700 (after the lotto win ) I'll definitely be keeping it.

[Punwit]

Joe,

Thanks for the reply and for your PM. The cost of those three lenses is at least double what I expected. I understand your advice via PM to not skimp on the glass but I'm wondering if I could only afford one lens which one you would recommend. I also understand your assertion that it might be better to buy the D300 and invest the difference in good quality glass but my main reason for considering the D700 is it's high ISO performance. How would you compare the two in that regard(D300 and D700)?

Anyone else besides Suzan (thanks btw) with recommendations for good quality third party lenses?

An additional thought/question. What about purchasing 3 or 4 prime lenses that are stepped from wide angle to longer focal lengths? Would this be an option?
Darren

[JoeMc]

Darren...sorry I have not yet returned your PM....So I will just answer your questions to the best of my ability here.
My next camera will be the D700...or the D3..But with that said.... I believe it is WAY more important to invest in good glass!!!!
The D300 has a great IQ and is "almost" the same in ISO proformance.
According to my expirence with both and DPReview... the ISO is one stop better with the D700 than the D300
With the D300 ISO 1600 is very good and ISO 3200 is "useable"

This shot is at ISO 1000 and there is zero noise....ISO 1600 is about the same.

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...sort=1&cat=849

The D700 is one stop better according to reports..
But there is also another way to make up the 1 stop (or better)
FAST GLASS..... the 85 f/1.4 is amazing for low light photography and is priced around 1000.00

I hope this helps?
Cheers, Joe

[shootem]

Get the 24-70. It is a FANTASTIC lens, and virtually lives on my FF bodies. You absolutely can't go wrong with this lens. Read Bj’*‚„’‚‚¸rn's reviews on his site under lenses: naturfotograf.com

[JoeMc]

That's interesting Carolyn....I thought you were in love with your 14-24?

[shootem]

Joe, that's a super lens... but for *most* use, it's the 24-70. Both high IQ...