Good and Cheap FF Lenses

[Fortkentdad]

I just went FF and broke the bank and bought a D610. Was on the verge of a D7100 but bite the bullet and went FX. But not much left for lenses.

Now I have two old FF lenses from my Nikon film days:
- Nikkor 28~80 F3.5 ~ f/5.6 f-AF-D (the kit lens from a F60)
- Sigma 100-300mm F4.5-6.7 AF-DL zoom

and for my 60th birthday my dear wife bought me a new Nikkor AF-S Micro 60MM F/2.8G ED.

I also have three DX cropped framed lense from my D5100 which work fine on my D610 - except they are not FF lenses. I've got a 35mm 1.8 prime, 18-55 and 55-300.

FIRST - if you were me what would be your next lens purchase?

I'm thinking a nice wide angle.

BUT - remember the line about breaking the bank, I drained my fun-account for the D610 so now only have a couple of hundred to spare on a new lens. I can either suck it up and wait or buy something older and used down by dBay or from a second hand shop.

Under consideration: a 20mm Prime (various flavours being considered).
A Nikkor 18-35 (the older "D" version can be had for about $230ish from Kerrisdale in BC)
Or look at some of the alternatives by Sigma, Tamron or Tokina. Currently I'm watching a few on eBay - some 18-35, 19-35 or 20-40. Missed a Sigma 15-30 - should have bid higher, but like the bus there will be another one coming along any minute.

SO you UWA users out there what do you like - what should I avoid?

[Barefoot]

I'd say a good %90 of the time I have a Nikkor 16-35G f/4 VR (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/16-35mm.htm) on a D800, but even used that model falls outside the price range you're trying to work with. When that lens isn't mounted then the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D (http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/3570.htm) is likely in it's place. That is an incredible lens and is priced in you budget. 35mm on a full frame is reasonably wide and as much so as an 18mm on a APS-C sensor. If you opt for an ultra wide,(10-12mm range) I'd advise to insure that it will accept thread on filters.

[Marko]

Welcome FKD and congrats on the purchase!

A key question before i reply is what do you like to shoot?

[Fortkentdad]

Welcome FKD and congrats on the purchase!

A key question before i reply is what do you like to shoot?

I have no particular photographic preference - I shoot landscapes, birds, bugs, flowers, buildings, bridges. I also take lots of family and pet pictures. Lots of my pet parrot - love it when the subject never complains about how many more shots you going to take or my hair ain't right.

Not into sports or portrait's, don't have a studio, although I've got a basement full of stuff that my wife says I should put on eBay so maybe will need to get better at product photography. Not that you need a great image to sell on eBay - just one that clearly shows off what you are selling.

I'm on the verge of retirement and looking forward to developing this hobby further. Not sure which direction I'll go - amateur for hire or artsy for my own enjoyment - or both.

Been playing more with macro's lately - mostly in my own backyard now that the snow is finally gone and the blossoms are blooming here in northern Canada. With eight months of winter we make the most of our warm season. And learn to enjoy snow.

Been working on getting better images from my older lenses (Nikkor AF 28-80 and Sigma AF 100-300). I can get some good shots from these but they are less forgiving than my new Nikkor 60mm micro prime.

I did order a "20-40 F2.7-3.5 TAMRON ASPH D IF SP" from KEH.com in the states - waiting to see how much pain the tax man will inflict in incoming tarrifs and such but the lens was $100 less than a similar lens in Canada - we'll see if I was any further ahead importing it. Found many reassuring reviews by users that swayed me towards this lens, plus those Nikonites who really urged me to just get a Nikkor 20mm prime. We'll see if I made the right choice. With shipping paid $200.

I'm working at learning my lenses and seeing if I can master the old film SLR lenses and learn to get consistently good shots. Back in my film day I was happy with the images on my F60 so hopefully I'll get good at using them on my D610.

But will be keeping my eye open for my next lens.