Lenses to 'cover the bases'

[crystalb]

That's just it, I photography anything that catches my eye, not just one area. I want to be able to take pictures and not have to compromise the shot because I don't have the suitable lense.

For example:
This was the sunset last night, would have alot better with appropriate lense

[hodaka]

Just my opinion: that sunset, on a tripod, slightly recomposed (same lense), and different exposure - would have been dynamite!
What do you think you would have changed with a different lense, though? Zoomed closer? Wider angle?

[crystalb]

haha yes a tripod is on my list also
I realise with a tripod I could have slowed up the shutter speed to get a better exposure and less shake, but I was thinking more for zoom I guess, to eliminate the house and other distractions in the foreground.

[casil403]

haha yes a tripod is on my list also
I realise with a tripod I could have slowed up the shutter speed to get a better exposure and less shake, but I was thinking more for zoom I guess, to eliminate the house and other distractions in the foreground.

IMO, if you don't have a tripod then I think that's what you should consider getting first. You can get a pretty sturdy velbon tripod for about $100 or less. or you can spend a lot more on a Manifrotto.
As for zooming in on that photo and eliminating distractions in foreground, that's what cropping is for...
Again, I'm no expert or anything but I am with Hodaka on that above being if you had a tripod, that would have made a signaficant difference in the shot more than a zoom.
Hope that helps....

[crystalb]

Well I am headed to the city this weekend...... I'll check some out
Thanks peoples.

Now getting off the topic of my crappy pic,
You all must have more than one lense.......what do you recommend? (For those who haven't told me already )

[Mad Aussie]

I wouldn't write off something like a 70-200mm Crystal if you can afford to get one new instead of spending similar dollars on a 2nd hand (possibly defective) more expensive lens. That way you'll cover 18mm through to 200mm with two lenses pretty much. And at 200mm the image stabilising isn't paramount so you can save dollars there.

You will beg for 300 or 400mm if are shooting birds though but I'd rather have a good lens at 200mm than a bad one at 300mm.

Tripods ... well you'll need a good one if you are planning on having a long lens ... especially if it's something with decent size about it. They can get quite heavy so a good tripod is needed especially on unstable ground.

[JAS_Photo]

I just bought myself my first really good piece of glass for my D300, a 17-55mm f2.8. (See photo of Sadie in pets to see one of the first pics taken with it. Window light at f2.8)

But I would recommend a 35mm F1.8 prime lens or (50mm if you are using full frame.) They are small, fast, light and relatively cheap. You can just toss it in your bag and it's there handy if for some reason you need a fast little lens.