I was researching lenses to upgrade from my kit lens and was wondering what you guys think I should go for. I was thinking either a telephoto or a prime but can't decide. I've already gone through a few photography websites and haven't found the information that will tip me towards one or the other yet. If I went telephoto what would you guys recommend? (keep in mind I have a nikon d3000) If I went for prime lenses? I'm not thinking about budget yet but I will once I figure out what kind of lens to buy.

Help is much appreciated guys thank you!

btw I have a fascination with macro photography as well as candid shots (which I haven't gotten to playing with yet because I don't like the limitations of my kit lens)

This post was edited by irdesi on Jul 23 2010 05:38pm

Answer a few questions for me first.

Do you find your kit lens too short or too long at times?

Do you find yourself shooting alot in low/ less then ideal light conditions?

Do you just want a sharper lens with better color reproductions?

Do you mind shooting at one specific focal length? (aka are you willing to zoom with your feet?)

I personally am moving to a all prime setup with one general walkaround lens. I usually shoot wide open and love the subject separation primes usually provide (better).

You're my hero! Inefficiency ftw

No fucking shit! Omg, how much money are you going to waste on a purely prime setup? That'd be awesome to shoot with though...

I'm not sure I understand the first question. Can you explain it a little better?

I do find myself shooting in less than ideal light conditions but not because there isn't enough light but because there is too much light =)

One of the most wonderful things I love to capture is color and a sharper lens would be magnificent.

I am willing to "zoom with my feet" although I really want to be able to take photos of creatures that scare easily that I can't get close enough to and I also want to explore candid photography a bit more with good quality.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/449088-GREY/Nikon_2161_AF_S_VR_Zoom_Nikkor.html

300 is pretty far... In my opinion anyway. Honestly what I would suggest is the 70-200 2.8 VR II, but that will cost more than $2k. I'm gonna go ahead and guess thats more than you are willing to spend on glass right now...

This post was edited by CitizenScuba on Jul 23 2010 06:24pm

I've read that the 70-200 2.8 vr II is the best nikon lens in the market right now. yes it is a little too much to spend but that 70-300 looks very appealing... perhaps I should get something like that and save up for some primes. Eek might be on to something =) If I were to get myself a canon body in the future these lenses wouldn't work very well would they?

I don't make any money with it so i can spend as much time as i want on a shot. No inefficiency for me mwahahh.



The price tags gets me all the time.. But i have tons of time to complete my collection. All i'm after now is a Sigma 85 f/1.4, a Canon 14L and a Canon 300 f/4L IS

I'll be selling my tokina and 100-400 ofc.. I guess that helps abit.. Don't really see myself moving to full frame in the near future.. mainly because i can't afford to give up the free 1.6x reach.. Anything longer then 300mm goes up exponentially in price



Yeah.. do you find yourself wanting to go wider or more zoom range with your standard 18-55 lens?

I was going to suggest the 85 f/1.8 but the 70-300 is another great choice!

Wider would be nice for those nice landscape shots I've been wanting to play with so I suppose that would be something to look into. Why would you recommend the 85 f/1.8?

This post was edited by irdesi on Jul 23 2010 07:13pm

B/c the color and sharpness it provides.. and great for candids!

But to be honest... it's probably because i'm a prime whore.