(Note: I didn't get the 70-300. I got refunded on it.)

I've got the 35mm f1.8G lens, and the 16-85mm Nikon lens (f3.5-5.6). I'm absolutely loving the pictures I get with the 35mm f1.8G. The 16-85mm is a hit-and-miss... between 16-35 it's wonderful (but the 35mm shames it when it comes up to 35), and at 65-85 it's useful... but between 35 and 65 I'm left wondering why I have it sometimes.

What I'm curious about: I almost pulled the trigger on a 70-300, and I've decided to not do that. However, I'm curious what 'upgrade' path would be good for someone who likes shooting everything and wants quality as well as a path to move to full-frame. What would be a superior regular zoom lens to get that has a constant aperture and can be taken to full-frame without an issue? In the 17-50 range (I think they're DX lenses), that leaves me wanting a 50-200 range lens... so I'm just curious how I should budget things out as I move forward. I have a 16-85 and a 35, and I know I'll be wanting something like an 85mm prime or something along those lines... but I'm curious as to whether high quality constant aperture zooms are going to make more sense. I realize some of this will be up to me, but I want to know what sort of upgrade paths make sense, how to budget things out as I go, and what to prioritize.

(Note below pictures are edited but just very briefly for the purposes of posting here. Still practicing & learning, testing styles out, etc. I realize the photos need to be touched up more.)

I mean, here's an example of the 35mm 1.8G:

http://imageshack.us/a/img521/6231/xqz.png
http://imageshack.us/a/img835/2832/uds3.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img407/1562/3k7i.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img13/4620/1zwy.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img853/1715/wyuc.jpg

I've taken some nice pictures with the 16-85mm but mostly at the 16mm end of things at f9.0 or around that... very sharp, gets a great image. But again, the argument I posed up above really makes it more of a lens that gets replaced by a 16-24mm lens (or whatever close focal length lenses there are).

NOTE: I do realize I am at such an early beginning stage that I cannot know what lenses I'll want to carry with me, and my desire for such a large variance of focal lengths may diminish with time. I'm just posting this thread out of sheer curiosity, like viewing fantasy cars. However, this thread is going to help me figure out what my 'next' lens would be, which is inevitable, though I'll be more cautious this time instead of getting a 70-300.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 8 2013 11:10pm

from abduct:

not trying to dampen your spirits or bad mouth you, but you had the camera for less then a month. along with that you are looking into way to many lenses when you cant even properly focus the ones you currently own. asking for suggestions for future lenses is great and all but i suggest you simply create one thread, and post all your photos so we can critique it and make you better with the theory and physical. even if you have the best lenses you are always going to take shit photos if you dont even know how to use the camera.

and again not trying to be rude but after 4 topics of "hey should i buy this lens" and seeing all your photos out of focus, there is seriously a problem.

agree, don't look at putting money into it yet
practice, post and get advice on how to improve
you need to know what settings to use when

besides I personally don't think the 35 is good on a cropped body

tamron 70-200 2.8

excellent optics, slow AF - but usable, and its the cheapest lens of its kind

(also usable on full frame when you upgrade)


Edit:

also agree with the above about practice.

This post was edited by wezman on Jul 9 2013 01:27am

I completely get the practice thing. I don't plan to make purchases right now, I backed off on the 70-300 and I'm stepping back.

But this whole thread is just a fantasy thread type thing where I'm discussing upgrade paths. The photography forum is so dead that there isn't much going on anyway, and most of my threads have served differing purposes.

The focusing issue I swear must have to do with my camera a tad bit though... in some cases I do mess up at f1.8 with my focus which is razor-thin and I get my dog's ears instead of his eyes... but in some cases the focus just is wonky >_<;

what focus are you using? it should be single point focus, you can then select the focus point u want to use or use the centre, focus and recompose
highly doubt its camera issue, it could just be caused by your slightest movements, there is a way to test this but you will need a tripod

I'm using single-point focus. It could very-well be me. I'd like to do a tripod test.

camera on a tripod low down
aim the camera 45 deg down
have a ruler on the floor inline with the lens
focus on the middle of the ruler
the take a photo
take a few shots at different focal lengths and apertures

even better if done with a wireless trigger so you really don't shake the camera, but not essential

Thanks. I'll get to that soon.

Wooo! Had some great success at the beach today with the camera.

The good news: I did a great job on getting focus down, EV, iso, shutter speed, and aperture all down. I'm down to about a 70% accuracy (all settings proper) with my shots on this, so things are looking crisp and very nice.

The bad news: I was with my gf and so I didn't get to hunt down some nice angles. Snapped most shots lazily. Most of my good shots are of her (so can't post).

I am leaning toward picking up a 70-300 for the trip despite the aperture limitations. I'm shooting at 85mm and wanting more reach when I'm taking photos of my gf, or other family members in other situations. Going to go shoot some more over the next few days to decide before I go on vacation.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 11 2013 12:25am