Upgrade or not?

[Pulseimg]

Ive recently upgraded my D3000 to a D90 (chose it over the D5100 for the internal focus motor, not really worried about the difference in pixels) now im pondering what to do about my lenses as I have some extra cash to spend

I traded in my 18-55mm VR for the 18-105 VR

I also have a Sigma 70-300mm DG which leads me to thinking should i upgrade it to the 70-300mm DG OS or just keep it (been happy with it so far albeit i have some instances where at the long end the shake is a problem)

If I keep my Sigma Id like to go for the Nikkor 50mm F1.4D AF (simply for a faster aperture at a decent price)

So essentially should I spend the extra cash on an OS telephoto or a 50mm 1.4?

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

 

[hilton]

The jump from the D3000 to the D90 is significant so perhaps you should think about an even better lens than the 70-300 OS. What about a 70-200 f/2.8 OS?

 

[BobJones]

I don't think you're missing anything with the OS, the 50mm sounds like a better deal to me.

Have you thought of the 50mm 1.8 and the 35mm 1.8?

 

[Edduck]

Also look at the sigma 70-200 2.8, far cheaper than the nikon and quality is great imo. I have never really figured out why there is such a huge gap between the consumer 70-300 lenses and the 70-200. Well at least Canon has the 70-200 f4 L non is but that doesn't help you much...

 

[koffiejunkie]

Get the 50.

 

[bwana]

Hard so say without knowing anything about the type of photography you enjoy doing.

 

[hilton]

I have never really figured out why there is such a huge gap between the consumer 70-300 lenses and the 70-200

Well if you understand the concept of aperture and the fact that most if not all 70-200 lenses have a constant aperture size and given that some are f/2.8 then you'll know that there has to be more quality glass in the tube and this comes at a price. Of course this is not the only factor.

 

[Pulseimg]

Thanks for the replies
Basically i shoot mostly wildlife, birds and sport, hence the need for the 300 with OS or VR

I wanted the 50mm to shoot things like indoor events or sports presentations
Ive kinda almost decided that i may go for the Nikon 70-300mm VR (my budget is around 5k) which puts the 70-200mm 2.8 out of reach for me
I can live without the 50mm as I have been but i need the better 300mm as its what i use more often

 

[Quantum Theory]

What about stretching the budget a little for the Sigma 120-400mm? That extra range will certainly help for capturing birds and other wildlife. Don't really know the lens though... so just putting it out there.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Basically i shoot mostly wildlife, birds and sport, hence the need for the 300 with OS or VR

For those applications you're almost certainly going to need faster shutter speeds, not VR. VR doesn't help with things that move.

 

[Pulseimg]

But the 50mm wouldnt give me any distance, though id love a longer 2.8 lens i just cant afford it
I have looked at the Sigma 12-400mm but its a bit pricey for me. Does anyone have experience with this lens?

 

[koffiejunkie]

But the 50mm wouldnt give me any distance

Sorry, I said 50 before you explained what you wanted it for. A good f/2.8 lens is going to give you better results than a 300mm at f/5.6, especially if it's a lower class lens. I got a 200mm f/2.8 L prime (Nikon has the 180mm f/2.8 at a similar price point) second hand for about the same money as a new 70-300mm IS. It's compact, it's insanely sharp, even at f/2.8, and it works with extenders. You might want to consider that if you don't need the zoom flexibility.

 

[bwana]

Thanks for the replies
Basically i shoot mostly wildlife, birds and sport, hence the need for the 300 with OS or VR

I wanted the 50mm to shoot things like indoor events or sports presentations
Ive kinda almost decided that i may go for the Nikon 70-300mm VR (my budget is around 5k) which puts the 70-200mm 2.8 out of reach for me
I can live without the 50mm as I have been but i need the better 300mm as its what i use more often

Do you really? For your intended uses OS isn't going to be of much use so why not keep what you've got and save towards a faster lens?

 

[hilton]

The reality is that for R5k you WILL NOT get a suitable wildlife lens. So compromises are in order. It's either variable aperture or reduced focal length or no image stabilisation or a combination.

Have you considered going the previously owned route?

 

[Pulseimg]

Im going into Kameraz on Wednesday to have a look at their 2nd hand stuff, see if I can find a decent 2.8

Alternatively instead of wasting money im rather just gonna get the 50mm and save up for a 2.8. I dont wanna spend money just for the sake of spending it

 

[koffiejunkie]

The 50mm f/1.8 is a good buy (on either Canon or Nikon) - lots of bang for very little buck. Useful to learn to use a fast lens

 

[Pulseimg]

Yeah, i think its the wiser choice. Ive had decent results with my 70-300mm, so theres no REAL need to get rid of it or change it just yet

 

[Pulseimg]

So i picked up my 50mm 1.8 today and WOW!!!!!!! absolutely loving it
Feels quite weird though being able to step down to 1.8 for the first time lol. Definitely glad I went with the D90 and this lens instead of a D7000 and a serious hole in my pocket