General walk around lens

[ROA44]

I have been looking at a lens that would be suitable for taking out when you only want to take one lens and noticed the Sigma 50mm - 150mm and wondering if any one has it and how they find it. (For Nikon D5000 still considering the D610). I know size wise it's about the same but it is about 500g's lighter and at 50mm rather than 120mm at the lower end is a better range I think

I did try the 85mm f/1.4 Nikon and was very surprised at the low price over the counter without even asking for their best price so that is definitely on the list. $600's lower in price from the first shop where I actually tried a couple of shots with it. So at this stage I may not even try the grey market.

[J.davis]

I have a Nikon 24-120 and it is great on the D7000, and am looking to upgrade to the F4 version.
Good results on a crop body and still a good all rounder if you go FX.

[arthurking83]

If you are thinking of a D610, think long and hard about a Sigma 50-150 too! It's Dx only, so makes it more limited on a D610(Fx).
Also I find that the comment of a Simga 50-150 as a walk about lens sort of funny really! It's a huge lens(for the implied specs) .. basically the same size as a 70-200/2.8 lens.
So while it could be used as a walkabout lens .. well, you may as well get a 70-200/2.8

Good value for money walkabout for Dx ... 18-105VR(cheap + high quality images)
For Fx, I think the 24-120/4 VR is very good .. even tho at well over $1K on the grey side of consumerism ... it's not considered to be a cheap lens.
28-300VR(for Fx) has also produced some interesting images from those I've seen. Would (or should) work well with a D610 I reckon.

......

I did try the 85mm f/1.4 Nikon and was very surprised at the low price over the counter without even asking for their best price so that is definitely on the list. $600's lower in price from the first shop where I actually tried a couple of shots with it. So at this stage I may not even try the grey market.

Note that there are two distinct and different models of this lens.
The original AF-D version .. looks like it's made of a great big lump of solid iron ore(with the textured finish to prove it! ) .. and the AF-S G version .. looks a lot more feminine and smooth .. almost plasticky look due to the smoothness.
They're usually separated in price by about that same amount you have quoted.
They each have advantages and disadvantages relative to each other.

[ROA44]

Thank you Arthur , yes I'm still thinking long and hard as to which way to move, eg stay crop sensor or get an FX as well hmmmm. Still have some time before I can do any purchases but the 60th isn't far away and would like something if possible before our few days around Melbourne early next year so will keep reading and thinking.

[arthurking83]

..... would like something if possible before our few days around Melbourne early next year so will keep reading and thinking.

In this case then, feel free to drop me a PM if you like and we could play catch up if I'm free(between working, babysitting and building sh!t .. err stuff).

If you don't have your updated gear by then, maybe a bit of time with some possible upgrade options will convince you of the need for it all!

[ROA44]

Thank you Arthur sounds good, but I'm not sure how my wife would feel about it as it's supposed to be a finally get away together type thing from the family and we're also trying to arrange a catchup? with my sisters work colleague. But I know shes arranged a hunter valley tour so will let you know later via PM.

Regards Milton