Thoughts on lens kit (NIKON WARNING)

[Xebadir]

I know how many people ask about these things, but atm I am looking for my goal lens (The lens that motivates me to finish a section of my PhD).

I am currently looking to add to my kit....the question that springs to mind is with what (Why is below...so you will understand...but we all know I am just looking for an excuse.

On the one hand I currently have my D300, a 50 1.8, a 10-20 4-5.6 and a 70-300VR, but one of the things I am considering atm is where to go to fill in the annoying gap that I have (you know, the only where you are always wishing for that little bit more or less).

I am really enjoying taking portraits, so something thats fast and shoots with a decent bokeh would probably be the go. I really like the 50mm (its fantastic, nifty all the way), but I often yearn for that gap between 20 and 50 to get the shot that I want (also that speed out wide is also something I am looking for). At some stage in the future I will probably go to full frame with the D300 as my backup, and I am wondering whether I should be looking to this when purchasing my long term lens investments. There is also the potential of being asked to shoot a friends wedding unofficially.

Some of the ideas I have had:
A 24mm 1.4G, 85mm 1.8D with the existing lenses, so on full frame we are talking the 24, 50, 85 and the 70-300, eventually probably the 70-200 would be added.
A 28-70 F2.8, 85 1.8D plus the existing.
A 24-70 F2.8 and leave it at that (IE I could stretch to this lens, but in doing so that probably knocks my camera spending off for a year or so).
A 17-55 F2.8 DX and an 85 F1.8 and forget about FX for a while/upgrade when necessary.

So at this stage it pretty much comes down to:
85 1.8D alone. I like the idea of the 85 as its a bit more petite than the bulky 70-300 but still gives that bit more length to the shot....the 50 has got me sort of hooked on using primes....I guess its being spoiled by the speed and forcing to rethink the shot to deal with the focal limitation.
28-70 F2.8 and 85 1.8D
24-70 F2.8
17-55 F2.8 DX (CROP LIMITED for the Canonites) and 85 1.8D...this sort of sprung to mind because I dont really notice that gap between the 50 and 70-300 unless I have to change for portrait, and in that case I could use the 85.

Any input or laughing at my overthinking of the topic would be appreciated. And if you think something completely different to those mentioned I would appreciate your thoughts.

[Darey]

IMHO if you intend to stay with Nikon get the 24 - 70mm f 2.8. You will NOT be disappointed.

[I @ M]

A 24mm 1.4G, 85mm 1.8D with the existing lenses, so on full frame we are talking the 24, 50, 85 and the 70-300, eventually probably the 70-200 would be added.

A 24-70 F2.8 and leave it at that (IE I could stretch to this lens, but in doing so that probably knocks my camera spending off for a year or so).

The 24 and 85 combination would be my first choice with the thoughts of going to FX down the track. ( I wish I had the money to do it myself)

As things are at the moment, the 24-70 would probably cost you less on its own compared to the 24 and 85 combination and it is certainly an excellent lens but I would still go for the 2 primes.

[jasevk]

IMHO if you intend to stay with Nikon get the 24 - 70mm f 2.8. You will NOT be disappointed.

I just got this lens.... it's blowing my mind, love it!

[arthurking83]

I'd be looking to add a D700 to the list of gear in this case and probably ditch the D40.

if your budget allows you into that price range as of now.

[Xebadir]

Thanks, All, and Arthur.
You caught me, the camera I will be going after is a D700....I have road tested one a few times and love it. Unfortunately I will have to rely on the sale of a few items I no longer have a use for before I can afford the D700, so hence until this is done with the D700 is sitting in the soon my pretty basket.

So in effect, I am asking: With a D700 and a D300 (The D40 atm is just there because it was left behind after the D300 came along and I like having a spare), which of these lenses/combinations would be the best move as a portrait/wedding kit. Note that in admitting this I realise the 17-55 combination is a waste of time so forget about it.

What are peoples opinions on the prime kit vs going a zoom set with one or two primes.
Another prospect (slightly longer term), might be grab the 85mm now (i have a good deal available on one of these) and go with the 24-70 or 24 as the next purchase in line.

[arthurking83]

Of course!

I was thinking 'out loud' and kind'a assuming that a D700 can be had for $2500-3000 or thereabouts.

if you have the access to the necessary $2K for a 24-70mm and sold off the D40 to help find the D700 now, I could see that having the D700 earlier rather than later on, as an advantage.

of course I may be a bit behind in terms of actual prices of the various gear here and there.. but I haven't checked for quite some time now.

And FWIW... I've been hoping(and from an outsider's perspective.. it would have looked more like begging and praying to God's that I believe don't even exist!... that's how desperate I've been!!!)...ummmm where was I?.. Oh! I've been hoping to find one of the old 28-70/2.8's floating about in various classifieds mediums for a price not exceeding $1K!.. and have so far been very unimpressed by it's lack of understanding of the basic premise of.... ' an old piece of junk that isn't worth a cracker'

very disheartening!

Still!... a very crappy old lens, that should have been scrapped a long time ago(well at least with the introduction of the 24-70/2.8).
Rubbish lens that is useless, hopeless, heavy, famous for an inability to lock focus accurately, totally unreliable, blurry and fuzzy, and a waste of resources on the planet!

Of course my reason for acquiring one, are centred around the notion of 'technical and testing purposes'

[Xebadir]

Pretty reasonable expectation there, if not even better than that.

Oh most definitely, that 28-70 is a shocker...I was thinking of using it as a doorstop :P. Problem is that some nbs out there have doctored the exif data for 24-70 shots and put them up as the old lens.

The D40 would likely be looking to go, or worst case scenario I would sell it to the wife :P.

[AdamR]

One of the few lenses in the Nikon line up Ive used is the 24-70 and what a lens it is. I almost jumped ship on the spot. Fast focus, lovely bokeh, opportunity for great subject seperation. Love it.

[old dog]

I should not have read this thread as I want one of those 24-70`s now......

[arnica]

IMHO if you intend to stay with Nikon get the 24 - 70mm f 2.8. You will NOT be disappointed.

Totally agree .. it stays on my body 95% of the time

[Xebadir]

Hmmm resounding sort of thread don't you think.
Has decided to buy a 24-70. Thanks for the ideas and input guys. Next purchase thereafter will probably be a D700 or a Flash/lighting stuff combo.

[junqbox]

24-70mm f 2.8

+1