Nikon D7100

[ASD14]

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum and would really really appreciate some advice. I currently just sold my Nikon D5000 which had two lens's (dx 15-55 & 55-300). Question is; I am just about to pull the trigger and upgrade to a brand new D7100 (body only) and purchase the following two lens's with the body.

- Nikon AFS VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
- Nikon AFS 50mm F/1.8G

What is everyones thoughts?? I want a general purpose lens for day to day photography, weddings, birthdays etc.. and also a nice zoom lens for my wildlife photography, which is my main passion.

Any advice would be appreciated, im not overly experienced and don't want to spend stupid amounts of money.

Thanks in advance,

Alessandro.

[ricktas]

Why did you sell your D5100? Why not have kept it and gotten a good lens for it?

The reason I ask is that the D5100 is a great bit of kit and for what you want could take those shots. better lenses are what you need for wildlife etc.. a different camera body is really not going to do much.

[ASD14]

Hi Ricktas,

I had the older D5000. NOT the D5100. Hope this helps, Cheers.

Alessandro.

[ricktas]

so again, why sell the D5000. What is a new camera going to offer you that your old one didn't?

The reason I ask, is that most people upgrade, for a reason, I am wondering what your reasoning is. For example most wildlife photographers end up seeking out a 300mm f4 or something of that ilk, rather than a 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED.

I am just trying to understand your thoughts on why you are upgrading, cause personally, I would have kept the D5000 and saved to get a better lens.

[arthurking83]

You may find the 50mm just a bit too 'long', or narrow field of view, so a 35mm f/1.8 may be a better option.
As you seem to want the 70-300, the difference between 50 and 70mm's isn't all that much, but the difference from 35mm to 70mm will make all the difference.

The 35mm alternative still can give you a decent ability to separate subject from background and at a pinch, the 70mm can give you an ok portrait rendering at 70mm.

[J.davis]

For a crop sensor body I would go for a http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SIGMA-30mm-A-F1-4-DC-HSM-ART-SERIES-SUIT-NIKON-/221410937624?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item338d1ecb18
and for reach I would go for a http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SIGMA-70-200mm-F2-8-EX-APO-DG-OS-HSM-SUIT-NIKON-DIGITAL-SLR-/231226628024?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item35d62e57b8

The 35mm will give the same coverage as a 50mm full frame and the 70-200 will give a coverage of 105-300 in full frame terms, but with better speed than the two you have mentioned.
By getting these two lenses you have good quality and do not need to upgrade.

The ebay seller is the importer and as such gives a warranty that is valid and usable.

If I where buying I would go for a 17-50 f2.8 for the short end http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SIGMA-17-50mm-F2-8-EX-DC-OS-HSM-SUIT-NIKON-/231234832552?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item35d6ab88a8

I do not have an affiliation with the seller but the prices are good for a B&M store, and Sigma lens results (to me) do not differ to Nikon results.

[JimmyCat]

Hi ASD - why don't you keep the 50-300mm and buy the 35mm/f1.8 as Arthur suggests. I have the Nikon 70-300mm and it is a good lens but with the benefit of hindsight I would not have bought it. It doesn't have the reach if you want to shoot birds and had I thought about it at the time I should have gone for the 300mm prime with a 1.4TC.
As far as moving to a D7100 from the D5000 - I can't really comment other than the D7100 can shoot at 6fps vs 4fps which may be an advantage and I am looking seriously at the D7100 myself (so might be a little biased with all of the good reviews I have read :D)

[Glenda]

Firstly I love my D7100 so think it's a good choice. I also own the Nikon 70-300 you're considering and whilst it is a good lens I think you'll soon be disappointed with it for birding. You might be better considering the Sigma 150-500 or, if you can afford it the 120-300 f2.8. A few photographers on this site have the 120-300 f2.8 and paired with a teleconverter achieve some amazing results. I find the 150-500 a good lens, not fantastic in some situations but that could be user capabilities rather than the lens:o

[ASD14]

Gday,

Thank you all for the feedback, very much appreciated. I've already sold all my camera gear and I wanted to start fresh.. I was after something to take me to the next level without going full frame, as I don't think im ready to explore the full potential of it just yet. The wildlife I photograph will mainly be deer, goats, pigs, foxes, kangaroo's etc. im personally not interested in birds, so would the Nikon AFS VR 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED still be a good lens for my quarry?? I wanted a f series lens, without going to crazy in price.. that way if I go full frame down the track, ive got a lens I can use.

I believe, (as you suggested) the 35mm/F1.8g is the better option for me too, abit more flexible for taking photos at parties, weddings, functions etc.

Any more advice before I purchase?? its a big investment for me and im excited but nervous at the same time.

Cheers.

- - - Updated - - -

Question; My old D5000 paired with my old DX 55-300mm, would this have the same reach as a D7100 with 70-300mm?? Because of the F series lens on a crop sensor? wouldn't it be a roughly 120-450mm? so id be getting a lot more 'zoom' than im previously used too???

Thanks again.

[deef]

There is no difference in reach between these lenses. They are both have a maximum of 300mm. On a crop sensor body the crop factor changes the field of view to the equivalent of a 450mm lens.

Therefore you wont get any more 'zoom' than you had before. The advantage the 70-300 is that it is an FX lens, a bit better quality, and can be used on FX and DX bodies. The 55-300 can be used on an FX body but the optics aren't designed to make full use of the larger FX sensor.

The 35mm f1.8 is a nice lens and will go well with the D7100.

[arthurking83]

Also note.
If you're on a spending spree, and you can afford the wee bit extra for it .. the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is supposed to be a bit of a gem too.

So for 'parties' where you will be wanting a wider FOV a lot of the time, this focal range on a crop camera sounds just about perfect.
I think they sell for about $700ish. I reckon the best APS-C lens for the money!

I'm no wildlife expert, but my observations of the animals you've listed as potential targets all seem to come out at the end of the day.
This implies low light. Low light needs more exposure values.
Wider aperture lenses will be of benefit for those types of animals.

Think about a 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4, or alternatively a 300 f/4 .. just for the sake of the extra stop of exposure.

[ASD14]

Thank you so much for the feedback again guys, I appreciate it.

If I had to buy one lens for the foreseeable future for my day to day use, parties, general snapping, would I be better off with the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 OR Nikon 35mm F1.8G?? What would be the pro's and con's of each?? Im very close to buying now and just don't want to make a wrong choice.

I might hold off on my zoom lens just for now until I work out exactly what will suit my needs, my parents have a Nikkon DX 55-300mm lens lying around that I could use for a bit until I work out what I want I guess..

Thanks in advance. :)

[arthurking83]

.....

If I had to buy one lens for the foreseeable future for my day to day use, parties, general snapping, .....

I reckon you would be.

If not for any other reason than it gives you flexibility.
It allows you various options.

35mm is not a bad portrait length on APS-C .. 18mm is not a bad wide angle FOV.

Of course this depends on your photography preferences. But if my finances only stretched to (eg.) $700-900 worth of lens for APS-C ... this would be my first choice.

if you have access to the 55-300mm for those times when you want longer focal lengths, then you're set to go.

One other lens you may like to look into, if you're into people photography is the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-S G. It's not the greatest lens ever made .. but then again it doesn't cost $2K-$5K.
At about $400 or so it also makes for nice portrait photography.

[SerenityGate]

I purchased a Tamron SP 70-300 USD VC lens for my D7100 and it's really sharp! and costs $100+ less than the Nikon.

[ASD14]

Thanks for the feedback guys, im getting real close now to getting the D7100 and purchasing two of the below lenses (one from each group).

General Purpose:
Nikon 35mm F1.8g
Nikon 50mm F1.8G
TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)

Wildlife / Outdoors:
Nikon 70-300 VR
Tamron 70-200 F2.8 (plus a 1.4 teleconveter).
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 DI VC USD

Whats everyones thoughts?? ive been researching for MONTHS now and im pretty confident these are what im after.. but also would love to hear some more feedback before I purchase next week :) Please note this is the OUTER budget of what I can afford, and its already a stretch.

Cheers.

[Cage]

I have a Nikon 50mm f1.8G and it is quite a good lens, although as mentioned above the 35mm f1.8 would be a better option for you at this stage.

I also have the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC and it is a bloody ripper of a lens, BUT, it doesn't like T/C's. I have a Tamron SP 1.4 T/C and when mounted, sometimes it auto-focuses, and sometimes it doesn't. Seems like the only gliche with this stellar lens.

[ASD14]

Hi Cage,

Thanks for the feedback mate, yeah ive heard really good things about the tamron 70-200 F2.8 VC, however, It does not have the reach I need to photography my quarry (goats, deers, foxes etc) at say 100-200m that's the only dilemma.

So id need to run a teleconverter or just go for the monster tamron 150-600.

[J.davis]

For reach I use a Sigma 120-400, on a crop body it gives the image size of a 600 FX lens, so 600 at 5.6 isn't too bad for distance.:D

[Cage]

...So id need to run a teleconverter or just go for the monster tamron 150-600.

For the sort of shooting you are doing the Tamron 150-600 should be a no-brainer. With the D7100's 1.5 crop factor it will give you the same FOV as a 900mm lens on a FF camera. I've just been looking at some reviews on it, and all the respected reviewers are giving it a :th3: Get yourself a reasonable monopod and with the lens built in vibration control you should be delighted with the results.

[ASD14]

Thanks for the feedback, im going to purchase the D7100 today with a 35mm F1.8g, I will use this lens for this weekend and then work out what I want to do after.

Cheers guys :)

[Cage]

I think you will be very happy with that outfit to learn your new camera. The 35mm f1.8 seems well thought of by those who have it, and will always be a handy lens to have in your kit.

Be prepared to be blown away by what you will see when you upload your first shots to your computer.

Good luck with your new learning experience.

[ASD14]

Thanks for that cage, im pretty excited mate :) ive got my first photography course booked and that's in 4 weeks, so I've got a month to learn my camera by myself and then ill get shown how to use it properly.

I was going to go the 50mm F1.8g, but I think it will be to narrow FOV for a day to day lens, so I think il stick with the 35mm

Cheers.

- - - Updated - - -

Also im going to buy a spare battery and a lowpro case for it... is there any other accessories worth considering?? Do I need lens filters, or protectors, cleaners, or straps etc etc.

Thanks.

[Cage]

UV and protector filters are a waste of money, IMHO, just use your lens hood.

A blower to puff dust off the lens, and my Nikon lens pen are always with me. A microfibre cleaning cloth is also handy to have as is some lens cleaning fluid to clean off pesky fly spots.

Oh, and don't forget a memory card. The camera doesn't have one included. I use the SanDisk Extreme Pro 95MB/s variety. You will get about 40 shots per gigabyte so an 8GB card will give you around 320 shots. You decide on what you will need but I think it is better to err toward bigger rather than smaller. I often take 400+ shots when I'm chasing birds.

[ASD14]

Well im a happy chap, just bought the D7100, Nikon 35mm F1.8G, spare Nikon genuine battery, Koya 52mm coated lens filter and a lowerpro case! Im over the moon, just waiting for my battery to charge before I can fire up the camera :) :)

I totally forgot about SD cards and your right the camera doesn't come with one, so il go out and by good SD card later on. Will also buy this Nikon lens pen too!

Thanks for your help mate, and id love if you have any more pointers.

Cheers!

[ASD14]

For anyone interested - I am extremely happy with the camera, It is definitely a step up from my old D5000. The prime lens is extremely sharp and fast, the camera focuses and tracks very well.

Also bought a full lens cleaning kit on the weekend too, going to look after this baby for sure.

Cheers.

[Snpsht]

Excellent - have a wonderful time with it and show us some pics soon!
:th3:

[ASD14]

Yeah I will mate, to upload photos do I have to copy the url from my own ''photobucket'' ?

Also what is the go with image photoshopping?? Whats the best / easiest program to use.

Cheers.