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Upgrading my static lens.

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luke28
Posts: 1524
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 6:07 pm
Location: Birmingham

Upgrading my static lens.

Post by luke28 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:18 pm

Alright lads and lasses, This forum has always delivered me with sound advise in the past regarding camera gear so I'm hoping that will continue here.
I'm looking to upgrade my standard Nikon 17-35mm lens that I use for static shots, I use a Nikon D3100 and my budget is around £500. I'm looking for the sharpest lens possible within my budget. Any advise would be most welcome. Thank you :thumbs:

zigzag
Posts: 66
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2010 12:45 pm

Re: Upgrading my static lens.

Post by zigzag » Thu Dec 14, 2017 4:08 pm

This might not suit in all situations but the 50mm 1.8 Nikon lens is pin sharp and its well under your budget (the 1.4 is also a cracking bit of kit but imo not worth the extra money). For the quality you get from this lens combined with a price that wont break the bank you could even have the luxury of having one in your bag for use only when the situation allows.

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Mark
Posts: 1347
Joined: Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:35 pm
Location: Liverpool

Re: Upgrading my static lens.

Post by Mark » Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:51 pm

I use the Sigma 10-20mm on a Canon and love it muchly...
Cameraless

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jaydean
Posts: 136
Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:59 am
Location: Sheffield

Re: Upgrading my static lens.

Post by jaydean » Fri Dec 15, 2017 7:39 am

The 17-35mm f2.8 right?? This is a pretty decent lens and you'll be hard pressed to get a better alternative for £500 in the IQ department. You'd be hard pressed to get another 17-35mm for £500. I suppose the next 'step' from that lens is the 16-35mm f4 which is a great lens. When i say step thats probably arguable. I replaced my 16-35mm f4 with the 12-24mm f2.8 and the 16-24 certainly gives the 12-24mm a run for the money. Its a law of diminishing returns at this level. What is it about the 17-35 thats lacking as you should be getting very good IQ from it?

luke28
Posts: 1524
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 6:07 pm
Location: Birmingham

Re: Upgrading my static lens.

Post by luke28 » Fri Dec 15, 2017 2:17 pm

Thanks for the feedback chaps, I will look into each lens recommended.

Jaydean, no mate my current lens is the Nikkor Lens AFS DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR version, I've had it for around 5 years now and while i'm more than happy with my lens for the flying displays, I feel my statics could be a bit sharper.

:thumbs: :thumbs:

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jaydean
Posts: 136
Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:59 am
Location: Sheffield

Re: Upgrading my static lens.

Post by jaydean » Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:18 pm

Right, well the next step from the 18-55mm in the Nikon DX range would probably be the 16-85mm, not a bad lens if memory serves. Also the newer 16-80mm f2.8 which is apparently very good and may be achievable second hand within your budget if you're very lucky, or 17-55mm f2.8.
Alternatively, maybe get the Nikon 10-24mm or 12-24mm and the 16-85mm. Thats loads for focal coverage and great in those crowded situations that always come along with the statics. Second hand its almost do-able with a bit more added to your budget
All of these lenses have inbuilt (af) motors that the D3100 will need
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipmen ... -if-ed-dx/
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipmen ... 5-4-5g-dx/
https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equipmen ... -ed-dx-vr/

John flightpath
Posts: 714
Joined: Mon Jul 13, 2015 9:48 pm
Location: Birmingham

Re: Upgrading my static lens.

Post by John flightpath » Sat Dec 16, 2017 10:58 pm

Just a thought Luke, maybe your lens would benefit from a service, it may just be a tad off true focus. Also, use a tripod or monopod more on statics if you don't think your images are sharp enough.

Regards
John 'flightpath'.
Equipment
Canon EOS 750D

Sigma APO OS DG 150-500mm
Canon 55-250 IS STM Lens
Sigma APO DG 70-300 lens

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