My favorite lenses

[LeighAndRaymond]

@NAGULNR2 This depends entirely on whether or not you would be taking advantage of f2.8 throughout the zoom range on the 17-55. If you plan to shoot in available light and/or indoors very often, the 17-55 is worthwhile. If you primarily shoot daylight and don't mind relying on flash indoors, the 16-85 is more viable.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@PatientZeroThree I've recently added the 35mm f1.8, as well. When I need to cover all angles, most often I have the 17-55 on one body and the 70-200 on another. Primes are nice and I love the results, but the two zooms aren't far behind on quality and, of course, very flexible. Leigh

[LeighAndRaymond]

@smithy2306 35mm f1.8 with the D5000 is a great combo. There was some negative press years ago when G lenses (lenses without an aperture ring) were first introduced. Cameras like the D5000 do not use an aperture ring on the lens - aperture is set on camera, so there is no reason for an aperture ring at all. Get the 35mm f1.8 and you will love it!

[LeighAndRaymond]

I really like the V1 with just the kit lens. The only other lens I use regularly with it is the 18.5mm f1.8. I have the 30-110 also, but I use it rarely. The upcoming 32mm f1.2 will make the V1 as capable as many DSLRs for portraits.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@007Hunkguy Nikon doesn't sell too many bad choices. It's a great lens for long range in daylight. Its weakness is lower light situations, but the great high ISO performance of the D300s helps to mitigate that. Leigh

[LeighAndRaymond]

@thedashingderek2 Yes. The only difference these days is that you set the aperture using the command dial on the camera rather than rotating an aperture ring at the base of the lens.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@Post12Production1 I use various lenses for my work. The 18-200 is one that I use. It is flexible and capable in well lit environments.

[LeighAndRaymond]

70-200 is a great choice and useful in many, many situations.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@Medowin It is tough for me to answer this question because I do not own the 50mm f1.4. The reason for this is that I have never felt lacking with the 50mm f1.8.

[absoluteb]

TheSnapChick, you are not only awesome behind the camera, in front of it you are a natural! Love the private classes.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@MsSashaEvil Larger glass for the 70-200 because it can maintain f2.8 throughout the zoom range.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@rorrt It's all relative... 70-200 with 1.7x is stil a fast lens, which focuses quickly, and is very sharp at f8. The 70-200 is an ace of a lens, so adding a teleconverter does not knock it off its throne :)

[LeighAndRaymond]

@Post12Production1 Definitely. The 17-55 is the lens that I use most often when I'm getting paid to take pictures. For my own stuff, I only use it about half the time because it is heavy.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@spirg Very cool. I had an earlier non-VR version of the lens. Great lens.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@tony77tony77 Personally, I don't think you would find many occasions to use the 50mm. 85mm for headshots, 35mm for walking around, and the 18-70 for everything in between. If someone told me I could only have those three lenses, I'd miss e 70-200, but other than that, i wouldn't be particularly disappointed. :) Leigh

[LeighAndRaymond]

@321242 Why do you say that the 1.4 is better? Sharpness? Wider aperture range?

[LeighAndRaymond]

I like the lighter weight of the individual lenses, but that's a personal preference. I would try out the 18-200 in a store and see if it is a lens that you want on your camera all the time.

[LeighAndRaymond]

The kit lens or the 55-200 can work surprisingly well for portraits. Also consider the 50mm f1.8G, which is a good field of view for portraits on a D3200.

[LeighAndRaymond]

@MrDirdyBirdy I misspoke in the video. See the comments below. Yes, 17-55 and 18-200 can be used on FX bodies. I will eventually remake this video to correct the slight error, but right now I'm too busy making new videos :)

[LeighAndRaymond]

@willcitoman97 Great lens. I had one for a long time and eventually gave it away to an assistant. It is a little soft between 200-300mm, but not to a harmful degree. It is not superb in low light due to the variable aperture, but for outdoors, it's a real champ!