best option for $1,600 lens

[versionsix]

Hi all,

I have a budget of $1,600. What would be the best value for money lens to get for at this price? i'm currently considering between the 85/1.4 and the 80-200/2.8. The lens should be about the same quality as these lenses so the 18-200mm is out. I shoot mainly street photog with the occassional indoor event. Any advice on other lenses to consider? comments? thanks!

[ortega]

80-200 is heavy and some ppl don't bring it out often

85 1.4 is more useful for you

[captnj]

just a bit more can get the MO of the 17-55

[itsybitsyspidy]

Originally Posted by versionsix Hi all, I have a budget of $1,600. What would be the best value for money lens to get for at this price? i'm currently considering between the 85/1.4 and the 80-200/2.8. The lens should be about the same quality as these lenses so the 18-200mm is out. I shoot mainly street photog with the occassional indoor event. Any advice on other lenses to consider? comments? thanks!

i would suggest the 80-200/2.8 as it can cover your street and indoor events. the 85/1.4 is good but you wouldn't have that added flexibility.

[versionsix]

Originally Posted by captnj just a bit more can get the MO of the 17-55

Can i know who is doing the MO? I looked at the MO section but didn't see a thread for 17-55.

[ExplorerZ]

yup i think 80-200 f2.8 is better. it cover the 85mm range as well but not as fast and maybe quality not as high. the 200mm is very good for street photography where you doesn't want to go too near your subject. the zoom range is also more flexibility. but if you intent to shoot indoor without flash, 85mm f1.4 might be more useful. f2.8 and f1.4 is quite a big different (2 stops)

[Woops]

Originally Posted by versionsix Can i know who is doing the MO? I looked at the MO section but didn't see a thread for 17-55.

The MO is with title 70-200 f/2.8 VR or something like that.

[Tetrode]

If street photography is your thing, I'd suggest neither.

I'd think you'd be a bit restricted with a 80-200 zoom as in street (photojournalistic) photography, you'd want to be in the thick of the action not be detached from it.

The 85mm f1.4 requires a hood for outdoor shooting making it (with a decent hood) very large, heavy and conspicious. This also applies to the 80-200 which screams "photog on the prowl".

I'd suggest looking at a used Zoom Nikkor 20-35 f2.8 or Tokina in the same range. I'd recommend the 17-35 if you can find one for $1600 SGD used.

Or a combination of the following primes,(24mm f2.8 ,50mm f1.8/1.4 ,85mm f1.8) or (20 f2.8, 35/50mm, 85mm) or (28mm, 50mm, 85mm f1.8).

Get the cheap 70-300 AFD ED and a monopod for when you need to shoot stage events from afar. Or pick up an older one touch 80-200 f2.8 ($600).

You don't mention if you shoot with film or digital. My recommendations apply mainly to film bodies.

[Lmodel]

Originally Posted by versionsix Can i know who is doing the MO? I looked at the MO section but didn't see a thread for 17-55.

I believe this could be what you are looking for

http://forum.clubsnap.com/showthread...=200031&page=4

OR if you don't mind grey sets

http://forum.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=207804

OR if you prefer second hand warrantied sets

http://forum.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=208720

[EOSFILM]

i'm actually looking for a used 80-200 f2.8 (non AFS one, cannot afford )...anyone looking to sell theirs, please pm me...

P.S. - sorry to digress from the topic.

[_espn_]

Get the 85 f/1.4 PM sykestang for a better deal.

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by versionsix Hi all, I have a budget of $1,600. What would be the best value for money lens to get for at this price? i'm currently considering between the 85/1.4 and the 80-200/2.8. The lens should be about the same quality as these lenses so the 18-200mm is out. I shoot mainly street photog with the occassional indoor event. Any advice on other lenses to consider? comments? thanks!

Streets photography ranges from wide to telephoto depends on the perception of seeing. IF there's only one lens to buy. I'll go for the 18-200mm VR for a start. It covers most of the range.
Anyway, is just my personal preference only. Cheers

[westwest1]

Originally Posted by Spectrum Streets photography ranges from wide to telephoto depends on the perception of seeing. IF there's only one lens to buy. I'll go for the 18-200mm VR for a start. It covers most of the range. Anyway, is just my personal preference only. Cheers

haha...yes... 18-200 good for beginner...

[glennyong]

yah. and theres a VR also !!

[_espn_]

Get 85 f1.4

[westwest1]

why not try the 80-200mm

you might love it a lot...

[_espn_]

Originally Posted by westwest1 why not try the 80-200mm you might love it a lot...

70-200VR better.

[Lmodel]

Originally Posted by _espn_ 70-200VR better.

Budget only $1,600.00 leh... haha this newbie spreading "poison" all around

[_espn_]

Originally Posted by Lmodel Budget only $1,600.00 leh... haha this newbie spreading "poison" all around

Where your fireworks shots? Show show leh ?

[wiz23]

Originally Posted by versionsix Hi all, I have a budget of $1,600. What would be the best value for money lens to get for at this price? i'm currently considering between the 85/1.4 and the 80-200/2.8. The lens should be about the same quality as these lenses so the 18-200mm is out. I shoot mainly street photog with the occassional indoor event. Any advice on other lenses to consider? comments? thanks!

What other lenses do u currently own?

For street, I would suggest the 35 f/2D or 50 f/1.4D, and for events, 180 f/2.8D IF-ED. These 2 lenses together should be abt $1600, slightly more or less

The 35 f/2 or 50 f/1.4 are small and compact lenses with focal lengths suitable for street The 180 f/2.8 has the reach u need for events (unless u shoot at huge venues) but not the bulk of the 80-200 ... Quality wise, definitely good

Just my 2 cents