My first lens choice

[oddgirl]

Just got my new S2Pro a couple days ago. Put my old Nikon 35-105 AF lens on it and found out it's not a 35-105 anymore! Wanted a good all-around lens to keep on the camera that would cover most normal situations. After researching, decided on the Nikon 18-35 AF D-type lens -- if I'm multiplying correctly, it will wind up being about a 27-52mm. And the "D" will let me use the 3-D matrix metering function of the camera. I chose Nikon because I figured my most-used lens should be as good a lens as I could afford, and I can't afford the 17-35 in spite of all the glowing reviews I read about it. The lens should arrive tomorrow.

I'll give you my review after I play with it a while. What I'll say right now is this: If you've been considering getting this lens, better do it soon. $50 rebate and free 5-year extended warranty. The rebate offer expires the end of December; not sure how long the warranty offer will last.

I'm glad I found you guys. I have a lot to learn. I see all kinds of options here for posting and have no clue what they mean. I'll just do this without fancy stuff until I learn what it all means. Thanks for letting me join your group!

[Blade]

Hi Oddgirl,

Am new myself... this is a great place to be.. and all seem very welcoming..

Good luck with your new lens, would be very interested to hear of your results.

Kind regards

[amazingthailand]

Hi, yes the 1.5x multiplier is a real pain if you like wide angle lenses a lot. On the telephoto end it's great.

I have a 20-35mm nikon lens that is great with my N90s, but now it's a 30mm with my S2. Not nearly wide enough for me.

So, I'm looking at the sigma 15-30mm or maybe just the straight sigma 14mm. Both seem to get fairly good ratings, I like the zooming ability of the 15-30, but it's a big lens.

Decisions, decisions. Maybe I should just buy the new Kodak 14MP camera instead!! Oh no - more decisions!

Declan

[teski]

The 18-35 is a great choice Oddgirl! I purchased one about a month ago, and I really like it. Yes, it's not as fast as the 17-35, but it is very sharp and has great contrast.

Hope you're enjoying your new camera! Post some pics when you can.

Teski

[oddgirl]

Lens came yesterday (Friday, 11/1) to me at work. Had my camera with me so I could immediately try it on for size. I wanted wide and it does give me wide. Very cool. And zoomed out to 35, it's very "normal". If I need more telephoto, I'll just put my old 35-105 back on. I wish someone made an 18-50 or 60 or 70 that would cover about everything -- like the 35-105 did on my film camera. (They probably do make such a lens and it probably costs a fortune.) I don't like to change lenses -- it takes time away from "the moment," I'm always afraid I'll break something, and it's a drag lugging extra heavy stuff around in my bag. (I sound so whiny here - a true professional does what must be done and smiles the whole time, right?)

I haven't messed with lenses for a long, long time -- went digital 4 or 5 years ago with my first Fuji, a 2900Z, then about a year ago got the 6900Z (same CCD as the S1 so made frugal sense). Way back in the 70's when I was a young thing, my very first real camera was a Canon Ftb (back when I dreamed of photographing rock stars and making album covers). I used that camera for years; it was my friend. Then, in the early 90's, I became AF lazy and got a Nikon 6006 with the 35-105 lens. Now I'm all excited because I can have quality again and be digital at the same time!

Thanks, Blade, Declan & Teski for responding to me. I can tell this old dog's gonna get plenty of moral support from this group learning new tricks. I'll be out of town at a convention most of next week, so won't have time to really play with my new toys for a while. When I do, I'll post something I make with my new camera and lens. I see below there'a an "Attach file" section so I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Talk to you in a week or two. I'll try not to be so wordy next time. Wish me luck on the airplane -- don't need no terrorists with things that go boom. If you're into prayer, one of them would be nice... No, I'm not paranoid ;).