General Discussion > Hobbies & Crafts

Understand your DSLR

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Simon:
Perhaps he's gone to find some?  :dunno:

mikeandnel:
Hi
This is my first post to this forum as I need a little advice.
I have the option of two extra lenses for my Nikon D40X.
These are either a Nikon 35mm f1.8 AF-S lens or a Sigma 24mm f2.8 AF lens.
Can you suggest why I would need either and how they compare with each other and what I would use them for.
I don't want to have a lens that I would have no use for
Thanks

Simon:
:welcome:

Rik's the Nikon guy.  He'll be back later.  :) 

Rik:
Hi Mike, or Nel ;)

The Nikon lens is amongst the best optics in the world, imo, and that 35mm is equivalent to 52.5mm for 35mm film. TBH, it's a lens length I rarely used, because it mimics the angle of view of the human eye, and part of my photography is about bringing a different perspective to the picture. That said, the extra 1.6 stops will come in handy in low light conditions, though it has no VR on it.

The Sigma is a good lens, and a 24 is equivalent to a 36mm lens. To me, that's a middle ground lens, not wide enough to be really wide angle, so of the two, I'd probably buy the Nikon.

My own current range is the 14-24 (21-36) f2.8 zoom (weighs a kilo, but it's a great lens), 24-70 (36-105) f2.8 zoom, an 18-200 (27-300) 'single lens' zoom, f3-5-5.6, and a 50mm (75 equivalent) f1.4 prime. I'd normally be looking at something nearer 60 for this, but they don't have one at present. This lens is great for portraiture and low-light shooting. I'm planning to add the 60mm macro (or micro as Nikon call it) when the VRII version hits the streets, and I'd like a wide angle prime 24-28mm.

However, the real answer to your question has to start with a question, what sort of pictures do you want to take, ie subjects?

mikeandnel:
Hello Rik,
Thanks for the advice. From what you say, it would appear that I might not gain any advantage from either lens.
I came across these two lenses while trying to find an economically priced lens for macro or close up photos.
My current lenses are 18-55 mm 3.5 - 5.6 VR and 55-200 3.5/5.6 VR.
I belong to the local camera club but get conflicting advice as to why my photos entered in competitions are not deemed good enough. I would like to be able to take photos, for example, of the insides of flowers, or of insects and have them turn up very sharp with the background out of focus. I am happy with distance photos taken with the current lenses.
I have on order a bellows unit which is what made me ask the question about the two fixed focal length lenses
Any advice would be appreciated (or questions)
Thanks
Micheal

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