Please pick one of the following Nikon lenses for a D80?

Question

#1. 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF AF
#2. 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S
#4. 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S
#4. 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G AF
#5. 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D ED AF

Answer 1

Just as a general rule for ALL lenses: See if you can't find and use the lens IN PERSON before you buy it, that'll really help you make your decision.

For sports: Well, I wouldn't go with any of these, unfortunately. However, of the one's here, go with #5, though it'll hurt you in low-light istuations.

For portraits: #4 hands down. Great range for this kind of work and fast enough for any studio or outdoor portrait.

For general use: Again, go with #4. If this is your only lens and you don't have a specific need, go with this.

All that said, 28mm on a Nikon (presumably with a crop factor of 1.5x) is a little too wide for general use, 18mm is a much better bet. If you have the money and want an all-around GREAT lens, then go with Nikon's new Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VRII (~$700USD) or even the Nikkor AF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5-6G IF-ED DX (~$300USD).

Again, try before you buy if at all possible and also try and narrow down what specific needs you want this lens to fulfill (i.e. low light situations, fast movement, sturdiness, size, weight, area to cover, etc.). Also take a look at the mid-range zooms (18-55mm) or even just the ever-reliable 50mm, which you can't find dirt-cheap and extra fast.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm not sure where your list came from, but I think it is a great list for a full-format or 35 mm camera. Maybe you don't want it, but I think 24 or 28 mm is not much of a wide angle. I'm not saying everyone needs a superwide lens, but 24-28 is close to a "normal" lens for the D80.

Out of this group, the nicest lens is probably the 28-70, but I would recommend my favorite lens for you: 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor. It sells for about the same money as the 28-70 and it just a marvelous lens.

If you don't really want to get into the $1,200 price bracket, I'd suggest another lens that is not on your list: 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX lens for $340. This gives you a bit more tele than the 17-55, but it gives a bit more error as well. I must hastne to add that I think it's a great lens for the money. We chose this as the main lens for my wife's D50 and I liked it so much I bought one for myself as a backup for my D70s.

Answer 3

Listen to Alan. He knows this stuff.

I have the 24-85 2.8-4. It is my everyday walking lens for my film F100. I love it, BUT I must have a good sample. I have read mixed reviews on this lens, some love it and some think the slower version is better.

All the lenses you have listed are not really wide enough for a crop sensor. So be sure to consider a wider lens as well. And a 50mm 1.8 should be on the list, too! Even though it is not a zoom, it is a very nice short portrait lens on a D80, sharp, with lovely bokeh, and dirt cheap. (Around $100 new!)

The D80 is a great camera, it may make me change my mind from the D200! Enjoy yours!

Answer 4

just depends really. i would get the 28-105mm if speed is not an issue. I own the Canon Rebel but I wanted speed so I ditched the lens kit and got the 70-200mm f/2.8. So if speed is not an issue I would get that because it give you a wide range of angles.

My vote is #5.

If speed is an issue get the 28-70mm f/2.8 because it will be at f/2.8 the whole time even at 70mm. This will allow you to take more faster pictures in dimmer light, for like sports.