What should my next lens be?

[Shacklebolt]

Assume price is not a thing.
EDIT: Or okay, assume <2k.

I presently own a D80 and

Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4fD
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G

These actually cover the range I like to shoot quite nicely, but I feel like I'm lacking quality in the sub-70mm range.

I'm well aware that you should take some time to get used to your lenses, and I'm enjoying using them a lot. I don't feel like there's harm in adding a lens to your collection though.

Any suggestions?

 

[beavo451]

What do you want to shoot? Low-light? Macro?

How about a 17-55mm f/2.8 and sell your 18-135?
Or a 105mm VR Macro?

Or if price really isn't an issue...

400mm f/2.8 VR
200-400mm f/4 VR

 

[compuwar]

Assume price is not a thing.
EDIT: Or okay, assume <2k.

I presently own a D80 and

Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4fD
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G

These actually cover the range I like to shoot quite nicely, but I feel like I'm lacking quality in the sub-70mm range.

I'm well aware that you should take some time to get used to your lenses, and I'm enjoying using them a lot. I don't feel like there's harm in adding a lens to your collection though.

Any suggestions?

Great mid to wides:

Sigma 10-20mm HSM
Nikon 20-35mm AF-D (No longer in production)
Nikon 35-70mm AF-D (No longer in production)
Nikon 17-35mm AF-S
Nikon 14-24mm AF-S
Nikon 24-70mm AF-S

I've got the first three, and if I want wide it's a toss up between the 20-35 and the Sigma, both produce excellent quality images.

 

[TimJim]

The Nikon 18-55 f/3.5 - 5.6 is nice.

Link

 

[yeroen]

I'd go with the 17-35 2.8 AFS, or at least that's the next lens I'd get if it was in the budget.

I own the 28 2.8 AIS and it competes with my 50 1.8 and 180 2.8 for the title of favorite lens. The 28 f/2 AIS is, I've read, even better.

While you're at it, you might as well pick up a 50 1.8 for $100. I generally prefer it to my 50 1.4 for shots above f/2.8.

 

[Abstract]

Nothing.

You want to buy something, but you don't know what. This is an indication that you don't need to buy anything. So if you're asking for a recommendation for a new lens, and yet you aren't lacking or missing potential shots, my answer is "nothing."

Just wait until you find something you need. If you need an ultra-wide angle, you'll find out eventually just by using your current system. If you need a wide-ish lens with a large aperture, then you'll also know after using your current system.

 

[vchalupa]

VR Lenses

I just bought a new D40 and I love it. The picture quality is amazing and everything works well with the VR Lenses. I have one non-VR and one VR lens by Nikon and the VR (70-200 mm) is absolutely fantastic. I used it to shoot pictures in an auditorium setting filled with people and performances on stage. The VR Lens was astounding in low-light situation. I'm really impressed with the picture quality it produced.

If you don't have a VR Lens already, I'd consider any of the VR Lenses by Nikon.

 

[zirkle2007]

Nothing.

You want to buy something, but you don't know what. This is an indication that you don't need to buy anything. So if you're asking for a recommendation for a new lens, and yet you aren't lacking or missing potential shots, my answer is "nothing."

Just wait until you find something you need. If you need an ultra-wide angle, you'll find out eventually just by using your current system. If you need a wide-ish lens with a large aperture, then you'll also know after using your current system.

The voice of reason. Listen to it!

 

[Shaduu]

This.