New Glass!

Discuss everything including the optimal equipment, seasons, techniques and tips for capturing excellent photos.

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skiboarder72
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Camera Model: Nikon D300, Nikon D50, 18-200mm VR, 11-16mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, SB-600
Location: Greenville, SC
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After going back and forth between getting this lens or just skipping it and waiting until I can afford (and am strong enough for) a 70-200mm f2.8. I decided to go with the 85mm. First, the quality is just as good, if not better than the 70-200mm. Second, its one and a third stops faster than a 2.8. Thirdly, its about 1/4th the price of a 70-200mm. Fourth, its about 1/4th the weight of a 70-200mm. Granted it can't zoom, but with 12mp, a crop is always an option.

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I have been a big fan of my 50mm f1.8 lens for a long time. It is light, compact, cheap, and yields some of the most beautiful images I've taken. The only problem with it is that during events and weddings I have to get up pretty close to the action. The 85mm gives me that extra reach that lets me capture the moment without disturbing it.

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f/16

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f/2.8

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f/1.8

Couple Sample Shots:

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chris270
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The quality of my 85mm 1.8 is good but wouldn't compare to my 70-200mm 2.8...must be a nikon thing.
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skiboarder72
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Camera Model: Nikon D300, Nikon D50, 18-200mm VR, 11-16mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, SB-600
Location: Greenville, SC
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chris270 wrote:The quality of my 85mm 1.8 is good but wouldn't compare to my 70-200mm 2.8...must be a nikon thing.
I shot them side by side in the store, the 85mm at f2.8 destroys the 70-200mm @ 2.8, wide open, they seem pretty comparable though

Thanks for the recommendation though :up:
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Matt
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congrats on the new glass.
I feel ~100mm equiv prime is an essential step. Probably more so than the 50mm.
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skiboarder72
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Camera Model: Nikon D300, Nikon D50, 18-200mm VR, 11-16mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, SB-600
Location: Greenville, SC
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Matt wrote:congrats on the new glass.
I feel ~100mm equiv prime is an essential step. Probably more so than the 50mm.
Yea the focal length is a lot more interesting, its about 130mm :up:
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Bill_K
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My daughter is getting married in the Spring and wants me to shoot the wedding, which I nervously agreed to help save on expenses. What lens do you recommend as the best for weddings? Also, I've heard you can rent lenses. Does anyone know where or can you recommend a place and know the cost?
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Matt
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You can rent from Adorama (look under departments)
A bounce flash would be a useful thing too.
cascade
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You can rent locally from Hahn Photographic. They are on Dewey Ave.
http://www.hahnphotographic.com/custome ... p?pageid=8
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