# I took the cameras out today. (MPSIMS + IMHO lens recommendations) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 25, 2010, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911 "2010-07-25T02:30:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/21 "2010-07-25T17:25:40Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > The predecessor to this lens was the 35-70 f/2.8, but it leaves you wanting a bit more wide angle at the short range. I have a 28-85. I feel like it needs to be a bit wider, and a little longer. Like 24-135. But since I generally don’t like long (in length) lenses, I’m thinking it will do for a zoom. > [@pulykamell](#): > > As for best value, the 85mm f/1.8 (which is around $450) is a razor sharp, fast piece of optics. It is _awesome_ for portraits (although I’ve stepped up to the f/1.4 version of this lens), contrasty, and great in low light. There was a time when I wanted an 85mm lens for portraits, but now I can’t imagine myself shooting portraits. Anything else it’s good for? > [@pulykamell](#): > > As for an all-around go-to wide angle lens, the 24mm f/2.8 does the job admirably. I’ve found I really like 24mm. I’ve been looking at them on eBay, and they are either rather expensive, ‘well-used’ (which backs up what you say about being an all-around go-to lens), or both. I may have to bite the bullet and just get a new one ($500 from B&H). ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/22 "2010-07-25T19:37:32Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > If you want one walk-around lens, a 24-70mm f/2.8 is perfect for that. The fixed aperture is fast enough for indoor shooting, and the focal range is great for landscapes to portraits. But not for his new D90 ( where the [18-105 f3.5-5.6](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586194-USA/Nikon_2179_18_105mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_VR.html) is a more flexible and cheap option - this [kit](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588977-REG/Nikon_D90_SLR_Digital_Camera.html) is a decent starter, or the [16-85 f 3.5-5.6](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/545654-USA/Nikon_2178_16_85mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_VR.html) for a slightly more robust and pricey option ). Since it has a 1.5x crop factor that 24-70 would end up being functionally 36-105mm,which would not be ideal for landscapes. The alternate options above aren’t fast or pro-quality, but they seem to be otherwise decently-reviewed glass. Another, slightly faster and intermediate-priced option is the new [Sigma 17-70 OS HSM f2.8-4.0](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/670041-REG/Sigma_668306_17_70mm_F2_8_4_DC_Macro.html). ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/23 "2010-07-25T20:44:49Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > But not for his new D90 Actually, I’m just looking at glass for my film cameras now. There will definitely be another thread after I get a D90! 😉 Here’s what I’m getting from this thread so far: ```auto **Lens Use Notes** 19 mm Unspecified 24 mm Unspecified 24 mm Architecture, foreground subjects 'All-around, go-to wide-angle' 50 mm Unspecified 50 mm Macro Macro 105 mm Unspecified 135 mm Portrait 130-150mm 200 mm Aircraft Presumably in flight 24-70 mm General purpose 'Can't go wrong' 28-85 mm Animals & landscape 35-70 mm Unspecified 70-210 mm Animals & landscape 85 mm Portraits ``` Again, here’s what I have: FM3a: Nikkor 50mm _f_1.8, Nikkor 35-70mm _f_3.5-4.5 OM-1: Zuiko 24mm _f_2.8, Zuiko 50mm _f_1.8, Kalimar 35-200mm _f_3.5-4.8 ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/24 "2010-07-25T21:00:05Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > \ I’d rather spend my money on movie cameras, and then video. > > … I wound up with four. .. Oh, my… You’d rather do motion, but still manage to come up with 4 STILL systems, with exactly 0 interchangeability… Um… how many motion systems do you have? I think you mentioned an Arri… ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/25 "2010-07-25T21:23:19Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > Um… how many motion systems do you have? I think you mentioned an Arri… I’ve lost count of the Bolexes. There’s an Arriflex 16.S, a couple of Krasnogorsk K-3s, an Eclair NPR, a Beaulieu R16, and an Aaton LTR-54. The Arri, two of the Bolexes, the Eclair, and the Aaton have crystal synch motors. The Aaton is the ‘most complete kit’, with a matte box, French flag, and follow-focus. It’s also my only super-16 camera. For video I have a Panasonic AG-DVX100A. Out of all of them, the Panasonic has seen the most use due to the expense of film. It’s also made me money. When I get around to it, I want to sell all but the Aaton, the Arri, one Bolex, and the Panasonic. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/26 "2010-07-25T21:46:32Z")
OK, I didn’t get that across, let’s try again… Landscape - as wide as possible, I found the 28-85 to be too long for a lot of what I wanted to shoot, and the 20mm is very good for landscape Table-top/product photography - 85mm Portrait 130-150 I can’t imagine having a relaxed subject if you’re in their face with an 85mm - the longer lens lets you be far enough away. The 200mm for aircraft was assuming both 1. General aviation subjects 2. on the ground If you want in-flight, it comes down to how large is it and how close you want to get? “critters and landscape” are my usual subjects - the 28-85 was the walk-around I used for everyday shots, but it won’t even come close for critters Critters need at least 100mm (at the zoo, with pets, and other close-up situations). Wild ones need 200-1000mm-10,00mm. This is how the 500mm was “justified”. I did get a nice shot of an eagle with the 500, but it’s a bit too heavy for me to even think about hand-held anymore. I got a nicely-framed, full-frame shot of a resting butterfly with the 210mm. or, expressed another way: 20mm - landscape 50mm - this is usually explained as “matching the angle of view of the average person”. Think point-and-shoot. This is the focal length most use. Yep, just checked - the lens on the Argus C-3 is a 50mm. 85mm - 1 vote for portrait, one for table-top. I have one because it was the fastest lens (1.4) that Minolta made in the 50-100 range, and I wanted a shot of the aye-ayes (go find a pic - it will be worth the search). While they would come within 15 feet, the display is nocturnal, and I wasn’t going to use ISO 3200… 100mm - minimum for citters 130-150mm portrait 200mm - g/a grounded; critters in pens; general telephoto. 500mm - sporting events, wild critters Or expressed another way: Minimum kit; assumes you find zoom lenses acceptable: 28-80 (approx) great for walk-around 70-200 (approx.) when you need a longer lens. The 200mm is about as long as most people will need. Not suprisingly, these are the first 2 real lenses I bought - I had a cheap Sigma originally because I didn’t want to sink the $ in glass if I was going to lose interest in photography. The next 2 acquired 20mm prime. The 28mm on the zoom was just not wide enough, and the 28-85mm Maxxum lens is not that great ayway. 50mm Macro. Search ebay photo/lenses for “macro” in the title. They just are not cheap, even used. That’s because, once you point a macro at a flower, you want to keep the macro. Then comes the ring flash… ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2010, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/27 "2010-07-25T23:10:12Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > Portrait 130-150 I can’t imagine having a relaxed subject if you’re in their face with an 85mm - the longer lens lets you be far enough away. This is much to do with your personal style. 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm are all the classic “portrait lens” focal lengths. I happen to like the 85mm because it allows me to be far enough away from the subject that I’m not right on top of them, but close enough for me to interact with the subject without shouting at them. I also love shooting portraits at _very_ open apertures, all the way down to f/1.4 on my 1.4 lens. Don’t get me wrong–I shoot plenty of portraits with the 80-200mm, too, but I’ve always felt my 85mm portraits have more of an intimacy to them, and the shallower depth of field doesn’t hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/28 "2010-07-26T03:51:13Z")
It’s sounding like all I really need is a 24mm and a longer (zoom) lens for the Nikon, and the Olympus is covered well enough. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/29 "2010-07-26T04:39:27Z")
PICK ONE SYSTEM!!! 😉 But yes, sounds like… ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/30 "2010-07-26T14:34:47Z")
My walk-around lens for my Nikon D-100 is an old Vivitar 28-210. I’ve been using this lens for the past 15 years and it performs flawlessly. One Nikkor lens I would really recommend (if you can find it) is the 80-200 1:2.8 D. For a Nikkor, it’s a screaming deal. Heavy bastard, though. Comes with a tripod ring. The others in the kit are after market (except for a Nikkor 50mm 1.8) and include an 18-35mm wide angle zoom, a 90mm F2.8 macro 1:1, and the big magilla: a 170-500mm zoom for wildlife photos. These cover every eventuality I’ve ever come across, including two African safaris (with my old trusty Nikon N70). ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/31 "2010-07-26T17:05:10Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > It’s sounding like all I really need is a 24mm and a longer (zoom) lens for the Nikon, and the Olympus is covered well enough. > [@usedtobe](#): > > PICK ONE SYSTEM!!! 😉 > > But yes, sounds like… This thread is saving me money. Thanks to everyone’s answers, I know I don’t need to buy anything for the OM-1. And I really only need to buy one lens for the Nikon. I’ve just remembered… Doesn’t my Zenit ‘Photosnaiper’ have a Pentax K-mount? If it does, then I can put the 300mm lens on the K1000. Who knows? Maybe the K1000 will fit on the stock? If it does, then I don’t need a longer lens for the Nikon; I can just take along the Pentax if I want a longer shot. . ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/32 "2010-07-26T17:57:47Z")
I’d suggest you go check out Imaging Resource. [http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM](http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM) The reviews are very detailed and I like the Dave’s Pick which shows you what they think are the best camera’s in each category. In terms of new technology, the Sony Alpha Nex-5 is pretty exciting. [http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/NEX5/NEX5A.HTM](http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/NEX5/NEX5A.HTM) ---
**Author:** ![henryp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e68b1a/32.png) [@henryp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/henryp)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/33 "2010-07-26T20:18:36Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I’d suggest checking out [bhphoto.com](http://bhphoto.com). I’ve never looked but I would expect them to have adapters so that different lenses worked on different cameras. I’m sure some of them don’t move the electronics so you would lose autozoom/focus/FStop and your EXIF data would be lacking, but if you don’t mind doing that by hand, it might be the cheapest route. Thank you for mentioning us. That’s very gratifying. There are some adapters to use camera body brand A with lens brand B, but with modern auto-everything systems including electronic body-lens dialogue you lose a good deal going this route. Coincidentally [dpreview](http://www.dpreview.com)had this announcement this morning: [Novoflex releases Nikon G to Canon EOS mount adapters](http://www.dpreview.com/news/1007/10072602novoflexeosnikntadapter.asp) - _Novoflex has announced the EOS/NIK-NT lens adapter for using Nikon F mount lenses without aperture rings on Canon EOS bodies. The -NT version differs from the existing EOS/NIK adapter through the addition of a lever that lets users control the aperture on Nikkor G-series lenses. The adapter provides a mechanical connection between the lens and the body but retains automatic metering for aperture priority mode and allow focusing to infinity. It is available at retail price of $292.99 via the company’s US distributer, HP Marketing._ ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2010, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/34 "2010-07-26T23:44:20Z")
[quote=“Johnny\_L.A, post:31, topic:547911”] > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I’ve just remembered… Doesn’t my Zenit ‘Photosnaiper’ have a Pentax K-mount? If it does, then I can put the 300mm lens on the K1000. Who knows? Maybe the K1000 will fit on the stock? If it does, then I don’t need a longer lens for the Nikon; I can just take along the Pentax if I want a longer shot. > . It could be a T-mount. Adapters for most 35s. Or m42. Adapters for many 35s. If a bayonet, check [here.](http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-99.html) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2010, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/35 "2010-07-27T01:30:45Z")
Alas, it is a screw-mount. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/36 "2010-07-27T02:12:56Z")
> [@henryp](#): > > > [@Joey\_P](#): > > > > I’d suggest checking out [bhphoto.com](http://bhphoto.com). I’ve never looked but I would expect them to have adapters so that different lenses worked on different cameras. I’m sure some of them don’t move the electronics so you would lose autozoom/focus/FStop and your EXIF data would be lacking, but if you don’t mind doing that by hand, it might be the cheapest route. > > Thank you for mentioning us. That’s very gratifying. There are some adapters to use camera body brand A with lens brand B, but with modern auto-everything systems including electronic body-lens dialogue you lose a good deal going this route. > > Coincidentally [dpreview](http://www.dpreview.com)had this announcement this morning: > [Novoflex releases Nikon G to Canon EOS mount adapters](http://www.dpreview.com/news/1007/10072602novoflexeosnikntadapter.asp) - _Novoflex has announced the EOS/NIK-NT lens adapter for using Nikon F mount lenses without aperture rings on Canon EOS bodies. The -NT version differs from the existing EOS/NIK adapter through the addition of a lever that lets users control the aperture on Nikkor G-series lenses. The adapter provides a mechanical connection between the lens and the body but retains automatic metering for aperture priority mode and allow focusing to infinity. It is available at retail price of $292.99 via the company’s US distributer, HP Marketing._ Hey, I’ve bought from you guys before. New York, right? I bought my Panasonic PV-GS250 videocam from you. Fast delivery and decent prices. I have a question, though. I now have Windows 7, my old Motion DVStudio won’t load. I can’t find a new full version of it anywhere, and am unable to view my videos. Any help or suggestions as to how to view either on PC or TV? Sorry for the hijack. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2010, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/37 "2010-07-27T02:17:18Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Hey, I’ve bought from you guys before. Yep, I have an account with them too. I’ve always been impressed by B&H’s lightning-fast shipping. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2010, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/38 "2010-07-27T03:58:22Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > > [@Chefguy](#): > > > > Hey, I’ve bought from you guys before. > > Yep, I have an account with them too. I’ve always been impressed by B&H’s lightning-fast shipping. 🙂 Yeah, B&H is one of the big names in camera and video. I can’t think of a single photographer that hasn’t, at some point at least, bought gear from them. I could buy a new car with the amount of money I spent at that place. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2010, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/39 "2010-07-27T05:40:56Z")
About B&H: As the (seemingly) last people in the US to sell Ilfochrome chemistry, you really should make an exception to the “we won’t ship hazmat” for the folks here in CA with 300+ sheets in the freezer and 2 liter’s worth of chemistry left… OR Is there anyone in NYC who wants to make a quick profit by swinging by 420 9th Ave. (@ 34th St.) New York, NY 10001 and then UPS? ---
**Author:** ![henryp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e68b1a/32.png) [@henryp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/henryp)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911/40 "2010-07-27T14:37:43Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Hey, I’ve bought from you guys before. New York, right? I bought my Panasonic PV-GS250 videocam from you. Fast delivery and decent prices. I have a question, though. I now have Windows 7, my old Motion DVStudio won’t load. I can’t find a new full version of it anywhere, and am unable to view my videos. Any help or suggestions as to how to view either on PC or TV? New York indeed. Thank you (and everyone else here) for your kind words. Regarding Motion DVStudio, I’m afraid I don’t know but I’m sure we have folks here who do.Try the LiveChat option on our site, or [email our sales guys](http://bit.ly/at3ELw). I don’t know which ver you have. I found this: [MotionDV STUDIO 5.6E Update Program for Windows 7 / Windows 8 | Download | Digital AV Software | Digital AV | Support | Panasonic Global](http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/download/mdv56_w7.html) which may help. > [@usedtobe](#): > > As the (seemingly) last people in the US to sell Ilfochrome chemistry, you really should make an exception to the “we won’t ship hazmat” for the folks here in CA with 300+ sheets in the freezer and 2 liter’s worth of chemistry left… Thanks. The FAA changed the rules about air shipping of hazardous materiel after the ValuJet DC-9 plane crash in the Everglades. Since then it’s been difficult for retailers to get certain chemicals approved for shipping. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-took-the-cameras-out-today-mpsims-imho-lens-recommendations/547911.md?page=3)