Lens Advice for All purpose use with D300!

[NikD300]

Hi,

I have been lurking around this great forum/site for all the tips and tricks on how to shoot effectively. I carry a D300 with 50mm/f1.8 lens. I initially bought this combo just to make myself more educated on the overall Photography (I know D300 is a over kill but still went for it) and understand what type interests me more.

I wanted to get suggestions on what is the next lens for me. I haven't found my niche type yet, so basically a all rounder type lens is the best bet for me. I really appreciate your input on the recommendations (Nikon/Sigma/Tamron?) of which range lens and the model/company I should get.

Here are few pics I shot with D300+50mm/F1.8 lens: Flickr: Perla Photography's Photostream

Thanks for your help.
-NikD300

[Almond.Butterscotch]

An all around lens can be anything, really. It's all about how you use it. Many people will recommend zooms, and potentially superzooms as well, but it really all comes down to how you use it.

Some photographers (myself included for the time being) use a lens with a "normal" p.o.v. as their walkaround (a 35 for my crop sensor).

Others use a nice normal range zoom (20s-80s), but most of that range can be made up for with your feet if you're using your feet with a 50.

Then there are the few who prefer 18-200 or 50-500 superzooms.

It's up to you. Personally, I'd stick with the 50, but I love primes.

[NikD300]

Thank you Almond.Butterscotch for the quick response.

Let me be more clearer on the needs. I see most of the time I am ok with 50mm lens that I have. But, lately when I started taking outdoor pics (and for that matter indoor pics while at a get together/party), I am not able to capture the needed section of the action in better focus as if I move back, I am capturing a whole lot of content than necessary (cropping can be done but focus in that needed section is sometimes off and not crisp) and sometimes I am just not able to move as there is no space (indoors esp.).

I have tried Nikon 18 to 200mm VR from a friend on D300, but not sure if this is the way to go. The pics came out good but obviously when you are used to f1.8, f5.6 definitely seem limiting when isolating a subject from background. So, torn between multiple things here. Should I consider a 18 to xxx range or get different range lens instead for better control and quality?

[gturner]

I think much of your answer lies your budget.

24-85 F2.8 is about the best Nikon value if you want a fast walk around

I am a believer in high quality fast glass above a wide range of average stuff... but my wife does't always appreciate this fact

[RexK_Cozumel]

yeah and if you want super sharp then the new 24-70 f2.8 is awesome. Probably the sharpest lens that nikon makes in that range. including all the primes

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by NikD300

But, lately when I started taking outdoor pics (and for that matter indoor pics while at a get together/party), I am not able to capture the needed section of the action in better focus as if I move back, I am capturing a whole lot of content than necessary (cropping can be done but focus in that needed section is sometimes off and not crisp) and sometimes I am just not able to move as there is no space (indoors esp.).

I'm not sure I entirely understand what you mean here. Is the 50 too wide for you or is it too tight? If I understand right, then the answer to that question is both, and if that's the case, then the 24-70 f/2.8 will be your best bet, but it runs 1800 USD. The 24-85 that gturner mentioned is much cheaper (745 USD) but has the same speed. I assume optical quality won't be as good, but it's still gonna be 1100USD cheaper.

[LeeR]

If you already have a good prime then a mid-range zoom would most likely be your best buy. The 18-200 looks like a great deal as it will take you well into the wide range and a good ways into the telephoto. What you will find is that you are spending a lot of time at one end or the other, wishing you could go further. I spend a lot of time at the wide end of my widest zoom so I know what my next lens will be. Of course, you may also find that what you need is something in the middle but faster like the 85/1.4.
The important thing is to get something flexible enough that you can let your own developing style dictate which equipment to get next.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

But then again, if you're used to the speed and optical quality of that 50 f/1.8, the 18-200 isn't going to give you either of those to much of an extent.

[theent01]

have you thought about getting a wider angle zoom and a speedlight? that way you can get the shots indoors and at night? My SB-600 works well.

[praesentire]

If I could summarize your requirements:

1. Want to get tighter shots of subject at a distance (30ft+?).
2. Want to separate subject from background via shallow dept of field.
3. Want to keep shutter speed high for action photography.

If you had to crop a lot, then 70-200mm f/2.8 or its older sibling 80-200mm f/2.8.

Would you consider a second body from the last generation? You could try a used D70/D80 + 85mm f/1.8 approach.