Goin' zoomless... Am I crazy?? (and other stupid questions)

[Indigo November]

Thinking about selling my 18-105 to buy an 85mm 1.8 prime... Good idea? Or am I insane?
Then I'd have a 35mm 1.8 and an 85mm 1.8....
I'm also looking at the 35-70mm, but I will probably buy the 85.
Do you see anything wrong with not having a zoom? I am pretty much comfortable with not having a zoom lens (I rarely use mine), but maybe I am not seeing everything...
In your mind, what are the reasons for wanting a zoom lens? Then maybe I can better determine if I need it...



OK, dumb question number 1. While looking for a Nikon 85mm lens to buy (ebay) I came across an 85mm 1.4 lens that was a lot less than others I have seen. Upon looking closer I realized that it is not built by Nikkor, rather by "Bower". My question is; Is Bower any worse quality that Nikkor? Why the HUGE price difference? I obviously can't afford the Nikkor 85mm 1.4, but the Bower version would be in my price range. So is it better to buy the Nikkor 85mm 1.8 or the Bower 85mm 1.4?

Also, I have a really stupid question that probably even a noob could answer for me.
I know I could find out myself and avoid embarrassment, but I like ya'll better than google.
So, here goes. What is a "push-pull zoom"?
I've seen older lenses for sale that apparently have this... Is it any different than a zoom that you twist?

Thanks for putting up with all my silly questions!

Bower is a bunk Korean brand that is usually junk.

Unfortunately (well, fortunately), you get what you pay for when it comes to lenses. There's a reason the best ones are in the $1k-2k range. They are worth it.

As my mother always said, "I can't afford to buy cheap, I'd just have to buy it again and again".

Buy quality and don't look back.

~Eric

[candleman]

depends what you shoot.. if you dont need zoom.. sure why not

FYI chances are, the BOWER will be MF only

Originally Posted by Indigo November

So, here goes. What is a "push-pull zoom"?
I've seen older lenses for sale that apparently have this... Is it any different than a zoom that you twist?

this is a push pull.... you slide it in and out without twisting, as opposed to a twist-zoom where you turn it and the end of the zoom extends like a screw.

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Bower is a bunk Korean brand that is usually junk.

Unfortunately (well, fortunately), you get what you pay for when it comes to lenses. There's a reason the best ones are in the $1k-2k range. They are worth it.

As my mother always said, "I can't afford to buy cheap, I'd just have to buy it again and again".

Buy quality and don't look back.

~Eric

haha, love that quote!

Ah, so Japanese made is better than Korean made? ***raises eyebrow***

I wasn't really seriously considering the Bower lens... just thought, on the off-chance.... anyway, good to know that it is crap! Scratch that one off the list...

I think I will get the Nikkor 85mm 1.8. I don't really need the 1.4, and the reviews on the 1.8 are even better than the 1.4 (same site). A lot of people say that it preforms better than the faster version, focuses faster, sharper, etc....

But which lens to buy really isn't my main question/concern. I just want to know if going zoomless is crazy or not.....
heehee, kinda like going topless... Sorry, shouldn't be thinking aloud!

haha, love that quote!

Ah, so Japanese made is better than Korean made? ***raises eyebrow***

Yes, actually. The japanese have been at the camera making business a lot longer, who do you think made your D90?


As far as going Zoom-less... I suppose you could, no one will stop you.

I have a feeling you'll be back buying zoom lenses after a few missed shots

btw, I don't blame you for ditching the 18-105... it's junk

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by candleman

depends what you shoot.. if you dont need zoom.. sure why not

FYI chances are, the BOWER will be MF only

I shoot kids.

I rarely use my zoom lens, so I question whether or not I need it.... I think probably not.
But I don't want to go zoomless if there is really something you absolutely need zoom for (and I like to use my legs as a zoom, so that is not a problem ), so far I haven't been able to think of anything (which is why I come asking for help).

I love my 35mm and I really like working with primes, but I want something with a longer focal length, and the Nikkor 85mm 1.8 gets great reviews, so..... just want to be reassured that I'm not crazy to go with primes only.

Yeah, it is MF only. Big part of why I won't be buying it... hehe

Originally Posted by candleman

this is a push pull.... you slide it in and out without twisting, as opposed to a twist-zoom where you turn it and the end of the zoom extends like a screw.

Ah, I get it. Have you ever used one? Is it easy enough to use? As easy as a twist zoom?

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Yes, actually. The japanese have been at the camera making business a lot longer, who do you think made your D90?


As far as going Zoom-less... I suppose you could, no one will stop you.

I have a feeling you'll be back buying zoom lenses after a few missed shots

btw, I don't blame you for ditching the 18-105... it's junk

Well, I have never had a good experience with a zoom lens (being that I only have the 18-105) so I don't know about buying any back....

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Indigo November

Ah, I get it. Have you ever used one? Is it easy enough to use? As easy as a twist zoom?

yup,
my Tokina 75-300 is a push pull
...no real significant difference in useability...

i was also wanting a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 (still do)
UNTIL.... i found the 80-200 f/2.8 ....
which puts you back with a zoom

the older push-pull version can be had for around the same price (used) as a new 85mm f/1.8

Originally Posted by Indigo November

Well, I have never had a good experience with a zoom lens (being that I only have the 18-105) so I don't know about buying any back....

If you shoot kids like you say, they move fast and you can't always "zoom with your legs" fast enough... it's just not possible.

If you are basing all your "zoom" experience from the 18-105... you're very much missing out. Like I said, it's junk... especially compared to a quality piece of glass. Focuses faster, better color, lower CA, sharper edge to edge...etc...etc...

Primes are good, don't get me wrong, but to completely rid yourself of zooms because of the experience of a crap lens is a bit misguided in my opinion.

Just my $.14 worth.

~Eric

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

If you shoot kids like you say, they move fast and you can't always "zoom with your legs" fast enough... it's just not possible.

If you are basing all your "zoom" experience from the 18-105... you're very much missing out. Like I said, it's junk... especially compared to a quality piece of glass. Focuses faster, better color, lower CA, sharper edge to edge...etc...etc...

Primes are good, don't get me wrong, but to completely rid yourself of zooms because of the experience of a crap lens is a bit misguided in my opinion.

Just my $.14 worth.

~Eric

Oh no, I'm not thinking of doing this because I don't like the zoom lens I've got.
I have no doubt that I will get some good zooms some day.
But right now I think that another good prime will serve me better.
And yes, I probably will miss a few shots, not having a zoom, but I am willing to put up with that.
And then there is the whole "by limiting yourself, you grow more" thing.
I just know that I need another good lens, and it needs to have a longer focal length, and I can't afford a really good zoom right now, so prime it is!

Just to be totally clear, I'm not putting zooms completely out of the question. Just giving that up for a little while.
But thank you for your 0.14 cents.