Recommend Nikon Lens <$1300 Mid-range Zoom DX

[NoSoup]

It is hard to find a website with a clear recommendation for a DX lens. I have a D7000 and want to add a nice lens. I have 18-55mm kit. 50mm f1.8 and two 80-200mm (One f4.5 and one f2.8). It could also be a FX lens that works well on DX body.

I want to get more serious into portraits or maybe weddings. What would you recommend for that price?


Thanks in advance.


CG

[OsmosisStudios]

Sell both the 18-55 and 80-200 f/4.5 (keep the f/2.8 version!), scratch a touch more money together and get a 24-70 f/2.8 or a 28-70 f/2.8.

[kirbinster]

Pick up a used 24-70 f/2.8 AF-S lens it will be perfect for you.

[autofocus]

I've heard good things about the new 24-120 F/4 lens, and I'm actually thinking about adding it to our collection. It's a stop slower than the 24-70, but gives you more zoom and has VR. It's right in the sweet spot for you budget also.

[danbaileyphoto]

Keep the 80-200 f2.8 and go either 24-20mm f2.8, or even 14-24mm f2.8, if you like wide angle. I almost never shoot in the 24-70mm range, but I use the 14-24mm range ALL THE TIME for a variety of photography- sports, action, landscapes, environmental portraits, travel, etc...

For DX, there's also the 12-24mm, you might look at that one as well.

[jdepould]

If you're looking for a wedding (read: horrendous light) lens, I'd stick with something fast. If you want a zoom 24-70 is a no-brainer. While I love the 14-24, it's not typically a people-shooting lens, and you really have to know how to exploit it.

[dcclark]

Whatever you get, make sure it's f/2.8 or faster (so, f/1.8, f/1.4...). You'll need low-light abilities, and aperture is the only way to really do that. Don't bother with an ultrawide for weddings -- you can get some interesting "trick" shots, but they're not any good for the usual shots.