Lens advice

[evader]

I am shooting with a Nikon D60 with the kit 17-55mm and 55-200 lenses and I think it's time to start thinking about a new lens sometime soon.
Just wondering what some of you thought might be a good "next step up" lens? I am finding that the 17-55mm kit lens isn't fast enough and doesn't take great quality pictures indoors. As far as the types of pictures I am taking...well pretty much everything...both indoors and outdoors. I like to shoot nature (plants, animals, etc.), sports but I also have 2young children that I would like to be able to get some decent shots of indoors as well.

I would love to start getting into macro photography and pick up a macro lens but I'm guessing that wouldn't be my best bet when I am in need of a lense that can be used for shooting my kids indoors would it? Is there such a lense that would be a good all purpose lense for the things I'm looking to shoot?

Someone mentioned the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8...would that be a good one to look at?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[RexK_Cozumel]

The tamron 17-50 f2.8 is ok but I think that you will find it too short to shoot sports or nature with. Really you are going to be hard pressed to find a single lens that will meet all your needs. A 24-70 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8 will work well for most of your needs but if you want good ones they are expensive.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by evader

I am finding that the 17-55mm kit lens isn't fast enough and doesn't take great quality pictures indoors.

You must be referring to the 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 (VR or non), not the 17-55 f/2.8

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by evader

Just wondering what some of you thought might be a good "next step up" lens? I am finding that the 17-55mm kit lens isn't fast enough and doesn't take great quality pictures indoors. As far as the types of pictures I am taking...well pretty much everything...both indoors and outdoors. I like to shoot nature (plants, animals, etc.), sports but I also have 2young children that I would like to be able to get some decent shots of indoors as well.

My D300 @ISO 3200 is OK with a f/2.8 standard zoom lens but your D60 may need a lens faster that f/2.8 at lower ISO (especially with young children). Try a 35 f/1.8 AF-S.

[Nobie]

I don't think you could go wrong with the 50mm prime. If you can spare the cash, get the 1.4 over the 1.8. You won't have a problem with not having enough light ever again, and you will have super sharp pics. I have a bag of lenses, the 50 stays on most of the time...it's my default lens. It's also one of the least expensive lenses you can buy, but is not "cheap."

[evader]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

You must be referring to the 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 (VR or non), not the 17-55 f/2.8

yes, sorry you are correct it's the 18-55 VR that I have.

Would getting myself a flash make a big difference when shooting indoors with the 18-55 lens I have currently? Maybe I should go that route while I try and figure out the best lens for my needs?
Any suggestions on that idea?

[Esexx]

I would diffently get the 50mm 1.4 AF-S for a great low light prime for about $450. However, another option is the 35mm f/1.8G DX for around $200.

If you want to save the money and still get a great lens, get the 35mm, unless you plan on upgrading to a full frame camera then go for the 50mm

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Esexx

I would diffently get the 50mm 1.4 AF-S for a great low light prime for about $450. However, another option is the 35mm f/1.8G DX for around $200.

+1

A fast prime is a good basic addition to the arsenal and won't cost you a lot of cash. You could also get the 50/1.8, but on the D60 it won't autofocus, which is why the AF-S primes are a better recommendation. You'll want to read up on maximum aperture, and why the f/1.8 is such a big deal.

[filmoreha]

Originally Posted by Nobie

I don't think you could go wrong with the 50mm prime. If you can spare the cash, get the 1.4 over the 1.8. You won't have a problem with not having enough light ever again, and you will have super sharp pics. I have a bag of lenses, the 50 stays on most of the time...it's my default lens. It's also one of the least expensive lenses you can buy, but is not "cheap."

I am a Canon user, but I would also recommend a 50mm prime. I recently bought Canon's 50mm f1.8 and love it, but was also lucky enough to pick up a used f1.4 the same week! They are great lenses and I use mine for taking pics of my 2yo daugther, though they do take some getting used to. The DoF is also amazing. Here's an example image taking on a cloudy day under the shade.