Which lens for christmas?

[sstasiak]

So I've been thinking of upgrading to a new lens for my Olympus E-510, but am not sure what would suit my needs.

I'd like to be able to take nice wide angle landscape photos, but also would like to be able to zoom close up for wildlife photography.

This'll probably be a collective christmas gift from a few people, so the price range will be around $500.

Any suggestions?

 

[CR]

I'm a Nikon guy, so not an expert on Olympus. BUT, in general you want to buy a lens with the biggest glass (aperture) possible, f2.8 or smaller (f2.0, f1.8, etc).

Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom that is both wide angle and long, but shooting at f6.3 will only work in bright sunlight. A cloudy day or dusk and you would have to raise the ISO and would probably get a very noisy photo.

I would recommend getting two lenses. Sigma has a 18-50mm f2.8 on sale at B&H for $379, which would be an excellent all purpose lens that you would use 90 percent of the time. Then you could save for a telephoto. Both Olympus and Sigma have decent 2.8 lenses for $900.

 

[hookjaw]

I would buy the Olympus Zuiko digital ED 12-60 mm f2.8-4.0 SWD. This lens focuses ultra fast with my E-3( they claim it is the fastest on the market ) and iam sure you will get simalar results with the E-510. It will also handle most any situation except extreme zoom situations. I always carry a zoom lens in my vest in case i need it. Good luck with what ever you buy.

 

[dcabarle]

I'm a Nikon guy too and agree with everything CR said.

One thing I'll add... A 60mm lens isn't going to get you close to anything other than a nice portrait shot. Saying you want an all around lens is like saying you want a cadillac with the ferrari engine. It's not going to happen. They don't make an everything lens (well, they do... you pick them up at Best Buy for a premium price and they are junk). What you need is a seperate lens for each occasion. Normally 3 lenses will do the trick, but not 1.

 

[sstasiak]

I'm a Nikon guy, so not an expert on Olympus. BUT, in general you want to buy a lens with the biggest glass (aperture) possible, f2.8 or smaller (f2.0, f1.8, etc).

Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom that is both wide angle and long, but shooting at f6.3 will only work in bright sunlight. A cloudy day or dusk and you would have to raise the ISO and would probably get a very noisy photo.

I would recommend getting two lenses. Sigma has a 18-50mm f2.8 on sale at B&H for $379, which would be an excellent all purpose lens that you would use 90 percent of the time. Then you could save for a telephoto. Both Olympus and Sigma have decent 2.8 lenses for $900.

Is the Sigma you're talking about the "Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro" lens?

 

[CR]

Yes:

Sigma | 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus | 581107

 

[jlajoie]

Yes:

Sigma | 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Lens for Olympus | 581107

I usually make do with three zooms, plus a couple of prime lenses, if need be.
A Tokina 12-24 f/4
Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 (macro)
Canon 24-70 f/2.8
Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro
Canon 50mm f/1.4

That usually takes care of what ever I need to take pictures of.

 

[Catskill]

CR...

How are you doing with your D700? Have any shots you can share either as a link or attachment? I'd love to see what type of work you've done with the D700.

Which lenses do you own for it and which one do you find you take most of your pictures with?

Thanks.

 

[FiSHON!]

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 (macro)

What would be your review of this lens?

is it worth the money or save up for something better?

 

[jlajoie]

What would be your review of this lens?

is it worth the money or save up for something better?

I personally love it. First off, it isn't that bright white of the Canon L lenses. That in itself is enough of a bonus! Aside from that, for the constant 2.8 aperture, even if it is a *bit* soft on the edges at 2.8, it is well worth the savings for what a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 would run ya($1500-ish).
It comes with a well built tripod collar, the build quality is far and away better than any of the other "3rd party" lens makers. It is also quite durable, and nicely weighted. They do an in depth review here:
Just posted! Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 lens review: Digital Photography Review

 

[CR]

CR...

How are you doing with your D700? Have any shots you can share either as a link or attachment? I'd love to see what type of work you've done with the D700. Which lenses do you own for it and which one do you find you take most of your pictures with? Thanks.

The D700 is incredible! I can't believe the quality of the images. It is leagues better than the D200 I used to have. I own all fixed lenses:
14mm f2.8
35mm f2.0
50mm f1.4
85mm f1.8

I'm still getting used to the full frame sensor, since all my lenses now shoot at the focal length they were designed to shoot at. The 85mm used to be a perfect portrait lens, but now not so much. I'm hoping to get the 70-200 f2.8 zoom in the near future. I probably use the 50mm the most now. I will post a striper shot on the site today.

 

[C&R]

I'm a Nikon guy, so not an expert on Olympus. BUT, in general you want to buy a lens with the biggest glass (aperture) possible, f2.8 or smaller (f2.0, f1.8, etc).

Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom that is both wide angle and long, but shooting at f6.3 will only work in bright sunlight. A cloudy day or dusk and you would have to raise the ISO and would probably get a very noisy photo.

I would recommend getting two lenses. Sigma has a 18-50mm f2.8 on sale at B&H for $379, which would be an excellent all purpose lens that you would use 90 percent of the time. Then you could save for a telephoto. Both Olympus and Sigma have decent 2.8 lenses for $900.

Too bad the Sig 28-70 2.8 EX DG isn't made for Olympus cameras. I highly recommend this lens. I use it 90% of the time.

If I were you I would seriously consider getting a different body if only for the reason that you have more lenses to choose from. I have a Canon and I know we have a bunch of Nikon fans here :thumbsdow and there are a plethera of lens choices to make for either brand.

My arsenal includes a wide angle 10-22mm, a fast 50mm f1.4, the 24-70mm I mentioned, a 100mm macro (for fly tying and days when I get bored), a 75-300IS which I rarely use, and an older 28-105mm when I don't feel like lugging the 24-70 around. They're all Canon lenses except for the Sig 24-70.

 

[sstasiak]

As an all purpose lens, what do you guys think would be a better choice between these two:

Sigma Normal 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)

or

Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)

 

[dcabarle]

As an all purpose lens, what do you guys think would be a better choice between these two:

Sigma Normal 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)

or

Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)

Neither of these are really "all purpose". All purpose would be something in the 24-85 or so range, not really a 30mm.. The 30 mm is a Landscape lens and the other is a Super Wide used for Landscapes and architecture. Don't get me wrong, they can be used for other stuff as well but I'm thinking they were built for those type of shots in mind.

At least with a 24 - 85 on a non-full sensor camera, you'll actually get closer to 34 - 119 with the 24-85. That of couse is Nikon talk. You will have to see what's available for your camera. I think you'll be very disapointed with either of those lenses if you're looking for an "all around" lens. With a lens like this, you'll be able to take portraits, landscapes, and of course... your fish shots! Don't skimp on the lens. Get yourself a nice fast one. It will come in really handy in low light situations where a flash just won't do.

 

[CR]

The 18-50mm is the better for general use. With your sensor, the 50mm will shoot like a 75mm, which is plenty fine for all around use.

 

[Stonefly]

Christ and I thought some of the fishing posts were over my head...I'll just stick to my digital point and shoot!

 

[C&R]

As an all purpose lens, what do you guys think would be a better choice between these two:

Sigma Normal 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)

or

Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro Autofocus Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)

I would get the 18-50mm.

 

[jlajoie]

I would get the 18-50mm.

Agreed. Plenty long for 'portrait" style, and plenty wide for scenics.