[H11LGX]

I got my D50 with kit 18-55, and a Kodak 80-210.

I want good family pictures, landscapes and probably some sport pictures.

What would you recommend as the next step?

I am getting used to the camera and lenses I have, but want to know what I should be looking for next - I wouldn't want to miss an ebay bargain!

[Dabhand16]

You have lenses with a good range of focal lengths. I would not be too hasty to get any more until you have used what you have for a while. One of two possibilities will happen.

1 You will find you lenses will do everything you want in all situations.
2 You will find instances when you will be wishing for a longer/shorter lens.

In the event of 1, either put your money in the bank/go on holiday/buy your partner a pressy, or buy a better (faster) lens in the same range as the one you use most.

In the event of 2, buy another lens in the range you are lacking.

Don't forget, there will ALWAYS be another bargain tomorrow. Don't rush into getting kit you THINK you need, but afterwards find you don't!

[Dave]

Originally Posted by H11LGX

I wouldn't want to miss an ebay bargain!

Trust me, there are very few bargains on EBAYS for lenses. I've seen S/H lenses sell for more than you can get them new from say Hong Kong. Have a look at the prices at somewhere like " onestop-digital.com"

Also keep an eye on the classified section of this site.


Some good advice above from Graham

[orangepeel]

Originally Posted by H11LGX

I wouldn't want to miss an ebay bargain!

just be careful what you buy. You have the joys of being able to use 30 year old lenses on your brand new cam and while there are some excellent old lenses, there are also some that will make you question your sanity.

I got a 15 year old 35-105mm F/3.5-4.5 lens for £7 which has to be one of the bargains of the century!
While still in the flush of excitement at my bargain hunting savvy I then bought a 70-210mm F/4 25 year old beast for £55. However due to it being fully manual I simply carry around in order to hit any passing stanger who looks at me funny - Sure as <grandma edit> stinks, I can't use the damn thing!

So as the saying goes.. Caveat Emptor - Let the buyer beware

[VikingPhotography]

It would help greatly if you let us know what sort of budget you had in mind but, for what it's worth, the Nikon 12-24mm f/4 DX is the lens of choice if you're serious about landscapes.

It's certainly not a cheap lens but the quality of results you can get from it are top notch. It's a little soft wide open (as are all lenses) but once stopped down to the optimum f/8 - f/11 range on your D50, you'll be well pleased with what this lens can acheive... I'll see if I can dig up some examples and post them later.

[Dave]

I'll be interested in those shots, as I went the Sigma 10-20mm route due to difference in costs. Be interesting to see how good the 12-24 is

[VikingPhotography]

Here's a full size shot from my D2X



And here's a corresponding 100% 903 x 600 pixel crop



This shot was taken at f/10 which is actually outside the optimum sharpness range for the lens/camera combination; ideal sharpness on a D2X is around f/8, after which you start to run into diffraction issues because of the camera's pixel density.

A camera with larger photosites such as the D50, D70 and even the D200 will have good sharpness in the f/7.1 - f/11 range, making the lens even more versatile for such cameras.