Okay, I know there are SO MANY people asking "what lens is best for this camera"....but unfortunately, you're about to here something similar. First let me describe my specific interest, price range, and situation.
My camera- Nikon D70.
My current lens- Nikkor AF 28-80 1:3.3-5.6G
Interests- I'm still trying to find my "niche" as a photographer. I Love shooting portrait shots of friends of mine at school.
I live on the northern California coast in Monterey Bay so I take a lot of nature/beach/scenics as well.
I usually use manual focus, but wouldn't object to a lens with the AF option. I am looking for GREAT GLASS. I'm willing to put to between $400-$800.
All of that being said, what would you buy in my situation?
Is there a good "all-around" lens that would allow me to do good portraits and still allow me the flexibility to do candids and scenics? Would a decent 70-200 work?
A 70-200 is useful at 70-100 (=105-150 on the D70) for facial close-ups, but when you do those at the longer lengths the scene gets very flat and 2D. I think that you will miss the shorter focal lengths. On the other hand, if you are happy with your current lens a 70-200 might be a great addition, just be aware not to render your scene 2D.
Edit: like Bolti said: check the Sigma and Tamron 28-70 f2.8 offerings.
Another good place for lens comparison is
Pbase You can pick almost any camera and lens there, and browse through pictures taken with each to come to your own conclusions.
The Tamron SP AF28-75MM F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) is an excellent lens. You can get this for around $350 online. I was looking for a longer zoom, but a lot of people recommended this lens instead and I have not had a regret purchasing it. The only time I've taken this lens off since I got it was to shoot Supercross this weekend with a borrowed Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR.
What does a good 50mm 1.8 run? Something that I wont have to worry about replacing. Also, does this not limit you when taking pictures at the beach when you may need a little zoom? Is there an advantage to it being a fixed lens?
I'll add a third cent and agree with dhare. The 50mm f1.8D is the best and most inexpensive portrait lens. It is tack sharp, fast, and I got mine from B&H brand new USA model for $99.95. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, it's really small and lightweight. Very highly recommended. I use it for everything, well everything I can anyways...
I would have sold you my 50mm 1.8 yesterday for a few bucks. got knocked over and jacked up the screw (wouldn't focus). But being the Jack of All Trades and Master of None, and irrepressible tinkerer that I am, I took it apart and fixed it. (C: Good as new. Was under warranty, but probably would have cost me more than I bought it for to fix, and only took me about an hour to do, anyway. hehehe
It is an awesome, low priced lens!!
A lense not mentioned and one that IMO should definately be considered is Nikkor's 24-85 f/2.8-4
It also mates perfectly with a SB600 speedlight's focal range. Although it was not my first choice, I rarely remove it from my D70 now. Wide enough for landscapes, long enough for portraits, and fast enough for hand held "event" shots.
For your consideration. I also believe it is "near" your price point. Not a true professional lens, but well made and a good base lens from which to build a stable.
Although it is similar to your current lens. Perhaps a trade in?
It is a wonderful lens and I use it when I am specifically doing photo-journalism type work. It is also double your maximum buget. It would make a nice addition to your current 28-80, however.
A slightly unusual lens in the Nikon stable is the 70-180mm Micro-Nikkor. Not the fastest glass around but it's bitingly sharp and very versatile. I use mine for everything from butterflies to landscapes.
