Hey, I've been looking for a multi-purpose lens to upgrade to, I'm tired of constantly swapping between my kit 18-55, 50mm prime and 55-200. The lenses are pretty good but I think my photography skills have surpassed my equipment and it's time for an upgrade. I've been looking for a multi-purpose lens (~24-70 or so) that's fast enough for low-light events. I've been looking on ebay but everything I've found so far was for FX bodies, so I don't know how the cropping would work out. Any suggestions? Sorry for the terrible formatting, thanks!
How LOW is low-light events?
I've shot in situations where only a f/1.8 lens would work. ISO 6400, f/2, 1/60 sec.
The f/2.8 lenses is almost too slow, and have to be shot at ISO 12800.
In situations like that, ONLY a FAST prime or the FAST f/1.8 Sigma zooms would work.
In low light, the VR in your lens will only compensate for YOUR movement, NOT subject movement. So even with VR, you need to keep your shutter speed high enough to freeze the subject.
WHAT lenses are you swapping and why?
A 24-70 may not be long enough.
To me 70mm does not buy you much additional reach beyond your 18-55.
And it would be too short, if you are using your 55-200 out at 100+mm.
My recommendation for a GP lens are:
#1 - Nikon DX 16-80 f/2.8-4
This gives you good IQ and is faster than most kit lenses.
#2 - Nikon DX 18-140 f/3.5-5.6
This gives you a LOT more range in ONE lens, but it is a slower lens.
It has good IQ. Not pro level, but plenty good enough for me to use as my GP lens.
I team this with a 35/1.8 and 50/1.8 for low light.
And IF you need more reach than 100mm.
#1 - Nikon DX 18-140 f/3.5-5.6
As above #2
#2 - Nikon FX 24-120 f/4
I almost got this lens, but it lost out to the 70-200/4, to shoot football/soccer/lacrosse.
Today I would probably get the Tamron 35-150 instead.
#3 - The new Tamron 35-150 f/2.8-4
This is a DX equivalent to the FX 70-200. This lens starts at the DX normal lens FL of 35mm, so you have no wide coverage.
If this lens was available a year ago, I may have gotten it, instead of the Nikon 70-200/4.