Choosing a lens

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whatafunnyface

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I currently have the 18-55mm and a 55-200mm that came with the camera, however, I want to add to this as I am finding that I want sharper images.

Is there a good 'next step' lens I should consider? I mostly shoot people, pets and generally interesting things that I see. This is purely a hobby, and as I am an underpaid teacher, my budget is £300 max. I don't mind second hand.

Help please!

Thanks
 
I would recommend Canon 70-200 f4 non IS. It's £300-£350 2nd hand. Great lens very sharp. Good for portrait, pet...
 
Simples: Tamron 17-50 NON VC (the VC one has worse image quality) or 70-200 F4L non IS second hand depending on which one you want to swap. Alternatively, you could go down the prime route with something like a 50mmII 1.8 at about £80 from Kerso on here...
 
TJ80 said:
I would recommend Canon 70-200 f4 non IS. It's £300-£350 2nd hand. Great lens very sharp. Good for portrait, pet...
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:plusone: although he's a Nikon user from his signature :lol:
 
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andyred said:
:plusone: although he's a Nikon user from his signature :lol:
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Doh.... I just assumed... Should have looked closer and noticed it wasn't the 55-250... <facepalm>
 
Yes, sorry! I am a nikon user! Thanks for the advice, I'll look into those lenses.

Are there any lens filters that'd also be considered 'essential' kit? I've been browsing a few websites with them but not sure what I'm actually looking for.

Thanks again- it's good to get advice of people who aren't trying to sell me something!
 
Nikon 35mm 1.8 AF-S..amazing lens and cracking price, sounds like it would be perfect for what you want to take pics of. Paul
 
Plus one for the 35mm. Shallow depth of field, good low-light performance and very sharp.

Quite fun to go out of the house with just this lens and have fun clicking away.

Plus, using a prime will make you feel like a pro photographer ;) (Alas, it hasn't turned me into Henri Cartier-Bresson yet)
 
Re: filters, 2 suggestions;

1. a circular polariser - used give deep blue skies, dramatic clouds and reduce sparkle from light reflected off water/glass/metal. Achieves effects that you can't do in post-production with software.

2. Neutral density filter - reduces amount of light through lens to allow longer exposure times for time-lapse effects (milky waterfalls etc). For long exposures you need a stable base though - a tripod or convenient rock to balance on ;)
 
Llamaman said:
Re: filters, 2 suggestions;

1. a circular polariser - used give deep blue skies, dramatic clouds and reduce sparkle from light reflected off water/glass/metal. Achieves effects that you can't do in post-production with software.

2. Neutral density filter - reduces amount of light through lens to allow longer exposure times for time-lapse effects (milky waterfalls etc). For long exposures you need a stable base though - a tripod or convenient rock to balance on ;)
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That's brilliant, thank you!

Will add both of those to my 'to buy' list!
 
Llamaman said:
Plus one for the 35mm. Shallow depth of field, good low-light performance and very sharp.

Quite fun to go out of the house with just this lens and have fun clicking away.

Plus, using a prime will make you feel like a pro photographer ;) (Alas, it hasn't turned me into Henri Cartier-Bresson yet)
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ptdborth said:
Nikon 35mm 1.8 AF-S..amazing lens and cracking price, sounds like it would be perfect for what you want to take pics of. Paul
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Thanks- I think this is the one, then! I was looking along these lines and it's good to hear the endorsements.

Sorry if this is a really stupid question, but this lens will AF on my d5000? I've attempted switching the AF off, but having more misses than hits!
 
TJ80 said:
I would recommend Canon 70-200 f4 non IS. It's £300-£350 2nd hand. Great lens very sharp. Good for portrait, pet...
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.... deleted my post
 
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winkiwin said:
Its AFS - in built motor.

cant help on the misses though.
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Hope practising can!

Thanks for that- not a bad price either...think I can stretch to that and the filters!

Thanks everyone!

Oh, and for the record- I'm not a 'he', I'm a 'she'. The name is a bit of a giveaway!
 
You can't go wrong with a 35mm, jessops had them at £160 a couple of days ago; perhaps the offer is still on?
 
The 35mm is a cracking lens at a great price although I prefer the 50 1.8 and that goes for £90 - £100 ish secondhand. Also the Tokina 12-24 f4 is an interesting alternative although that would pushing your budget.

Graham
 
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