Nikon D80 Next Lens?

AlphaCanis

AlphaCanis

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I'm a complete novice when it comes to lenses. I'm after a lens for portraiture, and a lens for far away things such as birds, boats, etc. My budget would stretch to around £500-£600 for two lenses that best fit these criteria. I have seen that an 85mm is good for portraits and have had a look on used camera sites and this lens falls within my budget, so is this my best bet or is there anything else I could get?. The third lens I'd be after would be for astrophotography and I have no clue on which to purchase for that, but that will come at a later date with a new budget. It would just be good to have ideas now that I can look in to while I save up.

Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Hm.
The D80 is getting a bit long in the tooth now, especially for astrophotography with a requirement for higher ISO.

I did enjoy using my D80. Good camera.
If I remember correctly you need a lens with a motor as there is no screw drive in the body.
Edit: Yes there is!
 
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You could kill two birds with one stone here and go for a 70-200 2.8, either a Nikon VR1 or a Sigma OS or Tamron VC. You'll get a fair bit of length on a crop sensor and they work really well for typical portraiture. Very big and heavy though.

Alternatively a 70-300 VR or Tamron 70-300 VC would fit the bill nicely for wildlife etc and both quite affordable. 85mm 1.8 AFS is a great lens for portraiture but you may find its use limited. Maybe better looking at the cheaper 50mm or 35mm. Less special IMO but potentially more versatile.

As Ken says, you may find the D80 to be limiting for certain types of astro. Clean high ISO from modern sensors really helps here as does live view for focusing to infinity. That said, for APSC cameras, the Tokina 11-16 2.8 would be well worth a look. The D80 does have a screwdrive by the way so will AF older lenses.
 
Lots to think about. Thanks for the responses. I had been considering getting a Nikon D5300 during black Friday week, mostly for self portraiture and astrophotography. I like the idea of the WiFi on the camera and the swivel screen.

I shall have a look in to the 50mm and 35mm! I believe a 70-300mm would be my best option for now if I wish to buy a D5300, then I can think about my portrait lens.

Again, thank you for the responses.
 
AlphaCanis said:
I'm a complete novice when it comes to lenses. I'm after a lens for portraiture, and a lens for far away things such as birds, boats, etc. My budget would stretch to around £500-£600 for two lenses that best fit these criteria. I have seen that an 85mm is good for portraits and have had a look on used camera sites and this lens falls within my budget, so is this my best bet or is there anything else I could get?. The third lens I'd be after would be for astrophotography and I have no clue on which to purchase for that, but that will come at a later date with a new budget. It would just be good to have ideas now that I can look in to while I save up.

Any advice is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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I was looking at some people photos that I took with my old D80, I had the 50mm 1.8D fitted and the photos were pretty good. Just struggles a little with higher ISOs.
 
kendo1 said:
Hm.
The D80 is getting a bit long in the tooth now, especially for astrophotography with a requirement for higher ISO.

I did enjoy using my D80. Good camera.
If I remember correctly you need a lens with a motor as there is no screw drive in the body.
Click to expand...
Are you sure you are remembering correctly? I had my Nikon 50mm 1.8D always fitted to my Nikon D80 body, and the lens did autofocus.
I am pretty sure the D80 does have a screw drive in the body, at least mine did. :thinking:

PS

Just spotted the post from @gad-westy , who also says it does have a screwdrive.
There will be plenty of older lenses you can use, and for not a lot of money.
 
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jonbeeza said:
Are you sure you are remembering correctly? I had my Nikon 50mm 1.8D always fitted to my Nikon D80 body, and the lens did autofocus.
I am pretty sure the D80 does have a screw drive in the body, at least mine did. :thinking:

PS

Just spotted the post from @gad-westy , who also says it does have a screwdrive.
There will be plenty of older lenses you can use, and for not a lot of money.
Click to expand...
I remembered incorrectly.:( It happens at my age...
 
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