What's your EVERYDAY POTD lens?

[simple_chi]

I'm not thrilled with my photos of late - and I'm not sure if it's the camera or the lens (or the photographer) !!
I'm using a Nikon D50 - yep, one of the oldies, but for me, goodies. And I have a Nikon 50mm/1.8 which I love, but for everyday, inside the house, I often end up too close, and have to back out of rooms to get a full shot of the kids.
My other lens is the Quantray 28-200mm, which I loved when purchased 3 years ago, but the quality isn't great and it's starting to bother me. So, I'm thinking that I should suggest something for the DH to buy me for Valentine's Day.

What do you find you pull out over and over - especially for those POTD with kids?

Thanks,
Lynn

[michelleL]

I have a few lenses but was mostly using the Canon 50mm 1.8 but had the same problem with being too close. Have just bought a 28mm 1.8 which gets more in the frame & has the added advantage of having a really small minimum distance so I can get good close ups too. So this one is my new fave lens!

[shellb]

I was just asking myself this question the other day while looking at Michelle's photos of a leaf with a drop of water on it. So glad you asked it. I want to get a 50mm lens...right now I have 18-50 and 55-200. Basic lens kit that comes with every camera.

[esther_a]

I asked here for lens advice last year. I wanted wide aperture and a little zoom. I ran with the recommendations and have been delighted with my f2.8 28-75 Tamron lens. It was more expensive than the prime lenses but a very economical option for a zoom. And way cheaper than the equivalent Canon lens (I have not looked at Nikon lenses) but it is also available for Nikon.

[katrinak]

I use a few different lenses, but my go to lens is the 50mm f/1.4

[Amy L]

I'm like Esther...it's my Nikon f2.8 28-70.

[Carol Elliott]

I had my 50 mm on for just about 3 months straight (except for swimming and soccer when I use my 70-200). I got my 24-70 for Christmas, put it on the moment I opened it, and didn't take it off until two days ago. Love it, but missed the 50 mm! I'm thinking I'll be switching between those two now. But ... wouldn't a macro be nice as well!

[DesignerDigitals]

Originally Posted by Amy L

I'm like Esther...it's my Nikon f2.8 28-70.

Ditto.

[Aino]

It used to be my 50mm f1.8 (which I still love btw!) - but now I mostly use my Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 - it is great!

I am looking to buy a Nikon 35mm f1.8 or a Sigma 30mm f1.4 though - because it allows me a little closer.

I used to have a Nikon D50 and it is a brilliant camera!! I was so sorry I had to let her go when I upgraded to the D90.

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by allmine

But ... wouldn't a macro be nice as well!

I am LOVING my extension tubes! I have them on the camera ALL OF THE TIME! Fewer photos of Ian, but so much fun to play with.

[susiecw]

Love my Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro, because it stays at 2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Seems to have just the right focal lengths I need for everyday shooting. Rarely do I use my other two lenses which came with my Olympus camera.

[b2halter]

Lynn, like you I use a Nikon as well (D100), and I'm much happier since I got the AF 18/200 lens to go with it. It drives me nuts to have to change lenses all the time, and this one is a really nice all-purpose zoom. Not inexpensive, but worth the investment, I think. It suits most of my photo needs from Macro out. Might want a longer lens if I ever get to Yellowstone, but in the meantime, I'm loving this one.

[kmartorina]

Canon 24-70

[shellb]

Ohhh...more lenses to add to my wish list.

[Myra]

It's a tossup between my 12-60 F2.8 and my 50 F2.0 (I shoot Olympus). I love them both for different reasons. They on my dining room table and I'm terrible about putting them away because I'm always reaching for them.

[Jen D]

My favorite two are my 24-70 2.8 and my 50mm 1.2. They go everywhere with me =)

[mom2four]

I use the Nikkor 18-200mm and LOVE it. It's such a convenient multipurpose lens. It vignettes a little when fully zoomed but I usually don't mind. I also have a 70-300mm lens that I love but rarely use it because of the hassle of switching lenses (I had it before the 18-200).

[anxela]

Questions for Randy and Katrina:

Randy: You have a full frame camera, right? So your 28-70 would be "equal" to a 18-50 on a 1.6 crop camera? (Canon 40D)

Katrina: Which extension tubes do you use? I'm longing for a macro, but am thinking about buying an extension tube for my 50 mm after I saw you are using those tubes.

Thanks, guys!

[DesignerDigitals]

Originally Posted by anxela

Questions for Randy:

Randy: You have a full frame camera, right? So your 28-70 would be "equal" to a 18-50 on a 1.6 crop camera? (Canon 40D)

Here is what I found:

Used on a DX digital SLR, the 28-70mm 2.8 gives angles of view similar to what a 37-107mm lens would give on a 35mm film or FX camera. Calculated in reverse, you would need a 16-46mm lens on a DX camera to replicate the angles of view that this 24-70mm lens gives on FX and film cameras.

[anxela]

Thanks, Randy!

[katrinak]

I use the Kenko DG Auto Extension Tube Set - three tubes that can be used separately or stacked together.

12mm, 20mm and 36mm.

When you place it on your camera and then place your lens on, Autofocus still works which is a nice feature.

I've found I like them best on my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Using them with the 50mm can be a bit tricky -- it feels a bit like threading a tiny needle!

[anxela]

Thanks, Katrina!