Expert: Daniel Colegrove - 3/13/2009

Question
I have Nikon D300 and I would like to add one possibly 2 new lenses depending on cash flow.  I am looking at the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 and/or 70-200 f/2.8 IS VR.  How would you rate these in terms of usefulness and if you were going to add only one what would your choice be given the other lenses below?

   AF-S DX Zoom- NIKKOR 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
   AF-S VR Zoom- NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
   AF-S DX Zoom- NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
   AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4D
   AF-S VR Micro- NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
   Sunpak Auto Zoom 3600 Thyristor Strobe

Thank you


Answer
Hello Bill,

Here is something I have written on the subject:

http://www.dcolegrovephotography.com/wedding-photographer.html

I personally will always go for faster glass over VR and for shooting weddings the the lenses I use most are a 17~35 AFS f/2.8, 28~70 AFS f/2.8 and a 80~200 AFS f/2.8 (I am also shooting full frame D3).

The only lens I see that you have listed that I would consider useful to a professional wedding photographer is the 50mm AFD f1.4

But here is a little secret: The 50mm AFD f/1.8 is a KILLER lens...and only costs about $100 new.

Best Regards,

Daniel