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November 12, 2016

Matching your new Nikon with new lenses

D500-Body-Nikkors-SQ_110.jpgSilver member Bob Stanton (bobnd1) from Illinois, USA asks a question that many of us have seen in various forms for over 15 years.

He's got a new Nikon in mind, and is now researching lens options. The basic question may be familiar, but as technology improves and Nikon keeps pumping out new cameras and lenses, Bob's "old" question becomes a whole new topic.
Add the fact that we are constantly welcoming new members and it's time once again to discuss "Camera X and lens choices."

Here is Bob's question:
I've used a D300 with an 18-200 VR for the last ten years and have enjoyed that setup - decent images and a wide reach with the 18-200 which I often have with me be it on a beach, a golf course, just wandering somewhere, or over my shoulder while on a bicycle.

After considering the Sony Alpha R II, I've decided I want to buy a D500. I've always thought about getting the 14-24, 24-70, and 70-200 f 2.8 but I don't think (not sure) I want to always carry a bag of lenses. I like taking landscape, birding, and street/people pics, and of also the grandkids who will soon get into their efforts in sports.

D500-Bodyand-Nikkors_325.jpgThere are lenses like the 18-300, 70-300, 80-400, and 200-500 as options. Or, the three f 2.8 lenses which will give better images.

I do plan on keeping the D300 and along with the 18-200 lens as backup options.

So, given all of this (and the desire to continue to get closer with birding and sports pics), what would your recommendations be for the first, second, and third new lenses be to paired with a new D500. Is the 80-400, 70-300, or 18-300 a better carry around lens that is sharp and maybe a good choice or should I begin the collection of the f 2.8 zooms even though I may not want to carry all of them all the time and I still have the D300 with the 18-200 on hand.

I'm just a passionate hobby photographer who obviously doesn't totally understand the pros and cons of all the lens options so I hope my questions are not too basic ...

If you had Bob's camera (and his wallet), what lenses would you put on top of your shopping list?
Share your thoughts here.

Posted by flashdeadline at November 12, 2016 1:55 PM