Best of the Rest

Now that you have your Nikon or Fuji DSLR digital camera, you want the best value lenses. I recommend Nikon lenses only for their quality, ability to last a long time and their resale value. Whether you are starting out in photography or are a seasoned amateur, it’s important to have a variety of lenses so that you are prepared the make the best quality photograph. The Best Value lens recommended is the Nikkor AF Zoom 24-85mm f/2.8-4 with a Macro feature. If you want to start with just one lens, this is a great all-around lens in the mid-range category.

The 24-85mm is an extremely fast lens at its widest angle, 24mm and goes to f/4.0 when you zoom the lens to 85mm. It has a macro mode for close-up photography from 35mm-85mm focal length settings. However, you will need to have a super wide-angle lens to cover areas below 24mm and a telephoto zoom lens to cover areas above 85mm. The Nikkor AF-S Zoom 70-300mm VR (Vibration Reduction) lens is ideal for covering events from a distance or for stage performances. And if you want a super fast lens, then consider the Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 lens in addition or in place of the 70-300 mm.

While I do not like recommending the DX (digital-only) Nikkor lenses, the Nikkor AF-S DX Zoom 12-24mm f/4.0 is the only lens in moderate price range that allows for super wide-angle operation. The DX will only work with Nikon or Fuji Fine Pix DSLRs. In fact, all lenses listed in the Best Value category will work with Nikon’s SLR’s (film cameras) for extreme conditions (with the exception of the DX lens). Lastly, I think the Nikkor 50 mm f/1.4 is an essential lens for low light or some portrait photography. It is the fastest and widest-angle lens Nikon makes and makes a great addition to the variety of your lenses.

Remember, digital cameras will last about 3-5 years, but your lenses can last 15-20 years or more as long as you take care of them. Furthermore, your lenses are your most important investment in your photography business or hobby. I like to think of camera lenses like speakers for a stereo system. It always pays to get great quality speakers, as they will allow your stereo to sound better. And when you have great quality lenses for your DSLR, your photographs will be sharper and more impressive. In fact, you always want to get the fastest lens (i.e. the lower number aperture) you can afford. The best is when your aperture is the same low number throughout the range of operation. This makes a huge difference in low light situations, which is where you often make the best photographs.

The addition of the VR (vibration reduction) minimizes the effects of camera shake, allowing handheld shooting at up to three shutter speeds slower than what otherwise would be possible. This allows for a higher percentage of sharper images (without noticeable blurriness). However, you still need to hold the camera steady in low light situations with either a monopod or better yet, a tripod. A few lenses in the Best of the Best category have Internal Focusing (IF) design. Lenses with the IF designation have a faster and smoother auto focusing. They also eliminate barrel length distortion so you will have consistent handling. The ED designation on a lens means Extra-low Dispersion glass elements for superior sharpness and color correction.

When you use any Nikon DSLR or Fuji DSLR that accepts Nikkor lenses, you will be faced with a lens multiplication factor of 1.5x (except on the Nikon D3). Therefore, the Nikkor 50mm Micro lens for low light or possibly portrait work will become a 75mm lens. Also, never ever purchase a kit lens as these are not made well and are never a good investment.