appropriate lens f-stop for an adapter?

[Elmy]

I have a home made adapter, thats pretty good, and very little light loss. It's a nikon mount and I'm searching for some more lenses. I was wondering however whats an appropriate f-stop #? My 50mm is 1.4f, which is nice, I'm finding some lenses for good prices but with f-stops of maybe 2.8, or 3.3, even 3.8. Is that too high to consider?

 

[Finnegan]

It depends on what type of lens it is. For wides (24mm or 28mm) I look for f/2.4 or f/2.8 and in my experience, both of these apertures work really well outside in normal daylight. And actually probably around that same aperture for telephoto lenses too.

 

[Elmy]

oh ok, for example i found a nikon lens its 28-80mm (I like primes but I figured I need one zoom). but its f/3.3 =/

 

[DeGrey]

Zoom lenses are, in general, slower (higher f-stop numbers) than prime lenses. Normally you'll want to get the lowest f-stop number you can afford as the lens will be more light efficient giving you more flexibility in lighting situations. Lower f-stop numbers are also going to give you shallower depth of field.

Really the best way to know if you will like the look of a lens is to try it out. Do you have a local camera shop that sells used lenses? They are a valuable resource. Just take your rig in there and try out lenses. Not only does it help you determine what will work best, but it's also fun Camera shop guys will help you out too. If it's anything like the shop here, they can overload you with information on what lenses are going to work best for your needs.

 

[Elmy]

Unfortunately there is no camera shops I know of around my area, they all closed down =/. I found a place online that sells used lenses and has a return policy of 21days for any reason, but not sure if they are reputable. I guess if I'm un able to test the lenses i wanted to know if anyones had experience with a f/3.3ish or if thats too much of a pain to deal with. My f1.4 even seems difficult at certain times, so I am a little weary.