walking lens?

Lake Films

Lake Films

Veteran
Hey guys. I own the D40 with a 50mm, 55-200mm & the kit lens 18-55mm. My question is, what out of the 3 would be the best 'walking around' lens? For example if I was to grab the camera and had to pick 1 because I didn't have the room, which one is the most versatile? Thanks!
 
I use the 18-55mm for a walk-around lens all the time, it's pretty fun. I don't know much about the 55-200mm, but I've heard too many negative reviews on it to really look at it. As for the 50mm, that's not really a walk-around lens, it's a prime and used for specific portrait work (for me anyway), however keep in mind, it's the best of all of them, just not the most versatile (walk-around).

Good luckl!


www.zampanophoto.com
 
Is the 55-200 the VR model? I would say that is most likely gonna be your best walking around lens. Unlike Alveraz, I've only heard good things about the VR model. Non-VR model and I'm back in Alveraz' camp.

The problem with the concept of a "walk-around" lens is that you have no other options. I would suggest getting a small bag or backpack to have them all with you. I have a SlingShot 300 that I love. I keep my 70-300 on the camera, and still have my 18-70, 50mm, and tons of room for future spur of the moment purchases (aka I wanted room to grow). That way, when I take my camera with me it all goes.....and its design allows me quick access to everything I need.
 
Yes, it's the VR model. I do have a Lowepro bag. I just was curious that if I was running out what would be the 'run & gun' lens. Thanks for the advice guys..
 
Ah, cool. In that case I'm gonna say the 55-200....but it depends a little too. If you know you are gonna be outside...then the 55-200....if you know you are gonna be inside.....the 18-55 may work better as the 55-200 could be too long depending on the amount of space. So I guess it can very. Just gotta pick based on the situation if you can't bring it all with you.
 
depends on your style of photography. For me it would be the 18-55 because i love wide-angle vs. telephoto. But if you're into shooting people or things from across the street, the 55-200 would be a better choice.
 
While technically a 50mm isn't a "walk around" lens, this is what I choose to bring with me if I am just going out with my camera for personal photos. It is extremely light, fast and quality is great. My point is that a walk around lens is whatever you feel most comfortable with. I have a 24-70 L series and while its a great lens, and fast, I still prefer a 50mm because of the size and low profile-ness of it (it also keeps me moving and makes me compose my shots intelligently instead of just zooming in when I need to be tighter.)
 
I love the 50mm too and you've convinced me to try it as a walk-around. Though it sounds kinda tough. I can see myself running up to, and backing up from objects making a fool of myself to get the right shot. Anyway, let's see what happens at the park today...


www.zampanophoto.com
 
Don't forget (I'm sure Lake knows this but others may not), on the D40 the 50mm will not AF....so unless you are super fast to focus (which I can not) the 50 may not be the best option for that camera if you are walking around looking for spur of the moment shots.
 
On Nikon, the only Nikon 50mm that will AF requires a drive motor in the body....which the D40 does not have. No 3rd party 50mm's that AF either, except Sigma's just announced 50mm f/1.4 HSM.....but pretty sure it's not even in stores yet.
 
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