Peter Keam , Dec 29, 2008; 07:32 a.m.
So I was interested in getting a constant 2.8-apeture "standard" zoom lens for my D70 bodies. I kind of liked the 24/28-70mm range -- a normal to short tele lens. The Nikon version is out-of-sight expensive @ $1400. So I checked out the Sigma version since I've generally been happy with Sigma lenses. Their version was over $450. Both of these were pretty heavy & bulky.
I really just wanted something for somewhat low light "walk-around" use & really didn't want to break the bank. In browsing the KEH inventory I came upon a Sigma 28-70mm 2.8-4DG zoom for $75 bucks. I thought what the heck and got it. It has turned out to be a great little lens -- not only cheap, but lightweight and optically a pretty good performer. The only compromise is the decrease to f/4 at the 70mm focal length. This hasn't proven to be a big deal.
This got me to thinking about great, little bargains out there among the "non-sexy" lenses that people have found to use for specific purposes -- ie. travel, telephoto, macro etc. -- that have worked out well for them. What have you found that has hit the nail on the head while not breaking the bank????
My trusty little cheap-o 28-70
Matt Laur 
, Dec 29, 2008; 07:44 a.m.
The venerable Nikon 50/1.8, to be sure. I've had sushi and beer tabs that cost more than that little workhorse, which I've used regularly for 20 years.
Chris Court 
, Dec 29, 2008; 07:46 a.m.
I love my old MF 55mm f2.8 Micro. Battered and scratched-up, but it only cost me $115 and takes great pics :-)
Red Dragon
Sean Breadsell , Dec 29, 2008; 07:50 a.m.
definitely my 50mm f1.8D, if you can ignore my ugly mug shot I was experimenting...detail, wow...so much detail, even better on the full version
Nicholas Andre , Dec 29, 2008; 08:02 a.m.
if not the 50 1.8 the 18-55 kit lens that came with my D50.
Ronald Moravec , Dec 29, 2008; 08:25 a.m.
The 50 1.8 has to best deal out there. Mine was $50 mint used. Like all primes, works on Fx too.
Carl Becker , Dec 29, 2008; 09:45 a.m.
I have an older AIS 50mm f1.4 and 35mm f2 which work very well. The AIS 105mm f2.5 is another great lens available at not to dear a price.
Matt Laur , Dec 29, 2008; 09:45 a.m.
Sean: yup, that little lens will show you every nostril hair, won't it? Speaking of noses, a little powder will help with that glare, man.
:-) I jest! Someone could be blinded, the way my skin reflects.
William Pahnelas , Dec 29, 2008; 11:09 a.m.
there are a lot of really nice optics out there you can pick up for very little money... even though i'm about to spring for the $1,400 monster the OP mentioned, i'm really very fond of the little nikkor 28-70/3.5-4.5 i use as a walk-around zoom. also, a lens i bought by mistake turns out to be incredibly sharp: nikkor 100/2.8 E AI-S.
Tim Knight , Dec 29, 2008; 11:16 a.m.
50/1.8, no doubt about it!
