Nikon Holy Trinity of lenses

[@MisterRhul]

My personal trinity is 18-55mm f/3.5 DX, 35mm f/1.8 DX and 55-300mm f/4.5 DX. Well, the trinity I can afford.

[@datsunalzheimer]

+Rhuann Lebid mine = sigma 18-200mm 3,5-6,3 dc os hsm plus a shitty kit lens

[@juggaajerry]

Mine, which corresponds with each other rather strangely is the 35mm f/1.8G DX, 18-200 f/3.5-5.6G VR II, and 300mm f/4D AF-S.

[@clmims100]

It is not the Camera that makes the Photogpaher. learn how to control flash and what you have is enough. Try the new Adorama Flashpoint for Nikon at 150 get two or three

[@aaronlowe3156]

Lol mine is pretty close. 18-55mm f/4-5.6G VR, 35mm f/1.8 DX, Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC Di

[@Anmol34]

Same as mine. Except I have a 50mm 1.8G instead of 35mm

[@CanadaSteamBuff]

Add the Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 and you have the full range from 14 to 400mm. But my favourite go to lens has become the Nikkor 300mm f/4 PF. Mounted on the D500 you have a great little light weight wildlife lens (about the same size as the 24-70mm f/2.8 but lighter).

[@garthnosworthy3822]

So excited to say I have just bought the 14-24mm lens today which now completes my trio, having already purchased the 24-70 (VR) and 70-200. Also have the 200-500. If this is the Holy Trinity, then my Nikon D5 is Heaven where they all belong just perfectly :) The D5 is just mind blowing, worth every cent!

[@robertspeicher5047]

Your comment about the 24 to 70...brought a smile. My film days my constant lens was a 35-70. I really loved how sharp it is. I still have my film kit.

[@Moriningland]

As a landscape photographer, I use the 70-200 all. The. TIME! I love wide Angles but I find myself being limited because you need such a stellar composition with a wide angle shot to really work. With a long focal length there are almost limitless possibility a in areas you would never even think of. So rather than seeing the landscape as a whole who focus on and smaller more interesting areas and shoot those. I love it!

[@Jonhillenbrandphotography]

I love using all of these lenses. I did manage to break the 70-200 at one point. I have no idea how, but one day the focus was sharp in the middle and blurry on the edges, depending on the focal length. Took it in to APS and there was pretty significant structural damage on the order of $700. Fortunately, it was covered by the warranty. It's been rock solid ever since and my favorite lens of all time.

[@darrensworkshop6783]

I have all three lens and can confirm what Matt is saying these lens are amazing and super quality.. If your a Nikon fan... well advised..

[@frankhalo]

Yep, people see the $200 price tag and think "50mm 1.8g can't be that great", well folks its bloody amazing, sharp, fast and small. I've paired this up with a Nikon D800 and the shots I'm taking are brilliant. Given up on zooms and I have had quite a few, primes will give you best posible bang for buck, the 85 mm 1.8g is another example of a short telephote prime for $500 appox. Rather than a few thousand on pro zoom glass get yourselves the Nikon D800 and some cheap primes 50mm / 85mm 1.8G

[@yroshofilms]

I'm building up the Tamron version of holly trio... Have the 24-70mm VC and the 70-200mm VC. Looking forward to get the 15-30mm VC soon and I'll be the happiest since the birth of my first born child :)

[@yalcinarik]

Here is my gear list: 14-24 mm f2.8G 24-70 mm f2.8G 70-200 mm f2.8G VR II 85mm f1.4G 35mm f1.8G DX Nikon D4 Nikon D800E Nikon D7100 My favourite combination is 70-200 attached to D4. They take so much attention, and I love taking portraits with them.

[@yalcinarik]

+Christopher Paparisvas i bought all of them 2nd hand, at different times, totally not more than 7500 euros

[@VDSLRGUIDE]

Nikkor 18-70mm 3.5-4.5G AF-S ED DX, Nikkor 35 mm 1.8G DX, Nikkor 50mm 1.8D, Nikkor 85mm 1.8G Always in my bag with Nikon D5100.

[@spirg]

That 18/70 lens is underrated, I have one , solid lens and METAL !!!!

[@CactusPaperCompany]

stop playing music when you are talking, this is driving me NUTS!!!!

[@FrederickDunn]

Good video... they are indeed rock solid... only had to repair the 70-200 after dropping and had problems with zoom sticking on the 24-70. The 14-24 is the only lens I own that can handle larger groups at close range... example, 20 school students less than 15 feet away... oy! Nice video as always... fyi, having the zoom fixed using priority NPS was $538.73 however you get a like-new restored lens back. I would definitely recommend this group of lenses to any pro.

[@lionelm4763]

This is my lineup before I watched the vid. All solid lenses. Love them. As they say, you can't go too far wrong investing in good glass! Think the 85 might be next on my shopping list.

[@CorbinBlanchardDesign]

My holy trinity for hiking is the Nikon 18mm-300mm f/3.5-6.3 ED VR AF-S super zoom. It's just one lens. Great for someone like me who needs to shoot a variety while on the go and weight and time matters, so carrying multiple lenses is not an option for me on a 15 mile mountain hike.

[@mzytoon]

one of the videos that truly helped, thanks Matt

[@IAA015]

Im pretty new to this, but I recently really got into buying a good camera for photo and video. What good priced lens would you recommend for a D7100 to do some night shots off Northern Lights and Milky way as well as daytime photo/ video recording off landscapes and weather? I see that many like the 24-70 lens - would that work out good for both enviromnents? I'd love to know.

[@ethgraham]

IAA015 I'd recommend getting a wide aperture prime lens:www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-NIKKOR-Digital-Cameras/dp/B004Y1AYAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428945764&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+50mm+1.8 www.amazon.com/Nikon-35mm-1-8G-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428945801&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon+35mm+1.4 or if you have more money to spend: www.amazon.com/Nikon-Nikkor-Manual-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00009R95Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428945881&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+50mm+1.2

[@facedown9754]

17-55mm f2.8 classic and perfect

[@SiouxsieCat]

Thank you Matt! As a casual photographer (i.e. non-professional), my most expensive mistake to date was dropping my Nikon D810 with a 70-200f2.8 attached to it. Both were destroyed, and that was painful.

[@PlasmoX]

the 24-70 is a great lens, I own one of my own. It is razor sharp. It's the lens that stays on my camera all the time. I've dropped it before, and other than a few scratches, it's built like a tank. Functions great, buttery smooth focus ring, probably my favorite lens. I found that my 70-200 is a lot sharper throughout the whole range than the 24-70 though. I haven't had any focusing issues with my 70-200 though.

[@RavindraJoisa_Official]

I have this 14-24 mm lens.. really really good wide angle lens.. the best.. I wish we had more filters easily available for this lens :)

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I'm planning a switch to Nikon and this helped. It's an expensive process and I'm still shaking my head but I given up on my current system.

[@0NicoLoco0]

How did it go?

[@ericsimmons7511]

Wondering in 2019 what your previous system was and how that switch to Nikon is treating you...

[@JIMMIX7]

Thanks David for that feed back,, when I asked Mat the original question his reply was to work on my technique before spending thousands,, I found his reply rather dispondent,, It turnd out my D90 was Back focusing...Its now sorted and the 70-300 is okish,,, obviously not as good as the 70-200,,,thanks again, , and thanks Mat for your ''help''...Jimmy

[@dakoolguy111]

If only I had 10 thousand dollars to drop on lenses...

[@lescobrandon3047]

Nikkor 24-70 and you can do it all much cheaper with an FX body. Best wishes, Dakoolguy.

[@marcd7332]

Today you can get all of these for around $3000

[@kiransankarpati]

fantastic review matt. i love your reviews , keep it up.

[@spirg]

Bought a 70/200 back in 2012 , had to sell it , ( needed the $ ). Regretfully 😞. Greatest lens I’ve ever owned

[@yomommacalledmeback]

Hopefully Matt writes you back. I have the D7000 and I bought my girlfriend the 5100. The 5100 is an okay camera as long as you're not into lenses or you like a lot of manual focusing. I have tons of lenses, and the 5100 won't drive any of them (autofocus). The d7000 will work with almost every nikon lens ever made and has a drive screw for focus as well. Lots more focus points, better low light. It's worth saving for the D7000 if you are serious about photography.D7000 with the 18-200 VR!

[@huepix]

Yup, that 14-24 is brill! No chromatic aberration (that I can see) and sharp right to the corners. The 24-70 has a little bit of CA at the 74 end but not noticeable in real world situations. And that 70-200. Just incredible! I have a coupla canon mates that brought a nikon/canon converter so they could use the 14-24. Its that good. Worth every penny

[@frkm0005]

I own the 14-24, 24-70 but I got the 70-200 f4 and last weekend I was shooting in a ridiculously low light situation and another shooter had the 70-200 f2.8 and got some cleaner images. I always thought the VR in the f4 would make up that difference but it didn't cut it. Now I'm shopping around for the best price on the f2.8. I love the 14-24 and my 24-70 is the lens I would choose if I could only use one for the rest of my life. So great!

[@Tap-a-roo]

Honestly the holy trinity is the 35mm 1.4/85mm 1.4/200mm f2. That being said I loved my 14-24 before I sold it and went to all primes.

[@aspdeepak4yt]

Excellent post Matt! This is such a holy range.

[@nathanniaga805]

love your reviews man! and i also love the background song on this clip what's the title and artist? I'd like to add it to my time lapse work. Keep up the good reviews

[@JennyLaBouff]

Great video! Thanks!

[@mattgranger]

@MattyRocksOfficial fast stabilised lenses will certainly help a lot. depends what issues you are having, but if you are serious about it, you may consider a higher level body, will offer better low light focus, and iso performance which allows for a better shutter speed and dof.

[@EatonZ26]

The benefit of shooting with FX lenses on a DX body is that you're only getting the sharpest area of the lens. All lenses have resolution falloff towards the edges so by using a DX body there is more or less no falloff. On the wide end I like (any many will agree with me) the Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 which is basically a 15.5mm-24mm FX equivalent. If you want wider, Sigma makes a 8-16mm but then again there are tradeoffs for that...

[@christopherw179]

For DX I would say the holy trinity is the 12/24mm f/4G, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.8G. Unless you're shooting sports or super wide landscapes then you'll need little else :)

[@TONYBOX007]

I have this Nikon Holy Trinity and they are simply wonderful...

[@Hongjoo5]

great video for anybody who's getting into lens selections! Thank you!

[@TusharMisra]

UV filters were basically used to protect the film from being damaged, now i don't know if sunlight can damage the internal circuits of the camera but i don't think it does.So they don't have much significance on digital cameras. Since in all probability you would be using a DSLR i would suggest that you buy a good quality Neutral Density Filter (ND Filter).

[@movieman2009]

It would be nice to see a update review to include the Nikon 24-70 mm 2.8 that now has VR as a option.

[@JJJJ-gl2uf]

Good intro to these lenses. I already had the 24-70mm 2.8 and am very happy with it. Recently bought the 70-200mm 2.8 but haven't tried it out yet, and I also use the 12-24mm (not profiled here) but which I really like as well. It's a cheaper (still about $900US) option than the 14-24mm.

[@glhf5922]

I think if you can't afford nikon lenses just go for sigma or tamron they are almost on par in terms of performance. I own 24 70 and 70 200 with my old d700 and I still love them.

[@tealosophy]

almost is not enought for some professionals

[@Traumglanz]

Yeah, some switched to Canon because the 70-200mm 2.8 L II USM is that much better ;-) Though if almost as good is in your budget: The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 seems to be the way to go in the 24-70mm case. Sigma Art lenses are usually really impressive, but the 24-70mm seems to be disappointing a little bit.

[@TheDoubleBee]

That 14-24mm range confuses me a bit, because I was under the impression that around 15-16mm is the vignetting limit on a full frame. Lower than that and you start getting the circular image with black edges. That's why the Canon's fisheye zoom lens range is 8-15mm - at 15mm, the image circle is circumscribed (no black edges), and at 8mm, the image circle is inscribed (full black edges).

[@fraybentos666]

my holy trinity is the 24mm 1.4g - 50mm 1.4g - 85mm 1.4g. i have a dedicated d4 for the 70-200 as it feels nicer on a bigger body, then switch the primes on a d800.

[@David12005]

Super video - thanks for the hard work and excellent presentation. Don in the USA

[@alexforey]

you test autofocus with the lenscap ON because it's a good test of how long the focus hunts before giving up. This usually means going to infinity then to close then back again. That's how a lot of websites rate focus speed, because without it the composition/contrast of your image can give a bias.

[@jrgenthomsen8692]

I am totally agree with you, have them all and they are great, I also have some other stuff to play around with, some macro, fish eye and some old school manual focus.... Love them all....Thanks Pall

[@mattgranger]

sorry - the 16-85 is not the same range on DX as 24-70 is for FX.

[@spyglasshill2000]

I use (a lot) both the 14-24 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 VRll .. I don't own the 24-70 .. I just carry the 50 1.4 .. I also have the 85 1.4 for portraits and as a nice street lens . The 14-24 is perfect for getting tight on race cars and show cars alike . it's a great architecture lens as well . My favorite lens, by far, is the 70-200 VRll . It's heavy, but who cares . I shoot motor sports racing, cycling and surfing with this lens . When I nail the focus with my D800 or D700 I can crop forever !!

[@ronspeer]

I have an older Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8. It's similar to the 24-70mm shown but it was less expensive. I love it!

[@CarlyWaarly]

Have to agree, have this set and the 85mm 1.4G AF-S, all beautiful lenses to work with.

[@mattgranger]

depends what you are into mate

[@mattgranger]

cheers! 70-200 and a 1.7 tce is a great option.

[@Freepepsi42]

Just got the trinity today. They are amazing lenses.

[@YouriIsEenBanaan]

Damn I want the 24-70, it looks so great

[@mattgranger]

good question - would you mind to post that to the latest Q&A video so I can respond to all?

[@mattgranger]

cheers and welcome

[@bjoernkiblogg]

I own the 24-70 and 70-200 and I absolutely love them. I am not sure if I want to buy the 14-24. It is too wide for my needs, but I know that the 14-24 is a geat lens though :)

[@zimzimzimmer]

Hey Jimmy, I have the 70-200 f2.8 and it's incredible. I've used a 70-300 G series lens in the past. I know it's £100 compared to £1300, but really the G series is junk, slow to focus and not ideal for moving subjects. It's a budget lens. Buy the 70-200 and your images will 'pop' from the screen, incredible colour, sharpness and heavy.... but amazing well worth the money!!

[@halofifa]

My Trinity of lenses on a budget 50mm 1.4 25-50mm f4 (film lens) 70-300 Vr on a Nikon D750.

[@EatonZ26]

The widest filters Cokin makes are the X-Pro series with are 130mm wide. Don't think that is wide enough for the 14-24 since the Lee Adapter is 150mm wide. The Lee SW150 is widely available and is specifically designed for the Nikon 14-24.....

[@mattgranger]

55-200? Well I guess people can make their own trinity.... if I was doing a VR trinity the 70-200 will still be there

[@CalypsoRaz]

that 50mm is always on my D90 and I have to agree with you. The next I hope to get is the 10-24

[@mattgranger]

the lenses are great - on any modern DSLR

[@ChickenNoodo]

I have 2/3 (24-70/70-200)! I'll be snagging a D800 Before I move onto the 14-24. I've gotta say, I'm a huuuuge fan of the 70-200. I haven't been in tight enough places to really have to NEED to use the 24-70 (this is on a DX as well). Hopefully, I'll be able to get more use out of the 24-70 in the near future.

[@Salamander6969]

I have the higher focal length pair, but until I need 14mm I will keep my 20mm AF-D f/2.8

[@marchofnature636]

saving up for all three of these for a travel bag. only 3 lenses ill probably own for a while because after high school I am planning on travelin.. for a long long time, but im 99% sure it's going to be worth the investment. I do wildlife sometimes, but 200mm will be enough for me, since I'm not doing wildlife for a career.

[@Anmol34]

My holy Trinity 18-55 AF-P, 70-300 AF-P, 50mm f1.8G. all paired with my D3300

[@cameronwarton962]

Grate video Matt very well explained your videos are really helpful to me i have been in to photography since i was 7 or 8 years old and not had meany people help me to improve my skills back then and ur videos are helping me to do that so i say to you Matt thanking you very much and atm

[@ooharloo]

I have (and LOVE) the nikkor 24-70 2.8g! I might not get the 14-24 for I don't feel like I would be using it much. I also have the tamron 70-200 which has great optics but still want the nikkor version in the near future!

[@cumbias40]

i own a couple of each all are amazing i love prime but i cant leave these when shooting a job,if you cannot afford them try the old trinity 20-35mm 2.8 28-70mm and the 2 ring 70-200mm for about less than $2,000.00 the old trinity is just amazing as well,if you have about $6k and wanted to have the latest then get the new version,great video dude!

[@SaraCanducci]

Aaaahhhh I just need the 70-200mm!!!

[@timotmill5030]

Did you get it?

[@SaraCanducci]

Timot Mill Yup!!! :) and it's better...WAAAYYY BETTER than I thought!

[@timotmill5030]

Its on my list but im looking at tamron unfortunately

[@shropshire21]

Sara Canducci Congratulations on getting the 70-200mm f/2.8 to complete your trinity. I finally got my 14-24mm f/2.8 to complete mine.

[@Traumglanz]

I am still not having any of them, but hey, I love my primes ^_^

[@mattgranger]

yep

[@mattgranger]

havent used it much sorry. VR - for me quite important.

[@johntucker23]

got the 24-70 and 70-200...just the 14-24 to go.

[@LSCHEVYRYDER254]

i hav ethe 70-200 just need the 24-70 and the 14-24

[@PileofDoDo]

I only need 24-70

[@Jhvxgir]

I am also DX user, Holy trinity for DX would be 12-24 f4, 17-55 2.8 f and 70-200 2.8f

[@Tim.Pierce]

well yes but its not so much as to keep it from breaking off the mount but its more of a balancing issue... ever notice how pro photographers hold their long 200mm lenses near the center of the lens? its so that they are balancing the lens from drooping downwards and keeping their cameras steady and straight for their shots. Its all about finding that center point of the length of both camera and lens together and keeping steady shots

[@couryhouse]

with the larger sensor sizes there are all kinds of old glass here at the museum that can be played with too.

[@richardl7570]

@Ninad gogate one thing to remember is that the larger the zoom, the less quality of shot. There are do many variables when moving glass inside its casing that the larger zooms typically don't have a crisp picture unless you invest several thousand.

[@lescobrandon3047]

My trinity: 1. 17-35 2.8 2. 24-70 2.8 my walk around lens 3, 70-200 2.8 All Nikkor, used on FX bodies, all great.

[@Tim.Pierce]

the 14-24mm is designed for full frame cameras but you can use it on cropped cameras as a matter of fact Canon shooters even use Nikon's 14-24 on their Canon cameras with a special mount attached!

[@sourabhde]

Thanks for the response Matt, but did'nt get your feedback on the 16-85 vs 18-200. Please help me decide. Thanks in advance

[@polarbear666666]

i havent used any of these lenses, or any other lenses. but they look great. nice video.

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

I'm missing the 14-24mm But I have the other end up to 500mm

[@NickRalph]

But like I did say first up, GOOD REVIEW. You reviews have influenced quiet a few purchases of mine!

[@sidmick1369]

Holy trinity of expenses! haha!

[@drawab1]

i am canon user . but i gotta say " you are so amazing in doing the reviews" . i can sense how much you love photography . i admire your work . definitely subscribed . i would appreciate it if you can ' from time to time ' give Ur opinions about new canon product . thanks

[@Genesis.1-1]

Love your videos! I have learned a lot watching you do your thing. I have a question though, I am just upgrading to a Canon 6D from a crop body and was wondering if you have a comparison "holy trinity" for canon lenses. I really appreciate the time you take to help those of us who are just getting started in serious photography.

[@roshkov]

Matt, great review of these lenses. I have the 24 - 70 but could not afford the 70 - 200. Instead I bought the older 80 - 200 2.8. It would be really great if you were to do a review of this lens as I am interested to know what your impressions of this lens are. I myself am continually awed buy the images I get from this lens and I think it is a great cheaper alternative to the 70 - 200 2.8. What do you think?

[@yudontsay]

This might be a stupid question, BUT, could youi recommend a "holy trinity" for DX camera owners?? :)

[@kingcodetv185]

Yea, with a full frame lens you'll only get the best part of the image on the sensor and you can easily upgrade to a full frame camera.

[@RobertKaydoo]

It is of any help Nikon's 17 - 55 f2.8 lens pretty much lives on my D7100. I would also recommend a battery grip. In the case of the D7100 the grip is the MB-D15. Professional glass is bulky and heavy a battery grip will give you more camera to hold on to even if you do not need the extra battery power. Peace.

[@yudontsay]

Thanks for comment :) allthough I dont think there is a battery grip for D3200? :( correct me if I am wrong, I really want the 17-55 2.8 but for me atm it is to expensive though :(

[@RobertKaydoo]

yudontsay In that case I would recommend the Nikon 18-55 f3.5 - 5.6. OK it is not as fast as the f2.8 but it does take great pictures and because it is both small and lite weight you will not need a battery grip.

[@musictags]

yudontsay I own an aftermarket battery grip for my d7100. There's no need to buy the Nikon one. Waste of money. Also, 2 other superb lenses for a DX camera is the TAMRON 17-50mm 2.8 and the TOKINA 11-16mm 2.8.

[@MrNikonomy]

Great vid Matt :-)

[@equaleyez]

These aren't macro lenses but you do CAN use the lenses from this video to do macro photography. Try reversing lenses, extension tubes, ... check google

[@AdnanGhosheh]

that's a dream! I've been thinking of buying the 24/70! as you said its the most used lens of all times! (PS, i miss the old intro of your videos) xD

[@Narsuitus]

My Nikon Holy Trinity of lenses is an older version that consists of: 14-24mm f/2.8 28-70mm f/2.8 80-200mm f/2.8

[@mattgranger]

me too

[@longstar550]

I think it would be cool to see you do a more budget oriented 3 lens set

[@Freepepsi42]

I'm going to college for photography. The school focus' more on studio and commercial work. Money is not really an issue. I choose the (All Nikon) 70-200 F/2.8, 16-85 F/3.5-56 (required for school), 16mm fisheye, 24mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, 60mm macro, and 24-70mm. Anything you would take away? I worked (High school credits) 2 years as a photographers assistant, so I just chose lenses that I used at work.

[@570films]

Great presentation. Loved it. I do have the 70-200mm lens. Outstanding lens. Published my first cover with it. One question, I shoot a lot of videos now with a GH5S and want to continue using my Nikon lens.A Are the medabones speed boosters useful (electronic information) or just a tele converter ok. Thank again James

[@mattgranger]

to replace the trinity - no. it is lighter and cheaper - but no comparison

[@samcockram123]

i think he means when he focuses at 70mm it goes from closest to furthest focussing distance faster than at 200mm, i may be wrong