My next lens

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Originally Posted by roteague

While I do primarily LF these days, I also have an N80. If you are going to do a lot of backpacking and hiking, I would suggest something more along the lines of an ultra-wide angle lens or zoom. I have a Sigma 17-35 which I have found to be a great lens (I use it for > 90% of 35mm stuff). The lens is very sharp. You just need to be careful of the large filter size - 82mm.

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The new EX HSM version of this lens uses a 77mm filter size. I've used it on my trip to Africa and I'm very pleased with the results with a F75 and standard ISO200 Fuji Superia film.

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Originally Posted by eheldreth

I have never used anything lower than a 1.8 and I'm curious, how much of a diffrence is there between 1.8 and 1.4.

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Less than a stop and, in my opinion, nowhere near enough to justify the price difference. Also, some lens tests have put the f1.8 as sharper than the f1.4 (although you'd need keen eyes to spot it).

I agonised over the same thing a couple of years ago, went with f1.8 and it hasn't disappointed me. Maybe consider putting the surplus into a set of extension tubes for close-up work (no additional glass to interfere with your existing optics, there's a 3rd-party manufacturer that does them with AF so your N80 will still TTL meter through them) or look at chopping in the 28-80 for a 28-105 (better optics, useful range and a semi-macro facility).

You might also want to ask around here http://www.nikonians.org

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Originally Posted by FrankB

Less than a stop and, in my opinion, nowhere near enough to justify the price difference. Also, some lens tests have put the f1.8 as sharper than the f1.4 (although you'd need keen eyes to spot it).

I agonised over the same thing a couple of years ago, went with f1.8 and it hasn't disappointed me. Maybe consider putting the surplus into a set of extension tubes for close-up work (no additional glass to interfere with your existing optics, there's a 3rd-party manufacturer that does them with AF so your N80 will still TTL meter through them) or look at chopping in the 28-80 for a 28-105 (better optics, useful range and a semi-macro facility).

You might also want to ask around here http://www.nikonians.org

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Thanks FrankB
I think I'll go with the 24mm, I like the idea of having something a little wider than my 28-80 and a couple primes.

As for the extension tubes. I have looked at them(I believe they where from kenko and they did support AF) but wondered if the added weight could harm the camera.

You will not be disappointed with your 24mm. I really liked mine until murphy had his way with it. You should have some money left over for film too. The weight of the extension tubes will not be a bother since you will not have them on all the time. When you buy them make sure they mount and work on the camera. In other words buy from a reputable source. I still have a set that are not for nikon mount no matter what the A***oles at cambridge camera said after I sent them back to them for the third time, even the box said Pentax.