Help Me Choose Between Two Lenses

[canuckgal]

I have the Nikon d5000 and would like a new lens. I just have the kit lens and want another walk around/every day lens. I have narrowed it down to these two - my head is spinning after reading hundreds of reviews.

So...which one should I go with?? Anyone have one that they prefer over the other??

The 18-70mm:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-70mm-3-5-4-5G-AF-S-Nikkor/dp/B0001YEOCU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279119396&sr=8-1

Or the 18-105:
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-105mm-3-5-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001EO6W8K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279119564&sr=8-1

[photo_chick]

I'm not sure what you're looking for in a lens though, or why you want a new one. I'd consider this one if your main goal is to upgrade your kit lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF17-50mm-Aspherical-Nikon-D-Cameras/dp/B000EXV0QQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279119918&sr=8-3

[canuckgal]

I was looking for something with a bit of a wider angle and a bit more reach.

[mom2rtk]

If you're going that route, I'd probably go longer with the 18-200.

If you want to stay in that range, the Tamron 2.8 would be a faster lens, and is very well reviewed.

It just seems that if I was spending the money, I'd want a bump in speed or I'd really want to go for the reach. Going half way just doesn't make sense to me. :confused3

[photo_chick]

I was looking for something with a bit of a wider angle and a bit more reach.

And there is the answer to which lens (of the two you listed) is right for what you want. The longer one.

[zackiedawg]

You're not going to find anything wider AND longer than your kit lens...the kit 18-55 is about as wide as most 'superzoom' type lenses with more range will typically start. as noted, the two lenses you are considering both start at 18mm too. If you're looking for longer reach though, I'd tend to agree for a walkaround solution it might be worth considering something along the lines of an 18-200, 18-250, or 18-270 type lens. These would be just as wide as your current kit, but extend way beyond in zoom. There are some very good lenses available from Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron that suit this range - all available in Nikon mount.

The other way to go, as mentioned above, would be to get roughly the same range you have now (18-55 or so), but get a faster lens like that Tamron 17-50 F2.8.

I personally love the all-in-one travel zooms - I've had an 18-250 on my DSLR for several years, which I use often - even though I have 6 other lenses for various needs...there's still something wonderful about the convenience that one lens offers.

[canuckgal]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it. It's so confusing for a relative newbie...I read all the reviews and still don't know what to get. Now I have a few more to consider. LOL!! I really appreciate the advice!