Help with choosing a lens for a Nikon & renting lenses

[ratlenhum]

I have the Nikon D40 and absolutely love it. After a year I haven't used all the "bells and whistles" yet.

I have a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens and I HATE switching back and forth. For certain things I just bring one or the other but when I need both (like at WDW) the switching is a hassle.

The 18-200 lens is major bucks that I can't spend. Someone recommended I consider the 18-105mm. They said it's much lighter, takes great pictures and gives you the extra zoom without the extra weight.

I played with my 18-200 today setting it to 200 then 105 and back again and didn't see a huge difference.

Does anyone have these lenses that can commet?

I'm thinking of renting both for a few days and playing with them. The only place that has both is online and called Borrowlenses.com. Any experience with them?

thanks
Kerrie

 

[Icemann]

I have a D40 + D3000 I have a Tamron 18-270 with VC and I love this lens.And it's about half the price of Nikon.Nikon makes some good glass but to expensive for me.I use this lens as my walk around lens at WDW.I have some Tamron and Nikon prime lens and I can't tell the difference as for renting I'm sure other people will have ideas and places about that but I don't remember what they were as they have rented in the past and I haven't have fun.Adorama has a rent section I have bought from them before with no problem

 

[Agent P]

Had the same dilemma a year ago, went with the 18-105 and been happy with it. Rarely do I miss the extra length. The 105 is as sharp as the 18-55, good all around lens for 1/2 the price of the 18-200 which can be soft.

 

[Snappy in OK]

I have the Nikon 18 - 105 lens, and I think it is a great lens. Yes, I would like a larger aperture, but for an everyday general lens it is really nice. I was using a D60 with the 18 - 55 lens (and a zoom lens), but I was missing something after the 55 mm. I decided to upgrade to the D90 (DH now uses the D60) and to get the kit lens (the 18 - 105), and I have really enjoyed it. I use it quite a bit for the DS & DD's soccer games - they play on the 1/2 field, so the lens works. I don't feel the need to pull out the telephoto.

Good luck finding what works best for you!

 

[handicap18]

For me one of the biggest reasons for having a dSLR is the ability to switch lenses as you need. There really is no one tool for every job. Thats what lenses are, tools.

When you switch to one of the "all-in-one; do-it-all" lenses you lose something. While its great to have a a super long focal length like the 18-200 or the 18-280, you lose IQ and aperture.

for me its probably easier because I've been using SLR's for 20+ years and have always had at least 2 lenses. I'd rather give up focal length for a constant aperture and better IQ.

Just another angle to think about.

 

[photo_chick]

When you switch to one of the "all-in-one; do-it-all" lenses you lose something. While its great to have a a super long focal length like the 18-200 or the 18-280, you lose IQ and aperture.

My feelings exactly. Image quality is a major consideration with digital. It wasn't as much so with film for me but viewing images like we do with digital (at ginormous sizes) it seems to come into play a whole lot more.

Yes, you can buy an 18-200 or greater range lens, but you are really going to take a hit on the ends in image quality. They also tend to be heavier lenses so keep that in mind. Really though, you have to ask yourself which aspects are more important to you. Image quality? Speed? Convenience?

For the record... I don't lump the 18-105 in there with the "all in one" lenses. That's a great focal length for a walk around lens. As is something in the 28-135 range.

 

[ratlenhum]

Thanks everyone.

I just want to double check, I like taking pictures of my son but am not too big on all the terminology.

I'm going to lose something quality wise for the convenience of the 18-200 but if I go with a 18-105 or a 28-135 I'll pick up some focal length but not lose any image quality?

Anyone else have an opinin on Tamron or Sigma lenses?


I hate to admit this, I had my Nikon D40 and my Canon Elph 890 with me last trip. The Canon was great for taking on wilder rides, easier to hold on to.
My favorite shot all trip long was this one. There were better looking/quality shots, but this one isn't that bad and I LOVE it. Can you believe I took this on my iPhone?

 

[safetymom]

I have the 18-200 VR and love it. When I bought the D90 it came with the 18-105. I put it on my D70. I much prefer the 18-200!!