Is this my new lens?

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

I've had my Nikon D40 for just over a year now with the base 18-55 lens. I'm ready to move up, but don't want to deal with switching out during my WDW trips. I also use it for some amateur photo shoots with friends on nature locations and in a faux-studio. So is this Tamron 18-250 ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...700_18_250mm_f_3_5_6_3_Di_II_LD.html#features) lens the one that I need to invest in? TIA!

PS-Sorry I couldn't get the link thingy to work

 

[boBQuincy]

The "all-in-one" lenses certainly have their good points: only one lens needed for almost all situations. The downside is they are not optically as good as two lenses covering a shorter range each. Maximum aperture usually suffers as well, and there is still no solution for when we need shorter than 18mm. Focusing may not be very fast or accurate either.

If we absolutely do not want to change lenses then the 18-200s or 18-250s are probably the answer. Nikon has a pretty good one afaik, there may be a review at DPreview.com.

 

[GrumpyOne]

As was said, they have their advantages and their limitations. If you don't mind lower image quality and slower AF then a wide to long lens is fine. In the dirt and muck of the 3rd world I don't change lenses outside but for a place like Disney, I will.

 

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Thanks for the DPreview site. I looked it over and I think it will work well for what I use it for. I'll wait until tomorrow though to see if I get any more advice!

 

[zackiedawg]

I use the Sony-branded version of the Tamron 18-250 (should be an optical twin) with my A300...it is my go-to lens for 90% of my photography at Disney. It's a brilliant lens for the range, quality, versatility, and portability. I've got a specialized wildlife lens, a lowlight prime, and a wide zoom for when I need those specific talents, but the 18-250 will take brilliant photos in all of those areas especially once you begin to master it, and you cannot beat the convenience.

Take a look in my Disney galleries at any photo taken from July 2008 to present, and most likely it was taken with the 18-250 (all my photos have exif to confirm the lens used as well). I've got wildlife shots, interior shots, night shots, scenics, landscapes, architecture shots, and candids all using the 18-250.

I'd heartily recommend it as probably the best all-purpose one-lens solution out there.

 

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

Thanks so much Zackiedog! I've also picked out a new strap, remote control, and a few more memory cards!

 

[fitzperry]

Also wanted to point out that the maximum aperture on the telephoto end is 6.3. I think some of the super-zooms will at least open to 5.6.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Also wanted to point out that the maximum aperture on the telephoto end is 6.3. I think some of the super-zooms will at least open to 5.6.

The Nikon 18-200 is max 5.6 @200mm.
OP, I don't know if the Tamron has VR or OIS, but the 18-200 does. That has come in very handy. I believe the Sony body has image stabilization built in whereas the Nikons don't, so you have to get it built into the lens (VR) if you want it. I have a hard time getting good focus zoomed all the way out without VR on while handheld. That is probably what the Tamron would be like if it doesn't have any OIS built in. (I just skimmed the info, so it may or may not. I didn't see that it did have OIS built in.) The VR allows you to stop your lens down further than if you didn't have it, so you can zoom out more or hand hold lower light shots (to a point) with less OOF issues. It doesn't have a lock on the lens so some people have issues with lens creep. I carry mine around in an OpTech bag when I'm not actively shooting, so it doesn't bother me as it's not going anywhere. I like this lens for convenience and used it a lot in DLR. I didn't have to carry around my 70-300VR so that helped lighten the load, and I only needed to swap lenses for low light situations. It's only a couple hundred more, unless they've raised the price... You can get it on Amazon for $692.99 and free shipping from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6-ED-IF-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000BY52NU

 

[bdtracey]

I agree with DisneySuiteFreak. I'm in the same boat as you; I don't have anything to shoot longer than 55mm. I'm thinking about getting Canon's 18-200mm IS. I'd love to get a 24-70 f/2.8 but my 50mm f/1.8 takes great low light shots right now and I don't have anything long.

 

[lisaluvsmickey2000]

The Nikon 18-200 is max 5.6 @200mm.
OP, I don't know if the Tamron has VR or OIS, but the 18-200 does. That has come in very handy. I believe the Sony body has image stabilization built in whereas the Nikons don't, so you have to get it built into the lens (VR) if you want it. I have a hard time getting good focus zoomed all the way out without VR on while handheld. That is probably what the Tamron would be like if it doesn't have any OIS built in. (I just skimmed the info, so it may or may not. I didn't see that it did have OIS built in.) The VR allows you to stop your lens down further than if you didn't have it, so you can zoom out more or hand hold lower light shots (to a point) with less OOF issues. It doesn't have a lock on the lens so some people have issues with lens creep. I carry mine around in an OpTech bag when I'm not actively shooting, so it doesn't bother me as it's not going anywhere. I like this lens for convenience and used it a lot in DLR. I didn't have to carry around my 70-300VR so that helped lighten the load, and I only needed to swap lenses for low light situations. It's only a couple hundred more, unless they've raised the price... You can get it on Amazon for $692.99 and free shipping from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6-ED-IF-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000BY52NU

The Nikon 18-200 that you suggested isn't compatible with my D40

The reason that I belive I'll be ok with this lens is because I'm going to be shooting most of my stuff off a tripod with a remote (also just ordered) so, I'm not too worried about the shaking. I guess we'll find out this weekend. I've got a shoot planned with a brand new baby! Awwwwwwwwwwww!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

The Nikon 18-200 that you suggested isn't compatible with my D40
The reason that I belive I'll be ok with this lens is because I'm going to be shooting most of my stuff off a tripod with a remote (also just ordered) so, I'm not too worried about the shaking. I guess we'll find out this weekend. I've got a shoot planned with a brand new baby! Awwwwwwwwwwww!!

Are you sure that the Nikon 18-200 is not compatible with your D40? I saw a review on Amazon in which the person wrote:

I have taken well over 1,000 images with this lens on a D40 body and I can tell you that it's great! The telephoto length is essentially unrivaled. Except for a few cases (extreme wide angle, fisheye, or sports/extreme telephoto) you won't need any other lens. I love it's versatility. Never before have I been able take so many photos in lower light situations and have them show up crisp. This lens isn't cheap, but really, it's a bargain!

Also the manufacturer description says:

All of Nikon's DX Nikkor lenses are engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller and lighter while providing exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and overall optical performance.

Also on the Nikon D40 reviewhttp://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD40/page2.asp it says that it is compatible with all AFS & AFI lenses and all functions are supported. The Nikon 18-200 is AFS.

At any rate, it sounds like you already have your lens, so I hope it works out for you. Good luck and have fun!