Nikon 18-140 3.5-5.6

[pinkyswear]

I'm fairly new to photography, I shoot with a d3100 I've had for about 5years. It sat idle for a while as I was too busy to take the time to use it. The past year I have picked it up more & learned quite a bit. My current lenses are 50mm 1.4, 35mm 1.8, and the 18-55 kit lens that came with it. I pretty much only use the primes, mostly the 50.

I was thinking about picking up a lens before my Disney vacation next week. I was looking at the 18-140. Any experience with it? Will I be kicking myself while trying to haul this beast around the parks? Do I need more than 55mm of focal length? I really want shots of my kid on rides like dumbo, like I got last time. I found a new one on CL for $300. They are usually $500, I think. Advice appreciated! TIA!!!

 

[dmaxphil]

It was the kit lens with my D7000. It has a smooth zoom and seems to be of good quality. Reviews out there seem to agree it's above average for a kit lens. Here's a pic from today.

 

[pinkyswear]

Nice, looks sharp & nice bokeh I went to the local shop to test it out & the guy nearly had me sold on a Tamron 18-270. I have to admit, it was nice & light & crisp, but I got home & read reviews and am back to thinking about this Nikkor. I think I may buy it on CL. It's brand new in box. However, while at the shop, my search for a lens was totally overshadowed by my new love for the d5500. I can't stop thinking about it. It may be time for an upgrade!

 

[TheBigE]

This lens came with my D5300 and I have been happy with its performance. I use it as my walk around lens outside and switch over to my Nikon 35mm f/1.8 when I go inside. The performance is really very good, and some examples below from my last Disney Cruise







I would say there is some times I wish I had a bit more reach - say like a 28-300mm type lens. It might be something worth taking a look at as an option. Best of luck in your decision.

 

[dmaxphil]

Nice, looks sharp & nice bokeh I went to the local shop to test it out & the guy nearly had me sold on a Tamron 18-270. I have to admit, it was nice & light & crisp, but I got home & read reviews and am back to thinking about this Nikkor. I think I may buy it on CL. It's brand new in box. However, while at the shop, my search for a lens was totally overshadowed by my new love for the d5500. I can't stop thinking about it. It may be time for an upgrade!

I'll give you a couple of other things to consider..

Re: Lenses - If you shoot mostly wildlife, the telephoto or zoom may be the way to go. If you prefer landscapes or street photography, the next lens I'd be looking at would be an ultra wide. The 10-16 Tokina or 10-20 Sigma for instance are both good bangs for the buck. At Disney these will produce some very cool shots.

Re: Cameras - If your considering upgrading take a long look at the D7100. It's not much more $$ than the D5500 and gives you more controls, a 2nd LCD, weatherproofing, etc. I bought my D7000 because it came with the 18-140 for $629 at BestBuy <- an unbeatable deal for what you get.

 

[TheBigE]

I like my UWA, but it does have a bit of a learning curve. With the bottom end of the 18-140 at 18mm I have found I can get quite a bit into my composition. The UWA has a good spot, but I am not sure I would want it as a Walking Around Lens.

 

[Ljbadfan]

I use the 18-140 lens all the time. I used it when I visited Florida in October and just recently at Aulani in Hawaii over 11 days in February. I like it a lot. I wish it had more of a zoom, but it I need something bigger I borrow my dad's 18-300 lens.