Replacing my Nikon 18-55mm lens

[Ju Ju Bean]

I got a Nikon D90 for Christmas and have a buyer for my D40. However I need a new lens because I am selling it along with the 18-55mm lens. I was thinking of the 18-105 but I have a 35mm 1.8 and 55-200mm already. I am not familiar with lenses comprable or better than the 18-55 so I need some advice for purchasing something to fill that range. Any thoughts on a good wide angle zoom or is the 18-105 a better choice?

 

[annnewjerz]

What's your budget?

If you are looking for a good UWA, I would look at Tokina's 11-16 f/2.8 (for around $600 when it's in stock) or Sigma's 10-20 if you want something a little less expensive and want to have it soon.

If you want a nice lens walkaround lens, I would look at something a little faster than the 18-105. Did you like the focal length of the 18-55? If so, I'd look at Sigma or Tamron's f/2.8 zooms in similar focal lengths, like Tamron's 17-55 or Sigma's 18-50. If your budget is a little bigger, look at Nikon's 17-50 f/2.8, which is around $1,000 used.

Right now, my kit consists of a D90 with the Tokina 11-16, a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8, but when the time comes for another lens purchase, I'll be looking at a faster general purpose zoom like the ones above.

Good luck!

 

[handicap18]

I use the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 on my D300 and LOVE IT! IQ is great. Its very sharp and having f/2.8 through the full range is VERY nice. It goes for about $450. It went from the 18-135mm lens and haven't missed the longer focal length.

If you don't want to spend as much then the 18-105mm is a very good lens.

 

[Evad]

+1 for what Ann and Kyle are suggesting. Can't go wrong with either the Sigma or Tokina 2.8 zooms. I have the Nikkor 18-70 mm lens but plan to replace it with one of the lens's mentioned above.

 

[ELinder]

If it's in your budget, I would take a long look at the Nikon 16-85. I have one on my D90, and I love it. It's got the range and quality to be useful just about anywhere.

Erich

 

[spinetnglr]

I was lucky enough to come across a used Nikkor 17-55 f2.8 and it is by far my favorite lens. They are a little pricey. I got mine for $900. I think they are $1300 or more new.

 

[My2Girls66]

I was all set to get the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 but now am wondering if the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 would be better. I keep second guessing myself! I am leaning toward the 28-75 because I really don't use the 18mm end of my 18-135mm very often....
Here are some reviews from Nikon Cafe if you are interested.
http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=213177

 

[Experiment_626]

If it's in your budget, I would take a long look at the Nikon 16-85. I have one on my D90, and I love it. It's got the range and quality to be useful just about anywhere.

I don't have one of those, but I wish I did. I've heard nothing but good things about it. Thom Hogan recommends it highly, FWIW; http://www.bythom.com/Nikkor16-85lensreview.htm

 

[handicap18]

I was all set to get the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 but now am wondering if the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 would be better. I keep second guessing myself! I am leaning toward the 28-75 because I really don't use the 18mm end of my 18-135mm very often....
Here are some reviews from Nikon Cafe if you are interested.
http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=213177

If your comfortable with just the 28mm being your widest for a walk around lens, go for it.

I use the wider end a lot more often so I went with the 17-50mm f/2.8 Tamron, though I really considered the 24-70mm f/2.8. For me just having 28mm would be wide enough, 24mm would really be pushing it, but like I said, that's my shooting.

 

[My2Girls66]

If your comfortable with just the 28mm being your widest for a walk around lens, go for it.

I use the wider end a lot more often so I went with the 17-50mm f/2.8 Tamron, though I really considered the 24-70mm f/2.8. For me just having 28mm would be wide enough, 24mm would really be pushing it, but like I said, that's my shooting.

That is the problem. I'm not sure 28mm would be wide enough for everyday. I think it(28-75) would be great for my original reason for looking into it. DD's cheer comps. I think for myself- I use 18mm mainly outdoors for landscapes which my 18-135mm is fine. Right now I have the 28-75mm in my cart at Beach......price dropped $10 since I looked last week.