Which lens for my Nikon d70?

[Nik's Mom]

I'm at a loss. I'm fairly new to photography. I currently have a sigma 28-70 and 100-300 lens, but would like something that will allow both wide angle and telephoto without having to switch lenses on the camera. I read about the Sigma 18-125 and Sigma 18-200, as well as the Tamron 18-200. Which would you recomend? I'd like to just be able to use one lens, rather than switch from one to the other. What would you all suggest?

 

[Charade]

If your budget allows it, take a look at the new Nikon 18-200 VR with image stabilzation. I just bought one and it works very well. Once you try a lens or camera with image stabilizaton (Nikon calls it VR for vibration reduction) you'll never want to use anything else.


The lens sells for about $750. If that's too much, look at one of the other 18-200 lenses.

 

[safetymom]

I agree about the 18-200 Nikon lens with VR. I have it and I love it. It does a great job.

 

[tinksdad]

Another vote for the Nikon 18-200mm! Simply, it's a great choice for a multi-purpose lens. Sigma would be my second choice, but still good.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

another vote for Canon 18-200VR from a Canon user.

Now the image quality is WORSE than Sigma 18-200 in terms of Chromatic Abberation and Vignetting. But the VR compensates these drawbacks.

 

[MICKEY88]

another vote for Canon 18-200VR from a Canon user.

Now the image quality is WORSE than Sigma 18-200 in terms of Chromatic Abberation and Vignetting. But the VR compensates these drawbacks.

Canon lens for a Nikon...???

 

[handicap18]

The Nikon 18-200 is quite possibly the best super zoom on the market. The Sigma and Tamron 18-200 have been getting mixed reviews at best. (thus the $300-400 difference in price from the Nikon).

Though I have not tried it, the Sigma 18-125 has gotten better reviews than the 18-200 3rd party lenses. It will give you the equilivent of a 27-188 at 1.5 crop, which isn't too bad.

That being said, I'd save up the extra money and get the Nikon 18-200 if your looking for a single super zoom lens.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Canon lens for a Nikon...???

uhmmmm no. 18-200 VR is a Nikon lens. All I'm saying that as a Canon user, I still give this Nikon lens a thumbs up for its versatility.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Ouch, $750 for a lens would force me to give up our up-coming vacations next year. Not sure I'm willing to give that up. Maybe I'll look into the Sigma 18-125 then. I have 2 sigma lens's and have been pleased. I wish I could get the Nikon, but it's just too much at this time. Is there a more affordable Nikon lens that you would recommend? Maybe in the $300-$400 range?
Thanks.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

If you're not taking the 18-200 VR, I can only strongly recommend Sigma 18-200 or better yet, Sigma 18-125. Not even the Tamron 18-200 can beat it (I tested it with 3 copies of Tamron vs my 18-125)

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thanks. I think I'll bring my camera into the camera store and test out both sigma lens and see which I like better.

 

[MICKEY88]

uhmmmm no. 18-200 VR is a Nikon lens. All I'm saying that as a Canon user, I still give this Nikon lens a thumbs up for its versatility.

another vote for Canon 18-200VR from a Canon user.

sorry reading your original post ,quoted above}it appears that you are talking canon lens...

 

[boBQuincy]

Many of the questions about lenses in here are from people asking about a single lens for their SLR, so they don't have to change lenses.

One of the best and most important features of an SLR *is* the ability to change lenses!

Sure, I understand the convenience of "one lens does all" but that one lens is full of compromises, such as small aperture, size, weight, and the big one, reduced image quality. One of the reasons for buying and carrying an SLR is image quality, why throw much of it away with a seriously compromised lens?

A Canon S3 or similar might be a better choice if "one lens" is the goal.


boB

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Bob,

although I understand your POV clearly, sometimes (myself included) users want to have a very good point and shoot and the only goal to have that is by buying a superzoom for their dSLR. Rregardless how bad the picture is, the quality is still better than the best point and shoots out there. Also something like the S3 doesn't start at 28mm (full-frame equivalent) but at around 36mm, so even an S3 is not wide enough.

Sometimes, also, we can't bring more than one lens during our trip due to space or convenience reasons. For me, it's due to weight reasons. I can't bring my 70-200 f/2.8L IS for a relaxed trip. I'll have to be on guard all the time protecting the lens making the trip no fun.

 

[Nik's Mom]

You are right on, Kelly. I have my 100-300 mm, and my 50 mm Nikon lens that I would not give up. I would like something in the 18-125 or 200 range while we are on vacation or when we are skiing. I can't lug around several lenses then.
Actually, another reason why I choose to buy the D70 was because of it's speed compared to non-slr digital cameras. We tried several top brands and were frustrated by their lack of speed when taking pictures. The D70 is very fast. Plus, the D70 is allowing me to learn more about photography ( still have a lot to learn).