Which lens would you buy?

[Mickey Fliers]

I thought I had worked this all out...but I guess not

I have a D40 with the 18-55 and 55-200. I also have the Sigma 30mm 1.4.
I have a bit of extra cash and was going to pick up a new lens. Here are my options:

18-200 VR or 70-300 VR

I need the 300 focal length for shooting swim team and soccer, but that is about it. I currently have my Mom's Canon 30D and an old (bought in 1996) 70-300 mm that I have been using to get the tight pool shots. It is working fine, but I plan to continue to build my Nikon stash and eventually sell my Mom's equipment.

I love the idea of a "walk-around" lens in the 18-200. Of course that would provide greater flexibility for every shooting of the kids and vacation. I am sure this lens would get more use than the 300.

If I get the 18-200 mm, I will keep shooting with the Canon for sports events until I convince DH to spend more money . If I get the 70-300, I am down to using one body, but will probably be doing lots of lens changes.

What to do?

 

[Steve's Girl]

Is the swimming inside? Neither of those lenses will be fast enough for indoor swimming. That said, I have the 18-200 and even though I have since purchased better quality lenses, I still like the convenience factor of that lens. For family trips, outings, etc. it is nice to be able to throw the camera with one lens in my purse and be set for the day.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Actually, the swimming is both inside and out. I have never done inside pool shots because it is always too crowded. I never thought about what I might need for indoor shots. Hhmmm....any suggestions?

 

[Miller1412]

I have the 18-200 and love it as a great "all purpose" lens.

I am in the same situation, and was looking at the 70-300, but the good folks here showed me the 80-200 mm f/2.8, and I think I am sold. I'd love to go after the 70-200 VR, but it is just too far out of reach price-wise. I need the reach for the same things as you, but with a tripod and the ability to crop in, I'm going for the 80-200.

Good luck! Let us know what you choose!

 

[Coach]

Go with the Nikon 18-200mm VR. Out of the 5 lenses I own this is my favorite lens. Out of the over 10,000 Disney pictures I have taken with my D200, 90% of them were taken with this lens. Every time my family visits Disney this is the lens I always take with me. This and my Tokina 11-16mm.

You can not go wrong with this lens.

 

[WDWFigment]

Go with the Nikon 18-200mm VR. Out of the 5 lenses I own this is my favorite lens. Out of the over 10,000 Disney pictures I have taken with my D200, 90% of them were taken with this lens. Every time my family visits Disney this is the lens I always take with me. This and my Tokina 11-16mm.

You can not go wrong with this lens.

Agreed. Much more versatile than the 70-300, in my opinion.