Advice on the following three lens choices

[hoyongfu]

Hello guys, As I will be getting the Nikon D60, I feel the 18-55mm kit lens does not enough zoom for me.
So I am now considering either one of these three lens,

1)AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

I wonder if there is much improvement from 55mm to 85mm or not. And do you guys think 85mm enough for normal day to day use.

2)AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED

I am worried that bringing an additional lens around and change lens everynow and then might be troublesome.

3)AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

This lens is very expensive and I have just enough money to buy it. Can anyone comment on is the lens very heavy and bulky where I would feel tired carrying it attached to my D60 for the whole day.

Really confused of what I should get. Really appreciate any help. thankyou

 

[hoyongfu]

Anyone out there can help me

 

[Alpc]

I don't have the 1st 2 lens so I cannot comment... but I don't really think the 18-200mm lens is heavy... infact, my Tokina 12-24mm lens is heavier than this... Neither is it bulky, as for carrying it... I guess it depends on how you are carrying... Given the time frame of whole day, I think most lens along with the cam body will be heavy, therefore you will feel tired at the end of th day...

 

[ijnek]

i only have the 16-85 and it acts my primary len...

18-200 has been comment as a good walk-ard len...

but depends on wat u wan...
for mi,i seldom zoom to tat much, so 16-85 fits my bill...

 

[geraldkhoo]

If I have to choose from your list of 3, I would choose either (1) 16-85, or (3) 18-200. I have not tried 16-85, but used to own 18-200, and I was satisfied with the lens. You can get a 2nd hand 18-200 for about $950.

 

[jfoo]

if you don't wish to have any hassle of having to change lens on the field, than the 18-200VR will do nicely for you. whether it's all-in-one lens (18-200) or two lens combo (16-85 & 55-200), the weight will add up on you after eight hours. the first two hours won't make a dent on your shoulder or neck but after eight hours, it's a different story.

 

[hoyongfu]

Actually I am more leaning towards the 16-85mm, just that I am afraid 85mm may not have enough zoom.
I have tried in shops how 85mm full zoom is like. However, it is indoors and I cannot really tell is it enough when it comes to outdoors in real use. Later buy already not enough zoom jialat.

 

[jfoo]

Actually I am more leaning towards the 16-85mm, just that I am afraid 85mm may not have enough zoom.
I have tried in shops how 85mm full zoom is like. However, it is indoors and I cannot really tell is it enough when it comes to outdoors in real use. Later buy already not enough zoom jialat.

there will be situations when 85mm won't be enough. there will be times when 85mm is too long.

at this rate i think the only lens to suit your ideas is the 18-200 and with that, be ready to take the hit on the weight. sorry this is tough but you can't have your cake and eat it.

 

[hoyongfu]

However, am I correct to say that actually picture quality for the two lens 18-55m and 55-200mm is better than the single 18-200mm. better alot or minimal

 

[geraldkhoo]

However, am I correct to say that actually picture quality for the two lens 18-55m and 55-200mm is better than the single 18-200mm. better alot or minimal

Check out the following web site...

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview

 

[jfoo]

However, am I correct to say that actually picture quality for the two lens 18-55m and 55-200mm is better than the single 18-200mm. better alot or minimal

in theory yes as each lens has less elements and groupings to make up the longer overall focal length.

for this price range, they are as good as it gets in terms of value and quality.

i have always advised that optics is more important. of course, the camera body is going to be important as well depending on what you want and need to shoot. but always place more emphasis on the optics.

"without good eyesight, you are not going to see very well."

you may upgrade and change your camera body over the years as technology evolves but your lenses will still be around.

make the right choice and buy the best you can and need for the time being instead of trying to cover the entire focal range. but if you have very deep wallet, go ahead and indulge in it. you will need no further encouragement from me. :bsmilie:

 

[slaam]

2)AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED

I am worried that bringing an additional lens around and change lens everynow and then might be troublesome.

I think this is a good buy for budget

u can sell 2nd hand to help other newbies to upgrade next time..
else it will be excellent travel lens

 

[hoyongfu]

Does nikon have 18-135mm with VR

 

[kevyan]

Eh.... maybe you should ask yourself which lens focal length best suit your needs...

You may have the money to buy all 3 lenses, but if none meet your needs, then no point....

Is there something that you need to shoot that requires 200mm?

 

[helmiz]

3)AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

This lens is very expensive and I have just enough money to buy it. Can anyone comment on is the lens very heavy and bulky where I would feel tired carrying it attached to my D60 for the whole day.

Really confused of what I should get. Really appreciate any help. thankyou

18-200 range is versatile, try 3rd party lens like Sigma if budget is an issue.

Actually I am more leaning towards the 16-85mm, just that I am afraid 85mm may not have enough zoom.
I have tried in shops how 85mm full zoom is like. However, it is indoors and I cannot really tell is it enough when it comes to outdoors in real use. Later buy already not enough zoom jialat.

You can opt for D80 kit lens 18-135mm

 

[Yapster]

Does nikon have 18-135mm with VR

18-135 does not have the VR Version. And VR cannot really save your day.

I would suggest you get a 2nd hand 18-135 to try out first. It cost only about 250-300 bucks for a used one. I started off with this kit lens and i must say it is good given it's price and focal range.

I even bought a 2nd hand 70-300 G (the cheapest version) to further extend my range to 300mm (450mm on a cropped sensor).

I used to think that, "aiya, can cover the range can liao" until i slowly realise that a good piece of glass is really important.

So, to conclude, i would say, save your 1k plus from the 18-200VR and try out the 18-135 first. Until you know which focal range you may like, then you upgrade lor.

 

[jfoo]

18-135 does not have the VR Version. And VR cannot really save your day.

I would suggest you get a 2nd hand 18-135 to try out first. It cost only about 250-300 bucks for a used one. I started off with this kit lens and i must say it is good given it's price and focal range.

I even bought a 2nd hand 70-300 G (the cheapest version) to further extend my range to 300mm (450mm on a cropped sensor).

I used to think that, "aiya, can cover the range can liao" until i slowly realise that a good piece of glass is really important.

So, to conclude, i would say, save your 1k plus from the 18-200VR and try out the 18-135 first. Until you know which focal range you may like, then you upgrade lor.

which brings you back to post # 11.

first option, buy what you need now.

if you want to cover a long focal range, take your pick from one lens or two lens setup.

we can all talk and advise until the cow comes home but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to make the final decision and fork out the money as well.

hey, the longer you wait, you could have been snapping up photos already.

get the 18-135, its a good compromise from a two-lens setup and way cheaper than the 18-200VR. you could get something longer if you really need it later. 18-135 is equivalent to 28-200 in full frame. when there was no digital crop 200mm is the maximum most photographers will work with and they still do.

 

[Yapster]

which brings you back to post # 11.

first option, buy what you need now.

if you want to cover a long focal range, take your pick from one lens or two lens setup.

we can all talk and advise until the cow comes home but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to make the final decision and fork out the money as well.

hey, the longer you wait, you could have been snapping up photos already.

get the 18-135, its a good compromise from a two-lens setup and way cheaper than the 18-200VR. you could get something longer if you really need it later. 18-135 is equivalent to 28-200 in full frame. when there was no digital crop 200mm is the maximum most photographers will work with and they still do.

Yup, agree!:thumbsup:
I'm looking at the 70-200 f2.8 VR. ;p

 

[jfoo]

Yup, agree!:thumbsup:
I'm looking at the 70-200 f2.8 VR. ;p

excellent choice. but if VR not important and you have the luxury of shooting with monopod or tripod, look for a good copy of 80-200/2.8. second hand should be around $1.1K for a good copy. saves quite a bit of money.

 

[Yapster]

excellent choice. but if VR not important and you have the luxury of shooting with monopod or tripod, look for a good copy of 80-200/2.8. second hand should be around $1.1K for a good copy. saves quite a bit of money.

Yup, thought of getting the 80-200/2.8 before. The difference is on the 10mm focal length and VR. I heard the optics is almost fantastic as the 70-200 f2.8 VR. But i only worry, i will itch for the 70-200 when i get the 80-200...So, once and for all. haha.;p