Replacing the D50 Kit lens

[Notts_Dave]

I'm look to replace or compliment the 18-55 kit lens that came with my D50. I like to shoot cars and people although not necessarily in the same shot so i'm going to ask a question that has been asked a thousand times.....

Anyone got any recommendations? Not sure on my budget yet but cost will be a factor.

[Wile E. coyote]

I just replaced my D50 kit lens with the sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5, nice and sharp piece of kit. Got it for £200 on a price match from warehouse express, any use?

[Notts_Dave]

Thanks. I am very disappointed with the kit lens compared to my long lens which is an old Nikkor 70-210. The Nikkor gives much sharper results.

It would be good to see two of your images, one from each lens to compare.

[Wile E. coyote]

Thanks. I am very disappointed with the kit lens compared to my long lens which is an old Nikkor 70-210. The Nikkor gives much sharper results.

It would be good to see two of your images, one from each lens to compare.

Haven't used it much, rained since I got it :( . Was shooting last weekend with it, when I get home I'll try to upload some pics ;)

[PaulBoy]

I've had a few lenses in this range having started with a Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 & its pretty good vfm & quality wise - I tried a couple of the Nikon "Pro" ones (f2.8) but they were just to big & heavy to lug around for the day (not to mention the lottery winner price tags!) - I currently have a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 & although I haven't used it much I am quite impressed so far (@ £215 at One-Stop)
This and the 70-300mmVR are my only lenses (at the moment :embarrassed:)
HTH - Paul :thumbs:

[Wile E. coyote]

Heres a picture from the weekend taken with the sigma
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/rachel2_small.jpg

[Ian T]

I found the Nikon 18-55 optically pretty good, although I didn't think much of the manual focus arrangements. When the plastic bayonet/AF mount snapped, I replaced it with a Nikon 18-70, which is good enough for me. Cost about £160 I think.

[Notts_Dave]

Thanks everyone. I've got some ideas now. I wonder if Jessops would let me try a few test shots then go away to compare the results?

[Hacker]

Why not have a look at the Nikon 18-200mm VR as a 'catch all' type lens.