Can anyone recommend a good general purpose clens please?

[macs]

I have a Nikon D3000 with kit 18-55, 55-200 and 35 prime lenses at the moment but I'm toying with the idea of changing one or two of these lenses for 1 general purpose lens which will be of 'better' quality.

Nikon do a 16-85 f3.5-5.0 or there is a 18-200 from Nikon/sigma/other 3rd party.

The 16-85 will give some more length than my current kit lens which would be useful when out and about with the family but I'd keep the 55-200 I currently have for sports photography when I do that. But if I went for a 18-200 that would really be an all-round lens. Or should I not bother to replace any I have as they are all good enough but add a 10-20 to my lineup for landscapes?

Please help or at least give me some pointers to think about.

Thanks

 

[Nawty]

The 18-200 will give you more convenience which can be nice.

The 16-85 doesn't really offer you much more than what you already have, it's just another kit lens (albeit a very good one).

I don't really see much need in upgrading what you have but if I did it would be to give me something quantifiably better, such as constant f/2.8 aperture.

Keep an eye on lens weight too, the balance can quite easily be upset on such a dinky body.

 

[Phil Young]

The 18-200 will give you more convenience which can be nice.

The 16-85 doesn't really offer you much more than what you already have, it's just another kit lens (albeit a very good one).

I don't really see much need in upgrading what you have but if I did it would be to give me something quantifiably better, such as constant f/2.8 aperture.

Keep an eye on lens weight too, the balance can quite easily be upset on such a dinky body.

+1 to everything above.

 

[sep9001]

I have a similar setup as you with a d90 body and 18-70 lens. I am thinking of selling the 18-70 and getting the Tamron 17-50 non vc, leaving me with a 55-200, 35mm and 50mm.