Kit lens with Nikon D7000

bobman

bobman

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Russell
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Is the 18-105 VR kit lens any good to put me on with the Nikon D7000 or would you recommend buying the body only with a different walkabout lens and if so which.

I will have no other Nikon lenses as my DSLR at the moment is a Sony.
 
Depends what you do with it. I spend most of my time doing low light shooting, so constant 2.8 beats more zoom range for me. If you use the zoom range loads, then go for that. Take a look at your existing shots, see what focal lengths you use the most, and decide based on that.

If you do go for the wider aperture, the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 non VC is a steal. Best vaue for money DX lens IMO.
 
I always liked my 18-105 on my D90 very much, got some great results with it.

As kit lenses go, IMHO it's very good indeed, but depending on your budget the quality of the D7000 would benefit from something better - 16-85, 24-120 f4 or 17-55 maybe, depending on your focal length requirements. I have the 17-55 on a D300s and love it.
 
thanks for the advice, I had heard the 16-85 would be the better option but just seeing if I could get away with the kit lens with quite a wide focal range for the time being
 
for less money than the kit lens you could get yourself the nikon 18-70 s/hand - I am sure you will find this better quality if you don't mind losing a little at the telephoto end.
 
I have the D7000 and the 18-105 VR as part of my kit. The lens is a great all rounder. Fantastic for a walkabout lens, lots of range and even at 18mm it is still pretty sharp, especially for the money. Better than the 18-135, in my opinion.
Add in a prime fast lens, a super zoom and an ultra-wide and you'll have a superb kit bag for most occasions! I'd recommend it from my experience.
 
18-105 appear quite regulary on the classifieds. Probably better to get body only.
 
I never really understood the 16-85, I get it it is the equivalent of 24-120 on FX which is a good walkaround range but...

You get more range - even with a tiny sacrifice on the wide end - for a lot less money from a 18-105.

Alternatively you can get for 1/3 less money a 17-50 with contstant aperture and the only thing you will lose is a bit of zooming ability.

I'd see the appeal if it was an optically brilliant lens but it isn't. I could even see the point if it had a constant F4 aperture like the 24-120 but it does not.

So if you want to step up go for a 2.8 17-x from Tamron/Nikon and if you want tele try and hunt down a 50-150 Sigma.
 
The 18-105 is a very versatile kit lens and brilliant considering the price but it will be the limiting factor in IQ on the D7000 so if you want to get the best out of your body then you need a better lens.
 
I just read a thread showing LCE are doing the D7000 & 18-105vr kit new for £940

Sorry I can't link, I'm on iPhone!
 
i bought the body only then got a 17-55.
i have the 18-105 lens from my d90 kit but have not tried it on the 7000
 
I deliberated about body only or kit lens when I bought the D90. The kit lens is not bad at all, plus it's a cheaper way of getting a lens for that camera. You can always sell it on at a later date if you decide to upgrade.
 
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