Looking for new Lens

Snownation

Snownation

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Adrian
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Well, I'm using the D90's kit lens, which is the 18-105mm 3.5-5.6G VR.
Starting to get into more telephoto, and 105 is lacking to say.

I've had my eyes on the 18-200 VR, which would suit my needs. And I don't fancy swapping lenses on and off most of the time.

I'm fairly certain it will be this lens.
It's kind of Hobson's choice, but any cheaper, alternatives out there?
 
A superzoom is always going to be an optical compromise. Whether it is more of a compromise than, say, a 70-300G, I'm not sure. If its reach you crave, then another 95mm is unlikely to satisfy. But 300mm on an APS-C sensor is the equivalent of 450mm or so. You'd only need to swap lenses when you know you need the extra reach.
 
Keep the 18-105, it is a better lens than the 18-200 optically, lacking only in build quality. Buy a 70-300 VR which will give you the extra reach you want and is a lens with very good optics and build quality. Then, with the money you save by getting the 70-300VR instead of the 18-200, get a 50mm f1.8.

Alternatively, if the idea of changing lenses scares you, you might consider selling the D90 and buying a superzoom bridge. Changing lenses comes with the territory when using a DSLR.
 
Also, could someone explain to me what the compromise is between good quality glass, zoom lengths, and build quality.

In a nutshell, the bigger the zoom range, the softer your images?
 
Snownation said:
Also, could someone explain to me what the compromise is between good quality glass, zoom lengths, and build quality.

In a nutshell, the bigger the zoom range, the softer your images?
Click to expand...

To design a wide zoom range lens and keep it to a reasonable cost and size, compromises have to be made and these affect the IQ. (softness, distortion, CA etc.) The wider the zoom range the more these appear. The 18-105VR is not perfect either, it has a lot of distortion and CA at either end of the zoom range, but these can be fixed in PP and it stays sharp.

Build quality is more subjective. "Kit" and cheaper lenses usually use a lot of plastic in their construction and as you go up the cost scale more metal and durable materials are used as well as coated, denser glass. Unlike some other makes, Nikon kit lenses' optical quality has been quite good despite their cheaper materials used.

Primes are much simpler in design, so it is easier to build a sharp lens with a wide aperture. A good example is the Nikon 50mm D f1.8. I bought mine for £55 second hand in mint condition and it is the sharpest and fastest lens I've got, I love using it, despite the fact that you have to zoom with your feet.
 
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