Nikon 18-70 v. 16-85VR.

[miurasv]

The 18-70 is a good well made lens and my brother has been considering getting a new one for his new and lensless D300S. Of course he would like to get the 24-70 f2.8 but alas can't go for that. Is the 16-85VR much of a step up from the 18-70? Is the glass of higher quality in this lens? He'd like to ask you guys your opinions as he could just about afford to get one but is it worth the extra or should he get the 18-70 and use that until he can afford thr 24-70? What do you think? Thanks very much in advance.

 

[NikonSimon]

I've had both, and prefer the 16-85. Not much in it optically, but I prefer the extra few mm's at either end

 

[puddleduck]

The 16-85 VR is an excellent lens, but optically it doesn't really have anything over the 18-70 DX. The extra 2mm is useful, and might mean you won't carry a wide angle as well.

I think the 18-70 DX is about Nikon best DX lens for price / performance. Far too good for a "kit" lens.

 

[miurasv]

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated. He'd probably go for a 18-70 then. He was hoping to get something with f2.8. Would you recommend either the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 or the Tokina 17-50 f2.8? He wants something that has excellent build quality and is quiet. If the build on these lenses is not good he'd rather just get the 18-70 for now and save up for the Nikon 24-70 f2.8.