Nikon Walkabout Lens Advice

DekHog

DekHog

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Derek
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I've just purchased a D200 with less than 2000 clicks as...

a. I've always wanted one
b. Can't afford a D300
c. Seemed like a bargain

I hope it's as good as I think it's going to be - I know it's 'old' now, but it still appeals to me for my personal needs (don't need high ISO, live view or video, a la D90).

To go with this I've bought a Sigma 10-20mm (always wanted one of those as well), and a 50mm F1.8D. The problem comes with the walkabout lens. I can't afford the Nikon 18-200mm, so had almost decided on the Sigma 18-200mm OS instead, but the mixed reviews haven't really convinced me about this one.

I don't do or need 'long' when it comes to lenses, and the 35mm equivalent of around 150mm would do me fine. What did surprise me was the good reviews of the Nikon 18-105mm on SLRgrear.com! Is this lens actually any good, as I'm sure I also remember reading somewhere that it was total dog!

Typical lenses of the 17-70 range don't really interest me, as I'd like the extra reach of the lenses above. So, which one of the above two, or any other ideas welcome.

TIA
 
From what I've read the D90 kit lens is actually quite good value for money.

What is your budget? Could you stretch to a Tamron 17-55 f/2.8 or perhaps the Nikon 16-85 VR?
 
DekHog

Congrats on the D200 you will love it ... its a great camera... (I would say that I have one and can't justify upgrading yet...)

My walk round lens is in the range you are not interested in... its the old stock lens off the D70s the 18-70 and it is a cracking lens very sharp for a stock lens.

I sold my 18-200 as I wanted to get this lens and a 70-200 ƒ2.8 sigma, the 18-200 Vr is a nice lens but do not expect to much from it at the top end of the reach...

Good luck lens hunting... if you want to see examples of what the 18-70 and the 70-200 produce on the D200 have a look here..

http://www.pbase.com/nwheal/recent_shots&page=23

All the images on this page and the page after that are all from the 18-70 or the 70-200

Regards

Nigel
 
Depending on your budget and needs i would say a Tamron 17-50mm will b e perfect, along with something like a 55-200 VR later on if you need that extra reach

Enjoy the camera, they are great
 
16-85mm?? I love mine!! Congrats on the D200, I am considering one while I wait for my D300 or D700...
 
Don't know your budget but how about the Sigma 50-150 F2.8
 
IMHO the Nikon 16-85 VR is the best walkabout lens (in terms of range and image quality), but its poor value compared to the 18-70 DX in particular which optically is just as good.

The Tamron 17-50 is also superb, and optically up there with the Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 DX.

The D60 VR kit lens is also very good. The Sigma 17-70 is also excellent as well.

If I only wanted to spend £100, I'd buy a used Nikkor 18-70 DX
If I only wanted to spend £200, I'd buy a used Tamron 17-50
If I wanted to spend £350 ballpark, I'd buy a used Nikkor 16-85 VR
 
Thanks guys - have never heard of the Sigma 50-150mm, but will go have a look now. The budget would be around £200 pushing to a max of £250. The 16-85mm does appeal, but sadly is out of reach for the moment.

Sometimes too many choices is a bad thing!!
 
DekHog said:
Thanks guys - have never heard of the Sigma 50-150mm, but will go have a look now. The budget would be around £200 pushing to a max of £250. The 16-85mm does appeal, but sadly is out of reach for the moment.

Sometimes too many choices is a bad thing!!
Click to expand...

I saw a 18-70 on the forum for sale threads I think it was around 130.

It is a cracker of a lens..

Nigel
 
I think I've narrowed it down to Nikon 18-105mm (I like the range of this) or Sigma 17-70mm (looks damn nice). Decisions, decisions... :D
 
Can't comment on the Nikon 18-105 you are looking at but the Sigma is a cracking lens, pin sharp and optically fantastic for the money
 
The best walkabout lens must be the Nikon 18-200 VR for value and performance??
 
Decision made - Sigma 17-70mm followed by the 50-150mm when money permits...sounds like a nice line up (as long as there are no focusing issues) along with the 10-20mm. All I need is for the camera to arrive now - I'm like a five year old at Xmas!! :D
 
Love my D200 to bits, even though I would like the D30 (but that's only because I always wants something new)!! It's a great camera and the 'kit' 18-70mm lens is astoundingly good. Take an hour setting up the D200 when you get it so the button are sorted for how you want it. You can customise it to your specific needs but it's dead easy to work
 
specialman said:
Love my D200 to bits, even though I would like the D30 (but that's only because I always wants something new)!!
Click to expand...

I take it you mean the D300 and not one of these ...

d30.jpg



.. which certainly wouldn't be new!
 
Any tips for setting up for punchy jpegs out of camera most welcome... and I'm sure specialman did mean D300!

Thanks for all comments.
 
NorthernNikon, ooh no - got one of those at work and it's pretty much only good as a door stop!! :)

Wilky, that's more like it :)
 
DekHog said:
Any tips for setting up for punchy jpegs out of camera most welcome... and I'm sure specialman did mean D300!

Thanks for all comments.
Click to expand...

Everybody diffrent, so best thing really is play about with the setting until you find a setup you like.

I personally would only shoot RAW, then ya can tweak to pictures to your heart content.
 
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