Noob Lens Advice

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DeezerD

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David
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First post although I have been lurking for a while.
I've recently bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D60 which I'm happy with but if I'd have done a bit more research I probably would have went a few quid more for the D80.
Since reading through the forums I know know I need lenses with the built-in AF motor as the D60 doesn't have the AF motor in the body which makes my choice of lens more expensive.
I'm just back from hols and shot loads of stuff with my D60 and the 18-55 VR Kit Lens with some not bad (for a beginner) results. However, at times I wished I had a bit more flexibility with the lens, some things were just a bit far away.
Ideally I don't want to be swapping the lens all the time (lazy I know!) and I'm looking for an all-rounder which maybe rules out the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 G ED VR DX Lens as I would need to change it when I exceed the limits of the kit lens.
I have been looking at the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR Lens but at £549 in Jessops http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/Nikon/AF-S%2018-200mm%20f3.5-5.6G%20Dx%20VR%20Lens-32829/Show.html it's quite expensive. I have seen it for £470 here though http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_27&products_id=291&osCsid=0d78ae38f5c0f602273c20ba3bcfb008 Anyone any experience buying from Onestop?
Another option is the Sigma http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-18-200mm-f3-5-6-3-dc-os-lens-nikon-fit/p1017944 at £288, how would this compare with the Nikon?
I was also thinking another option would be the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF DX Lens (I think this is the kit lens with the D80?) which would give me a bit more reach than the 18-55 and I could pick one up off eBay and sell my 18-55. I could then get a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 G ED VR DX Lens for a bit more reach.
Apologies for the long winded post! Any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers
D
 
Have a look dpreview.com for good info on cameras / lenses, then at the review here for the Nikon 18-200VR and here for the Sigma 18-200 OS
There is also a similar sized Tamron lens review here.

I cant comment on the Sigma or Tamron lenses but I did have a Nikon 18-200VR for some time and loved it. Some people will knock the lens, :shrug:, I dont know why. Its not Pro lens so you shouldnt expect Pro quality, but its not too far off, maybe a little soft at 200mm sometimes if you are pixel peeping, but as an 11x walk around lens, you cant beat it. Have a look on / or join Flickr and search for Nikon 18-200VR user groups. These people use the lens a lot of the time and will give you much better advice on real life use of the lens.

Try to get a used one, you should be paying about £350 -£400, or Onestop Digital is very good, but you only get a 6 month return to Hong Kong warranty with their lenses. Keep an eye on the used equipment sections in the list on the For Sale forum.
 
Well I can vouch for the quality of the Sigma 18-200 OS lens. A great walk-about'er. Some reviewers have put it on a par with or ABOVE the Nikkor 18-200 VR.

In my opinion I don't think the Nikkor justifies its far heavier price tag. I've used the Nikkor and thought the optics were no better than the Sigma. That aside I didn't think the build quality is the same as the Sigma - the Sigma is built like a tank :thumbs:. Also, I found the constant 'clicking' (you can feel it when holding the barrel) of the Nikkor VR system disconcerting...

Buy a 'good' copy of one second hand and then start looking for some lenses that are 'spot on' optically speaking. Just my 2p's worth ;)
 
Cheers guys, very much appreciated. Sounds like the 18-200 option is the one I'm after as a walk-about lens. I'll be keeping an eye on the classifieds and ebay till one pops up.
 
Got a 18-200 VR today off eBay. Lens is in excellent condition and doesn't (so far) suffer from lens creep :) Also came with the warranty card too. I need to get a filter for this lens so any advice on which make / model of filter I should get would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
D
 
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