Which kit lens with the D90 ?

amnesia

amnesia

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Daniel
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Hi all,

I am going to replace my Panasonic G1 with a D90, but I can't make up my mind between the 18-55VR and 18-105VR kit lenses. I am sure I have read somewhere that the 18-55 is a better quality lens, but I can't find where I've read it.

I expect I will get the 35mm f1.8 before long (or a nifty 50) so would I be better off with the longer zoom for an extra £80 ish ?

I don't think I can stretch to the 18-200 this side of Christmas.


Any thoughts, particularly on the quality of the standard kit lenses ?


Cheers,
Daniel.
 
I had a similar decision this time last year and ultimately made the wrong one.

Both your suggestions are good lenses and I opted for the 18-105 lens and was pleasently surprised how good the photos came out and the reach that it had but in the end realised I needed a faster lens.

You will get that if you purchase the 35m 1.8 (which I also have) but I decided to sell the kit lens and buy a 2nd hand Tamron 17-50 and in my short time using my DSLR as a serious hobby is the best decision I've made. They can be had for not much more than either of the kit lenses you have suggested and might also end in you not needing the 35mm depending what your shooting.

I've quickly learnt that in photography to try and opt for more kit than you think you need, it saves you money in the long run by taking out an upgrade step a large percentage of photographers will ultimately take.
 
The 18-105mm is a beauty. It's sharp and very versatile.

You'll be missing out on a lot if you go for the 18-55; that's a very small range.

I had an 18-55 with my D40, I traded it in for a Tamron 18-200 and then a Nikon 18-105 with the D90. I didn't miss the 105-200 range, I hardly used it anyway.

So, 18-105mm is the one.
 
BarryG said:
The 18-105mm is a beauty. It's sharp and very versatile.

You'll be missing out on a lot if you go for the 18-55; that's a very small range.

I had an 18-55 with my D40, I traded it in for a Tamron 18-200 and then a Nikon 18-105 with the D90. I didn't miss the 105-200 range, I hardly used it anyway.

So, 18-105mm is the one.
Click to expand...

:agree:
 
I have the 18 - 105 on my D90 and so far very happy with it and it copes well with low light
 
I have found the 18-105 extreemly versitile and coped with most things i've used it for. The only problem i've really had was it coming up a bit short sometimes.

Take a look at my Flikr all the photos on there (i think) are taken with it.

I know the 18-55 would be way too limiting for my use
 
I have the 18-105, not used the 18-55 but as they're both kit lenses I imagine there'll be a point where both will fall down.

I love the lens for every-day things, 95% of the time I'd not trade it for anything - even if I could afford a new lens or 2 with similar ranges I'd probaby keep this as an everyday lens, I love it that much. Both lenses are f/3.5 at the short end anyway so I see no loss if I'm honest with it, if anything I notice the 18-55 is 5.6 at 55mm, the 18-105 is still only f/3.5-5.6, the 18-105 is at f/5 until 58mm approximately*, so you're gaining a tiny bit actually.

*based on a very crude test I just did with mine :D
 
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