Need Help With 1st Zoom Lens (for Nikon)

[thegumbootman]

Well I'm about to start looking at buying my first zoom lens but I'm not sure where I should start.

So far I've been using the 50mm f/1.8 on my D90. I don't think I'll need heaps of zoom (the lens on the Canon film SLR I borrowed was 18-85 which was a fine amount of zoom for me, though a little bit more wouldn't hurt). As for the budget, I'd prefer if it were under $400. But if you can convince me I can save a bit longer.

Also, are third party lenses as good as Nikon lenses?

[arthurking83]

18-105VR! (at that price range and new).

if you don't mind second-hand and can find one at your price point of approx $400, I think the Tammy 17-50/2.8 is the hardest to beat.

There are others such as the variable aperture Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 and so forth, but I think if you're going to go with a variable aperture lens, then it may as well be something from Nikon's kit lens range, that returns a good value for money factor. 18-70 is supposedly good, as is the 18-135mm kit lens.

[Chayelle]

The Nikon 28-105 is a very nice lens with macro capability.
Here in the states it can be purchased for $125-200...
We use it for a nice walk around lens.

[maccaroneski]

I agree with Arthur - Tammy 17-50. Great bang for buck, constant 2.8 aperture, and there is a Vibration Control model if you want that. You'll never have a reason to upgrade that lens (unless you go full frame one day). I have the VC model on my D90.

[arthurking83]

Tony's post had me wondering!...

@ DWI's prices:

Tammy 17-50/2.8(non VC) = $386
Tammy 17-50/2.8VC ...... = $474

These are grey import new items.

If you can stretch the budget by $74.. get the VC model, and you never know when you may need image stabilisation, but you can always turn it off if you don't need it!

I thought these VC lenses still sold for $600-700 or more(even grey market).

[thegumbootman]

Thanks for the replies.

The 17-50 sounds pretty good but it doesn't give my any more zoom than my 50mm prime though.

[kiwi]

70-300 vr

[kiwi]

and no, there are very few 3rd party lenses as good as the Nikon equivalent, in fact, I can only think of one

[thegumbootman]

Well I'm still trying to decide on a lens. I am still not fully sure if I will need much zoom or if I'd be better off just using my feet. The list of options so far:

- Nikon 18-105 (mostly plastic but it has VR)
- Nikon 18-70 (metal mount, pretty cheap on eBay but no VR)
- Tamron 17-50 (doesn't give me any more zoom, but it is faster than the others)
- Nikon 16-85 (metal mount + VR but it is more expensive than the others)

Any more suggestions/comments are welcome!

[old dog]

from what you are saying I`d suggest you go with the tamron 17-50 and I`d stretch the budget and go for the VC version.

[thegumbootman]

from what you are saying I`d suggest you go with the tamron 17-50 and I`d stretch the budget and go for the VC version.

I've been reading about the VC version vs. the non VC version. The non VC is slightly sharper apparently. If I went with the non VC I could put the $120ish that I'd be saving toward an SB-600 or tripod.

[DJT]

I've been reading about the VC version vs. the non VC version. The non VC is slightly sharper apparently. If I went with the non VC I could put the $120ish that I'd be saving toward an SB-600 or tripod.

can't comment on the VC version as I have the non VC & I reckon you're on the right track with the flash or tripod

[thegumbootman]

Well I just bought the Tamron 17-50 non VC from eBay. should be here within "3-7 days".

[DJT]

Congrats. You should be happy with it.
Now you can start saving for the next one

[ving]

sigma 18-200mm HSM OS. should cover alot of shots and is around $400

[DJT]

ving duuuuude, did you read the last post gumbootman made.

[thegumbootman]

Well I got it today. Very impressed with it so far! I haven't been able to get any shots outside the house yet though.

Congrats. You should be happy with it.
Now you can start saving for the next one

I already have my eye on the Nikon 10.5mm fisheye.
Though I think I need a Fender Jazzmaster just as much...