Nikon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 II or something else?

[996GT2]

The only lens I have with my D70 right now is the 50mm f/1.8 D, and while it's an extremely fast and sharp lens it just doesn't have the wide angle coverage I often find myself needing.

The 18-55mm lens that comes with the D40 kit seems like a pretty good (and cheap) buy at around $100 on eBay, so has anyone had good experiences with this lens? I've used the Canon equivalent (the EF-S 18-55mm), and it wasn't all that impressive.

I also considered the 18-55mm VR, but it seems that the VR version does not have the ED element in the non-VR. Does this affect anything?

Other lenses I'm considering are the Nikon 18-135 and the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (kind of a stretch for my budget but it does have a very fast constant aperture). What do you guys think of these two lenses?

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

I don't really know anything about Nikon, but does the built-in focus drive of the D40 kit lens affect the operation in a non-D40/60 camera?

 

[996GT2]

No it doesn't. Cameras with built in drive motors can use both AF lenses and AF-S lenses which have an integrated drive motor. On AF lenses, the AF is driven by the camera's built-in motor (which the D40 and D60 lacks)

Just wondering if anyone had good experiences with this or the other two lenses I mentioned...the 18-135 costs a reasonable $250, but the Tamron is kinda stretching it at $400 even though it is the fastest of all the lenses I am considering.

 

[jpeyton]

Get the VR version; I've used both and the VR version was a better lens optically and felt better built.

I think they run about $130 used on eBay, so it's not much more.

The Tamron 17-50mm is a much better lens if you have the money. The sharpness, bokeh and shallow DOF are easily worth the extra money (if you have it). But the 18-55mm VR isn't a slouch. With the Tamron, do some basic focusing tests when you buy it; my first copy backfocused but the second copy was perfect.

Skip the 18-135mm; good lens but I have a feeling the 18-105mm VR will be a better option once it comes out later this month.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Get the VR version; I've used both and the VR version was a better lens optically and felt better built.

I think they run about $130 used on eBay, so it's not much more.

The Tamron 17-50mm is a much better lens if you have the money. The sharpness, bokeh and shallow DOF are easily worth the extra money (if you have it). But the 18-55mm VR isn't a slouch. With the Tamron, do some basic focusing tests when you buy it; my first copy backfocused but the second copy was perfect.

Skip the 18-135mm; good lens but I have a feeling the 18-105mm VR will be a better option once it comes out later this month.

Thanks for the info.

Found a new Nikkor 18-55mm VR on eBay for $118 shipped, but it has no box since it was taken from a D60 kit. Seller says it still has the warranty though and is unused.

Worth it? I'm probably going to buy later today.

 

[ZOXXO]

The 18-55 kit lens has a reputation of poor build quality. Have you considered another kit lens, the 18-70 which by all reports has a much better build quality, including rubber sealed mount.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: ZOXXO
The 18-55 kit lens has a reputation of poor build quality. Have you considered another kit lens, the 18-70 which by all reports has a much better build quality, including rubber sealed mount.

Build quality is fine for the price. Sure it has a plastic lens mount, but it's small and lightweight because of that. The optical quality in the center is excellent. I wish I still had mine to use as a smaller and lighter weight general-purpose lens in addition to my 18-200VR.

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Thanks for the info.

Found a new Nikkor 18-55mm VR on eBay for $118 shipped, but it has no box since it was taken from a D60 kit. Seller says it still has the warranty though and is unused.

Worth it? I'm probably going to buy later today.

Yes, it's worth it. Most of the 18-55VR lenses that you'll find on eBay will come that way, because few people buy them standalone retail.