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

9

996GT2

Diamond Member
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?
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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