I have been looking to invest in a better lens than the regular 18-55mm kit lens that my Nikon D5000 came in with. I don't need any large telephoto lens or a landscape lens, just anything that's a step above the kit lens for everyday use. Based on the cost of these two lenses, and the fact that I already have a 18-55mm lens, which would be the most beneficial and more efficient for my needs?
I used to have the Canon equivalent to all of these lenses. At first I had the 18-55 and the 55-250.
While this was a good set up, I got tried of having to constantly switch lenses. It finally boiled down to a trip I took and I realized I needed to pick only 1 lens to take.
So....I went out and bought the 18-200 and never looked back. Sold the 18-55 and the 55-250 on craigslist. In my opinion there is no better "walk around' lens than the 18-200mm. Covers a plenty wide range for both wide angle and zoom, and you don't have to constantly swap lenses, increasing the chance of dust/dirt entering your camera each time you do.
Good luck
I agree the 18-200 is the choice. Very versatile.
Answer by Jim A on 02 Jan 2010 11:57:23Neither of those lenses is "better" in terms of image quality. The kit lens, the 55-200, and the 18-200 are all great lenses. It depends on your needs. Do you see yourself using from wide to telephoto in the same shoot frequently? Is the convenience the complete distance in one lens worth around $400 compared to the two lens option? If so, that is your lens.
Also consider the D90 kit lenses. New, they are under $400, and are even cheaper if you get them gently used. Here are the Amazon links, but look on KEH and Adorama as well:
18-135mm lens
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18-105mm lens:
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Finally, you might consider the AF-S 70-300mm lens. This gets you further out, but leaves a gap between 55-70mm, which is nothing a few steps forward or backward won't fix
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Happy Shooting!
If you already have Nikon 18-55mm, I would recommend save your money and get Nikon 55-200mm VR lens unless you don't want to take 2 lens with you then Nikon 18-200mm is a good walk around lens for both wide and zoom in one lens.
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dump the lens you have, and avoid the 55 200. You have an entry level body, and you are probably a more casual shooter that most likely will never attach a 2 thousand dollar lens to your body. Get one lens to do the job like the 18-200mm and be done with it. Trust me when I say you are not going to want to lug around two lenses and make lens changes when you could be missing a shot.
The 18-200mm isn't the best lens in the world, and it's not a low-light champ, but in most situations it's the best solution. When you need something for low light, grab a cheap 50mm f/1.8 it's sharper and better for low light, smaller and lighter than any zoom.
If you dislike changing lenses, and like traveling light then I would get the 18-200mm zoom.
Just to throw it out there, there are respected independent lens makers like Tamron and Sigma and you may want to see what they have to offer? Through the years I have used Nikon but also some Sigma and Tamron lenses which worked just fine for me. I have seen that both have a 18-250mm zoom lens - the last link below is to a page on B&H Photo to the Tamron 18-250mm and there are cutomers reviews of it.
I listed links to the Tamron and Sigma websites in case you want to check them out and also some photo dealers to check prices.
Also, the D5000 along with the D3000, D40, D40x, D60 need to have lenses that have the auto focus motor in the lens to have full function (ie auto focus ability) so keep that in mind when bying your lens.
Hope this helps.
Mark
Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200mm
Answer by Star on 05 Jan 2010 12:19:19If you don't need a telephoto lens, why are you deciding on getting one?
Go with the 18-200mm and sell the kit lens, if you can.
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