How to replace...

[Dorsetsnapshot]

Hi guys,

Having upgraded my camera to a D7000 (body only) I've now been left with my old D60 that I kept as a back up incase I get issues with the D7000. Now as I only bought body only, I only have an 18-55mm, 35mm and 70-300mm.

Now, 'er indoors' has mentioned she'd like to use the d60 at times and consider going out when I do with my camera. If i gave her the 18-55mm lens, what would be a suitable replacement? Looking for a lens that I'd do most of my shooting with, and a lot of focus on landscapes.

Due to an upcoming wedding (gulp) I can't spend a fortune, but would like to potentially replace the lens and give the 18-55mm to her so we have more things we can do outdoors as hobbies that after the intial outlay, wont cost much to enjoy.

Any ideas?

 

[Nod]

On a budget, the 18-70 kit lens is hard to beat. Noticeably better than the 18-55 as well as having the extra few mm. Leaves you with no gap between 55 and 70mm too (not that that's a much used void!)

For a bit more, albeit at the loss of some mm at the short end, maybe a 24-70 f/2.8? Good copies of the Sigma and Tamron do exist and shouldn't break the bank, although they will be more expensive than the 18-70 kit lens. Having upgraded to the 7000, you're no longer restricted to AF-S/HSM lenses since you have the AF motor in the body (unless you want the other half to be able to use it [which could be a handy bargaining point if you want to spend a few £ extra!!!])

 

[Berliner]

How about a 17-50mm f/2.8 tamron? For landscape I would not want to lose the range below 24mm and they give you a lot more light than the kit, especially at the longer end.

 

[Gremlin]

If you're looking to get something similar to the 18/55 then I have to agree with Nod, the 18/70 is a cracking lens if you can find one, as nikon don't make them any more
I did a photoshoot at an awards ceremony last week and used mine for all the award presentation pictures and for outside group shots.
This was taken with it

If you want something with more reach the 18/200 is not bad as a walkabout lens either

 

[neilos100]

Agree totally with the 18-70...it's a brilliant little lens...I've had two of them...last one got smashed with my D300!
I now have the replacement which is the 16-85 VR.. again a really good lens with a few mm extra each end and the vr. Perhaps another one to think about...they go for around 300 quid used on eBay.
Neil

 

[Diving Pete]

why not go for a 18-200mm VR. Works fine for lots of things..

 

[Llamaman]

I had the 18-200 mk1 and really liked it. Downside was zoom creep unless I retracted the lens to 18mm.

I'd check how much weight your OH is prepared to carry - no point getting a heavy lens if it'll stay at home

I'd also look at the 18-105. Before I got the 18-200 I was very happy with mine. To be honest, as a walkaround lens I don't think you need the 100-200 range much (and you'd have the 70-300 for when you do). The 18-105 is a lot cheaper and lighter.

Personally, though, I'd give her the 18-55 and treat yourself to a 17-50/2.8!

Third option - get a lens you don't already have (cheap 50mm prime?) and share all the lenses