I'm after an all singing all dancing nikon lens

Bernie

Bernie

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David
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Im living on a budget, but wanting a walkround lens for general purpose work, i do take quite alot of photos outside, but also quite a few inside where theres low light.
My two choices are a Nikon 18-70mm lens or a Nikon 18-105 VR lens.
Any idea's on a recommendation.
 
Budget, general purpose, low light - a used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.
 
Bernie said:
A tad above my budget somewhat.
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Then you'll struggle with low light work, plain and simple (unless you want to also invest in a prime, but it doesn't sound like it). That 18-70 and 18-105 both make popular walkabout lenses!
 
If you want low light usage, I'd suggest the 35mm f1.8g.

Out of your two choices I'd take the 18-70mm, for the lower light performance of f4.5 and for it's metal mount.
 
Low light, Nikon and budget don't mix - you can have 50mm f1.8 or 35mm f1.8DX, that's it.

Sigma 18-50mm f2.8, Tamron 17-50mm and Tokina 28-70mm f2.8 are all incredibly cheap for what you get and will do the job better than your named Nikon Zooms.
 
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Guessing budget = £100-£120 or so???

In that case, 2 possibles... Nikon 18-70, one of the best value Nikon lenses, and the 35mm or 50mm 1.8 lenses. Second hand the 35mm is £100, the others £70-95.
 
The 18-70 is great, I have one myself as a 'walkabout' but as other have said, it's not the best for low light if you're hand holding. In that scenario the 18-105 may actually be a better bet because, although it is slower at the longest end, VR might make up the difference and more. The 18-105 is more expensive though and feels cheaper.

Somebody mentioned it above but the Sigma 18-50 2.8 HSM is worth a look. The Tamron alternative is the one everybody raves about and so the Sigma seems to have somewhat slipped under the radar in recent years and prices reflect this. You can get one on ebay for as little as £125. They're good lenses too. Centre sharpness is fine wide open and focussing is pretty fast. Well worth a look.
 
I have the 18-70 and have been happy with it but always wanted to try out the Tamron 17-50 non VC so have just bought one. Not had a chance to have a proper play with it but when I do I will update here.
 
The Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-f4 is worth considering, especially if you can find the older version secondhand. My avatar was taken with this lens. Make sure you don't get one of the first f2.8-f4.5 versions as it lacks OS.
 
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Has the 18-70 Nikon lens got the ability to auto focus.
 
Hi, I have a Nikon 28-104 which is astonishingly good for not much cash. These crop up for sale for £100-120. Definitely worth a look IMVHO.
 
Bernie said:
Sorry mate, not allowed access to classifieds as yet, red the rules and i have in excess of 25 posts, but still no access, not the end of the day.
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The rules also include 60 days membership before you get access to classifieds - besides, I doubt your budget currently even stretches to a used Tamron 17-50.

Sorry, I know my responses seem a tad blunt but that's just the truth! :bonk:
 
Are there any second hand/used camera stores near by that might offer lenses?

You could see what they have and test in the store (low light) to see.

If you don't mind manual, then look for some older lenses m42 perhaps and an adapter or the older nikon lenses.

Some people found bargains in thrift stores too, or if you happen to know of any older people who no longer need all their equipment, perhaps you can see what they have.

35 1.8g afs is good. Also look for a used 30 f1.4 sigma... Really liked it, but sometimes the focussing quality control is off :/

If you need a walk around zoom type, I think its a tamron 17-50 f2.8 is meant to be good.

But you'll probably need to save a bit first.

I do have a 50mm f1.4d which was around 200 new several years ago.

Links to pics in the siggy, I have sets on the flickr for the lenses.

Otherwise, I can only suggest trying a meet with other photographers and hope some nikon users turn up so you can try their lenses (if they are willing).

Good hunting!
 
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