Kit Lens upgrade

Leviathan

Leviathan

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Rich
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Had a quick flick through some of the more recent threads and couldn't see anything for this, although I'm sure they'd be some there that I couldn't find so apologies if this is a common question.

I'm currently using a Nikon D40x with kit lens, Sigma 105mm Macro and Sigma 10-20mm Wide Angle lens.

I've decided now to upgrade my kit lens, rather than buy a new body.

Question is, what to go for?

I would like something that I suppose can be construed as a 'Kit Lens'. I.E. Can be used for your general, everyday shots. I focus more on landscape photography. Auto Focus on a D40x is a must. Something with a bit of a zoom as well although not huge, just something that allows a little getting closer.

Budget in the region of up to £400 although would possibly go a little higher.

Thanks in advance for any help :)

-Rich
 
Last edited:
Leviathan said:
Had a quick flick through some of the more recent threads and couldn't seen anything for this, although I'm sure they'd be some there that I couldn't find so apologies if this is a common question.

I'm currently using a Nikon D40x with kit lens, Sigma 105mm Macro and Sigma 10-20mm Wide Angle lens.

I've decided now to upgrade my kit lens, rather than buy a new body.

Question is, what to go for?

I would like something that I suppose can be construed as a 'Kit Lens'. I.E. Can be used for your general, everyday shots. I focus more on landscape photography. Auto Focus on a D40x is a must. Something with a bit of a zoom as well although not huge, just something that allows a little getting closer.

Budget in the region of up to £400 although would possibly go a little higher.

Thanks in advance for any help :)

-Rich
Click to expand...

What about the 16-85 lens? That lens can go wide and also can zoom in to 85mm.
 
The general recommendation for a kit replacement seems to be the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 WITHOUT VC. (The VC one being very soft). Depending on where you get it from you can expect to pay between about £250 and £300 new. People often compare it to the Nikon 17-55 f2.8 for IQ.
 
Try the nikon 18-70 only costs about 100 notes secondhand yet built and performs like a pro lens
 
Tamron 17-50 (non VC) has been a really popular Kit Lens replacement across all the systems, never had one myself but I know a lot of Sony users who swear blind by it.
Another similar option is the Sigma 17-70, I've had one on my Sony and just bought another as my walkaround on my new Pentax, cracking lens, its not constant f2.8 like the Tamron but you do get another 20mm at the long end.

Theres both a stabilised and non stabilised version with little difference in price (according to camera price buster) and it is usually cheaper than the Tamron.
 
I can personally vouch for the Tammy 17-50 (Non VC) as I have one, it was a massive upgrade from my old kit lens.

Plus:

Constant f/2.8
Sharper than a chefs knife.
Cheap when compared to Original brand.
Comes with something daft like a six year warranty.

Minus:

Only one I can think of really is that it's not the quietest of lenses.

I would buy another in a flash if needed.

Sent from my iPhone using TP Forums
 
Another vote for the 16-85 here, I went from the 18-55 to one and its a cracker. Big increase in weight mind, not sure how it'll balance on your D40x...
 
Thanks again all. I'm leaning towards the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 without VC.

Before I dig deep and take the plunge, is this the one? Link.

I'd hate to have a disposable p&s arrive accidentally because I'd clicked the wrong button :lol:

Dont suppose anyone knows any alternative places to buy it from as it's showing as "Out of Stock for Home Delivery" on Jessops. Would prefer it new if I can.

-Rich
 
All ordered along with a couple of filters. Thanks for the price comparisons, got it a bit cheaper. Should be arriving next week :D

Thanks all for everyones help ;)
 
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