lenses

Henrydog

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Hi I currently have the nikon 18-200 and the 50mm lens. I'm new to dslr photography and got the zoom because I was used to my Lumix x20 zoom. I'm not overly happy with the lens as the image quality doesnt seem very good compared to the 50mm lens. I'm thinking of replacing these lenses with the 16-85mm and 35mm for my travels. Would these be a good combo. I found the 50mm not wide enough for street scenes etc. Also I dont like the lens creep on the 18-200. Any help and suggestions I'd be very grateful, thanks in advance.
:)
 
As a general rule (there are exceptions!), prime lenses (like the 50mm) are sharper than zooms (like the 18-200) and zooms with a smaller range tend to be sharper than the so-called superzooms.

To see which focal lengths you use most, have a look at the EXIF in the photos you've taken with the 18-200 (right click on a thumbnail, choose Properties and look in the Details). Once you know that, you might be able to decide which range of zoom you want (first...) Personally, my tastes run to the wider angles so I use a Nikon 24-120 alongside a 12-24 Sigma in my main kit (with a 70-300 as long cover) but I know people who prefer the longer end so have 70mm as their starting point (weirdos!!! ;) )

Having said the above, I'm currently trying to lighten my kit and have bought myself a Tamron superzoom for my old D70. This goes a bit against my grain since I prefer shorter range zooms but the lightness of the D70 + 18-270 compared to the D800 and short range zooms to cover the same range has persuaded me to give superzooms another try. So far, while ultimate image quality doesn't really compare, it's acceptable for holiday photos (to me). Especially given the reduction in cabin baggage weight allowances...

FWIW, the "Holy Trinity" of lenses for Nikons (as far as zooms go at least) are the 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 (all f/2.8) but that kit needs fairly deep pockets! Cheaper alternatives exist and good copies of 3rd party lenses (always worth checking the actual copy you'll be buying to see if you're happy with it) from Sigma, Tamron and the like will probably be better than the 18-200.
 
First the 50mm nikon prime is a sharp lens and is cheap (i.e f1.8). Is a very good lens but definite not a street photography lens for crop sensor camera. You better off with the 35mm f1.8 prime for that.

Regard to the nikon 18-200, i take it is the VR version then i personally think thats the best super zoom you can find for nikon system .......... thats the most sharp ultra zoom lens i tried so far, altho i don't own one but have use one before.
 
First the 50mm nikon prime is a sharp lens and is cheap (i.e f1.8). Is a very good lens but definite not a street photography lens for crop sensor camera. You better off with the 35mm f1.8 prime for that.

While you, and probably many others, prefer a 35 for street photogrpahy it is not true to state that a 50 on crop is "definite not a street photography lens"

I am currently using a 50 and it can actually have benefits over a 35 (i.e. you don't need to be quite so close!) It is not as though we are talking about the difference between a 35 and a 200 after all.
 
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Thats perfectly fine and i should of mention "personal opinion" instead.

50mm is too much for my preference for street shots, i would prefer the 35mm personally. Back to the OP: depend what type of shots you want either 35 or 50 will work. If your current 50mm is too much and you prefer a wider lens then a 35mm or a 28mm will do the job.
 
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