Replace my Lens or Upgrade my Body?

[steve_w]

Hi guys

Just wondering on peoples opions.

I currently have a D3000 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm VR and a 35mm f/1.8.

Would I be better of upgrading the body to a D90 or such and keeping the lenses or selling the 18-55 and 55-200 and buying a 18-200mm VRII?

Looking to minimise my kit as Im hopefully off to Asia and Oz next year for a few months hence the single 18-200 (and the 35mm) but would like better low light performance hence D90 unfortunately I cant have it all.

Cheers

 

[cambsno]

18-200 is not a great lens by all account in terms of IQ. the new 24-120 and and the new 28-300 are well thought of. I would prob go for lens 1st, not body in this case. The only reason to get the 18-200 to replace what you have is convenience.

 

[Zarch]

Suppose it depends if you chase IQ and/or are a pixel peeper. I've owned 18-55 and 55-200 and now ended up with a 18-200 on my D3100.

18-200 Convenient? Hell Yeah.
As good as the other lens? Its hard to tell that much of a difference between them to be honest. (as long as your not a peeper and are happy with getting the shot)

I do also have a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and a 35mm and they are sharper to such an extent that you can tell. But i'd say theres not really that much between your 18-55/55-200 and a 18-200.

I got rid of the 2 lens option and went with the 18-200 as I hated missing shots on days out as I always seemed to have the wrong lens on. Plus, having to carry a bigger bag for the extra kit. Both reasonable points for your trip away? You can always stick your 35mm in your pocket for low light.

If its better low light/higher ISO performance you want, then getting a 18-200 isn't going to help or change anything as the apertures on the 18-55 and 55-200 are the same as the 18-200. So from that point of view, the D90 might be better?


D90 & current lenses - Better higher ISO performance from current lenses, but more kit to carry.
D3000 & 18-200/35mm - More convenient for your trip, but same ISO/low light performance.

Also, the D90 will be slightly larger and heavier for your trip, something else to note?

Would you be looking 2nd hand for the lenses and D90?
The 18-200 is at least a £160 upgrade from the 18-55/55-200 (if your 55-200 is VR). Certainly more if not VR.
Whilst the D3000 > D90 upgrade might be nearer £200 perhaps?

But you probably knew that!