Replace my Nikon Kit Lens

Quaker

Quaker

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Quaker
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I have a Nikon 18-55 VR kit lens that I got with my D60.

If I wanted to replace said lens with something of better quality what should I be looking at? I am happy to go non-Nikon.
 
Can we have a clue as to both budget and what you want to shoot?:)
 
Tamron 17-50 is the obvious one.

Sigma 17-70 (you'll need the HSM version)

Nikkor 18-70 DX / 18-135 DX / 18-105 VR
 
I've currently got the same kit lens... considering getting the Nikon 50mm 1.8, altho I hear there is a 35mm DX 2.2 lens out which is also tempting.

This is primarily cos I enjoy shooting in low light levels. A 'nifty fifty' is always worth upgrading to, and they're currently around £100ish (maybe a bit more due to 15% price increases). If you want to directly replace the kit lens... then i don't know :).
 
I am happy to spend around £200-£300

Its use? Well I use my current kit lens as a general purpose lens. Dont get me wrong I like the kit lens but optically, kit lenses are not top draw. I want something that will create sharp, crisp images.

Nothing that goes more than 70mm.

I am relatively new to all this hence me asking for some advice.
 
I would go with the old D70 kit lens the 18-70 it is a cracking lens for the money and I use it all the time.

I even offloaded the 18-200 vr lens as I was using this more and more and not bothering with the 18-200 vr.

Can not go wrong with this lens.

Nigel
 
Well as Puddleduck mentioned the DX 18-70 from Nikon is a magnificent lens for the money, you could look for a nearly new 24-70 2.8 from Sigma but that would be the high end of your budget.

£315 does get you the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG EX HSM though
 
But if replacing your kit lens, you don't really want to blow your budget on a single 50mm prime I wouldn't think? Possibly as your next lens choice but I would replace your current kit lens with a walkabout zoom first. As said, the 18-70mm Nikon is great for the price (I've got one), as is the 17-70mm Sigma :thumbs:
 
You should be able to pick up a mint s/hand one for £100-125, and I mean mint. They have fast AF, good optics... can't go wrong really. :thumbs:
 
i would say the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm Di f2.8, but does it have a motor in it? i used one on a d300 and it was a cracking lens for the cash, gets you into the world of f/2.8 too, they are around £300 new
 
I have a Tamron 28-75 and its superb.

There is a new version with a motor. If its like a typical Tamron motor then it'll be slower than body-driven AF, but should be accurate.

Not that wide though for DX users..?
 
i use an old 50mm manual focus lens a friend gave me nearly all the time because im not that fussed about the 18-55 kit lens i have but i was thinking of getting an 18-105 just to have a decent range without breaking the bank.
 
sorry im half asleep, you said not longer than 70, sorry
 
Have a look on ebay because i just picked a slighty used 18-70mm Nikkor for £141 (half price) it's immaculate condition and this is for my D60
 
Another vote for the Nikon 18-70 mm DX ,when I bought my D80, I had the choice between that or the 18-135mm and to me the 18-70 looked and felt the better lens of the two.As has been said great lens for the money. :thumbs:
Neil
 
Personally I would keep the 18-55 and save your money - it's a great lens, especially the VR version. I had one and regret selling it.

I don't think you'll notice a huge difference with the 18-70 in image quality. The only advantage I can see with the 18-70 is slightly better build quality and an extra 15mm on the long end, but you'll lose the VR with the 18-70.
 
davekiddle said:
Personally I would keep the 18-55 and save your money - it's a great lens, especially the VR version. I had one and regret selling it.

I don't think you'll notice a huge difference with the 18-70 in image quality. The only advantage I can see with the 18-70 is slightly better build quality and an extra 15mm on the long end, but you'll lose the VR with the 18-70.
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I have to say that I agree with this post. Unless you are aiming for something more like the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8; then what you have is a very good lens .. and while the 18-70 is fantastic, your VR is a nice one too.
 
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