Question on middle range Nikon lenses

alpac · #1 05-11-2011, 10:38 AM

I am looking at getting a good middle range zoom that I could use as an all purpose zoom with my Nikon D3100 DSLR. I currently have the Nikon kit lens 18-55mm and a 55-300mm both with VR (Nikon's image stabilization system). I am looking at replacing the 18-55mm with a more versatile and possibly better wider range zoom that could handle most of the situations. Based on what I read the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm seams to fit the gap for me. It has very good reviews and comes with the VR system. I would appreciate any input/suggestion from the photo "pros" on this board who may be familiar with this zoom or other ones that could met my goal. I recently came back to the SLR world with this Nikon D3100 after years of using compact and more recently bridge cameras. My last SLR was an Olympus OM1 back in my college years a loooong time ago. By the way I found this Nikon D3100 to be an excellent DSLR for the price. I did a lot of research before buying it, comparing similar priced other brand SLR's and end up with this one. Very happy with my choice

JCL · #2 05-11-2011, 06:43 PM

First, no "pro" here. Just a hobbyist.

I have a D70 that just keeps working, so I haven't replaced it yet. A D90 is on my list, but I can't justify it. Instead I did what I advised others to do for years, and spend the money on lenses instead.

My D70 came with an 18-70, which preceded the 18-55, and I found it to be pretty good. I thought of going with a bigger range zoom, but decided instead to buy additional lenses. My logic was that I use a Canon SD point and shoot when I don't want to carry any weight around, and if I am going to carry the D70 I may as well carry an additional lens or two.

I bought an AF 80-200 F2.8 ED for sports (shooting cars, primarily). It is very fast. And heavy. Fantastic quality.

I bought an AF-S DX 10-24 F3.5-4.5 G ED at the other end. I don't take it out as often, but it is nice to have.

My point is that if you want to take advantage of the SLR feature of your camera, the way to do it is with additional lenses. While the DX 16-85 gets good reviews, it isn't that far off your current 18-55. If you want to have a single lens that covers more situations, I would look at the 18-200 VR II.

alpac · #3 05-12-2011, 05:05 PM

These are all good points indeed and that makes me think more now. I probably need to play more with my new camera and my current lenses so as to see if and which additional lenses I need.
Thanks a lot for the inputs Jeff.

JCL · #4 05-12-2011, 08:14 PM

It is also pretty easy to rent lenses for a day or a weekend, to help you decide pre-purchase. Good luck!