Lens for Nikon

[steve1840]

Hey guys,

I'm asking this question for a friend of mine as he has a Nikon and I am not all that familiar with Nikon compatible equipment. He is looking for a lens in the range of either 18-200 or 18-250 and he really doesn't want to spend more than 400 bucks or so. It doesn't matter if its a Nikkor, or Tamron or Sigma, etc. What would be a decent lens for him in that price range. As far as what he;d be using it for, he does landscapes, candid portraits for family, car shows, and auto racing.

Let me know what you guys would recommend. Thanks

[Zee71]

Hi Steve,

I shoot with a Nikon, and specifically use Nikon lenses. Nikon does have an 18-200mm lens with VR (Vibration Reduction). The current lens has VR II and a USA model (vs gray) market lens goes for about $760.00

I currently have the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens (not the VR II) and find this lens adequate. It is my travel lens since it provides wide angle and zoom capabilites. If your friend doesn't want to purchase the 18-200mm VR II lens, then I suggest checking out eBay or something. I think a going rate for a used 18-200mm VR lens may be around $450 or so.

[MarkLawrence]

Also check B&H for the Tamron lenses - I have a 28mm-300mm that I paid +/- $600 for - it doesn't leave the camera - but - they also have 18mm offerings...

[steve1840]

Thanks Mark and Mark. I will pass this info on to my friend. After posting this he came across a Sigma 18-200 and a Sigma 18-250 on B&H the 18-200 was 250, but is not OS, however the 18-250 for 450 is OS. I used to use a Sigma lens on my old film SLR (over 10 years ago) and it was a great lens, how is the quality of Sigma now?

[gonzalu]

Steve don't expect to find much for $400 in that range ... and also don;t expect much in terms of quality either but for some, it is good enough.

I believe the Tamron 18-270 PZD (http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_II_all_in_one/b008.html) is a good range lens that compares favorably with the Nikon counterpart and has that little extra reach...

Here are links to real world photos with some lenses in that range

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/af18_270_35_63_di_ii_vc_ld_aspherical_if

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/sigma/18_250_f35_63_ds_os_hsm

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/nikon/af_s_dx_vr_zoom_nikkor_18_200_35_56g_if_ed

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/nikon/18-200_35-56g_if_ed_afs_dx_vr

[NIKV69]

The new Nikkor VRII 18-200 is the same as the older version except for a zoom lock or something pretty sure the optics are the same. I would get that. You can probably find one for 400-500 but it's a great for the money and much better than other brands.