18-105VR replacement

[James Blonde]

If you wanted to take a step up from the kit 18-105VR lens, what would you go to? Would you go to a wider zoom range 18-270 style lens, or would you go for a faster, narrower zoom range?

I'm currently on a D90 with a 10-20 F4 Sigma, 70-300VR and 50mm F1.8.

[MattUK]

I have almost the same lenses as you, but I have the sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 as my kit replacement. It's an awesome lens, and I totally recommend it.

[greenwing]

I can't really find anything bad to say about the 18-105. Sure, it's not a fast lens, but that's written in the specs. It's not going to take a lot of hard knocks, but you really wouldn't expect that. I think you need to spend a lot more money to cover the same range with better quality.

Check Thom Hogan's review if you don't trust me.

I certainly wouldn't consider any 18-200/250/270 lens likely to be better optically than the 18-105. There might be a convenience element...

I've considered the 16-85, but can't really justify the price. As for the 17-55...

Chris

[markgozz]

You have a good range of lenses there covering a wide range of focal lengths , I think I would look at a good prime like the 200 f2.8 .

Mark

[greenwing]

That's not what James asked for though, Mark, and why should he want a 200mm f/2.8 rather than a 20mm f/2.8? or anything inbetween. No evidence in his original post, that I can see. He needs to see what he needs, not to be told what he needs.

Chris

[James Blonde]

This might help....

The 18-105 is the lens I tend to use most - its always on the camera, and I even find myself using it over my new Sigma 10-20 for wide landscapes! (I have to admit it makes me quite sad having spent all that money on a lens I don't use much!). I'm finding I don't need much more reach than the 105 (and I've got it with the 70-300 if I need it, and for airshows and suchlike, thats what I'd likely use.) Few of my landscapes are really wide - they probably tend to sit in the 35-90 range

If the 18-105 is a decent lens in this range, then I'm happy to accept it! I'd perhaps like something a bit faster and better quality to allow me to reduce the exposure time using the IR filter, but I'd bet I won't really benefit too much from shorter exposures.

Matt, your Sigma sounds like it might fit the bill, and may encourage me to use more of the lenses I've got!

Greenwing, yes, I suspect there perhaps was an element of convenience in my query about large range zooms, and I accept that such lenses will be compromises. I guess the question there is, would I be much worse off replacing my 18-105 and 79-300 VR's with a single lens? I'm not convinced, but I thought I'd at least ask the question as it could be an option!

mark - I've heard a lot of people rate the 200mm F2.8. Maybe worth a look at a later date!

I guess I'd be specifically after a better or more useful general purpose zoom lens rather than a prime...

[greenwing]

Originally Posted by James Blonde

I'd perhaps like something a bit faster and better quality to allow me to reduce the exposure time using the IR filter, but I'd bet I won't really benefit too much from shorter exposures.

Unless you're shooting wide open, a faster lens won't make any difference here. I imagine you want f/8 or so for DOF, and that's going to give the same exposure time whatever the lens.

Chris

[markgozz]

Originally Posted by greenwing

He needs to see what he needs, not to be told what he needs.

Chris

Chris not quite sure what you mean by this because for a second it sounded like you are saying that I was telling him what to get , in fact I was just giving him an alternative because he already has such a good range of zoom lenses as it is .

James if you are after a good general purpose lens with a larger range than your 18 - 105 then my suggestion would be to take a look at the Nikon 18-200 VR , I don't think you can get better for the Nikon .

Mark

[Geoff I]

I am going to be changing over my Nikon 18-105mm to a Nikon 16-85mm in the near future, like you I have a 70-300, but do not have a 10-20mm been looking at it but I could not justify the lens as I to would not get to much use out of one.

Good luck on your choice it is only you who can make it and I would do quite a bit of research first before spending your hard earned cash.

[Dorsetman]

It has to be down to what you are using your camera for. Are you craving more zoom, wanting a quicker focus or wide angle to get some stunning landscapes.

For me when I am out walking I always have three lenses. Always a super wide angle for my beautiful landscape shots, a super zoom for my wildlife shots and an in between lens like your 18-105 for all round usability. I have the likes of a 50mm 1.4 too but I tend to keep that for street work.

My advice, focus on what you really want from your lens as that will determine what you decide on. Whatever happens, good luck!