Looking for a good mid range zoom lens

I have the 18-55mm kit lens but find it lacking. What is a good replacement for it. instead of 55mm I would go to 70mm if needed. I have a d5200 to put it on. I don't wanna spend a huge amount of money but maybe up to $1000. Thanks in advance..

check out the 18-140mm, i use it on my 7100. the reviews of the 18-300mm have been mostly positive on this site.

I agree with Nikonpup that an 18-140mm would be a good all rounder.

The AF-S 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX IF-ED & the AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II DX IF-ED both review very well, but the 18-300mm crashes & burns.

Nikon 18-300mm VR Review

The AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX also looks to be worth considering.

Thanks for the input. I will look at those. I was thinking of something with a lower f-stop though. F2.8 or close to that. I find it hard to get good shutter speeds with the d5200 and F-stops in that 3.5-5.6 range. Thanks again for your help..

Most midrange zooms that fast are going to be a pretty penny. The 24-70 is the best ($1300+) but the cheapest Nikon 2.8 midrange I've seen around is the 24-85 variable 2.8-4. I haven't used it though, I'd personally save up and go with the pro glass. I'm even tempted to get the 24-70 over the 14-24 (which I want next)

Staying with Nikon, the Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G DX IF-ED is faster but would put you in the same place for reach. You could instead switch to an FX body, but no single f2.8 lens seems to cover your needs & it would be a very expensive switch.

If it were me, working to your budget, I'd would skip the f2.8 idea & stay with DX glass. I think that f2.8 is semi-pro/pro territory with a price to match & with a DX body, you are not going to get the full benefit of such a big expense. My suggestions in post #3 I think best suits your requirements & budget.

Not a zoom
But 85 f/1.8 might do the trick


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You can pick up the "Beast", Nikon's 28-70 2.8 for under a grand used. Or, as mentioned, the very nice DX 17-55 2.8, for under $1K used or refurbed. Difference between 55 and 70 is minimal. Take one step forward to make 55 a 70.

There's also the aftermarket. While I have no experience with aftermarket zooms, many Nikonites have them and love them. I can, however, speak for the 24-70 and the 17-55 from Nikon and say that they are awesome lenses. Plus, they tend to have a better resale value down the road than third party zooms.

There's always the Sigma 17-50 or 18-50 f2.8. Designed with DX in mind and get very positive reviews. I have the 18-50 HSM version on the way myself; and it was just at two bills shipped.

I have a Tamron 18-270mm zoom. It is my walkaround lens coz it basically covers just about everything

I have a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 that I don't use much (FX reach is the reason - the 24-120mm f4 gets the heavy lifting), but am always pleased when I do. These are under a grand new and can be found at good prices used.

bandit993 said:

I have the 18-55mm kit lens but find it lacking. What is a good replacement for it. instead of 55mm I would go to 70mm if needed. I have a d5200 to put it on. I don't wanna spend a huge amount of money but maybe up to $1000. Thanks in advance..

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