Pls suggest which lens to buy with Nikon D5100

coolash

New member
I am thinking of ditching the prime lens and just buying the body of D5100. I am currently planning to buy any one of the following lenses to go with it:
  1. Refurbished Nikon 18-105mm, or
  2. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR DI-II B.I.M. (Built-in Motor) LD Aspherical (IF) AF Zoom Lens with Macro for Nikon, or
  3. Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC PZD Piezo Drive Ultrasonic Motor Aspherical (IF) AF Zoom with Macro for Nikon.
I needed some expert advice from this group on whether any of the above is a wise choice to have as an only lens for my D5100 for now.
Please help me decide!
 

nickt

Senior Member
I have the 18-270mm. It is great for what it is, but can be a little soft. Very convenient for all-in-one. Some people do not like that the lens barrel will creep out if pointed down, but that does not bother me. If you are looking for super sharp wildlife pictures, it might not be ideal. But overall a decent lens.
I just got the 18-105 for my walking around lens. I really like it.

This comparison tool might help:
Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Macro Lens Image Quality

 

co2jae

Senior Member
I can only speak to the 18-105 Nikon lens. It is a good lens for walking around, vacation shots and family pictures at events. I have used it at soccer games and got decent quality cropped shots using JPEG fine and large file size on my D7000. If you want to shoot consistently longer range than 100mm or so, I might go with the bigger Tamron. I really appreciate this lens compared to the price tag on other lenses on my wish list. No disappointment or complaints here.
 

mickhenso

Senior Member
hi there, having been in photography more than 45 years, and had many lenses. the lens i would advise for you,it is the one i use 80% of the time would be the Nikon --18--200m VR f3.5-5.6, perfect for scenery, and a powerfull zoom, with brilliant quality,in my experiance it beets other zooms in all areas, it may cost more, (EBAY) IS THE PLACE TO BUY ,BUT AS A FANTASTIC RESALE VALUE , my other advise is the Nikon 50mm f1.8 , it is a very fast lens ,which is invaluable in low light, either the D--OR G depends on your camera, hope this herlps you and .. HAPPY Shooting .(.mickhenso)
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
I hate to recommend as everyone is different and there needs are also... But, I recently bought the 18-105 and it is on the camera 90% of the time..

It is my dailey lens... dont leave home wothout it!

Pat in NH
 
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