18-55 Replacement
- Thread starter RockyNH_RIP
- Start date
I am also looking at a new lens in this range, I have decided to stay with DX for now, I am looking at upgrading to a D7100 soon and want a decent walk around zoom.
I have looked at dozens of reviews and write-ups, from Nikon and 3rd party offerings. I seem to keep coming back to the Nikon 16-85, the only downside for me is the variable aperture, if this lens was a constant f4 I would be sold on it. Though the price would no doubt go up if it was.
I have also considered the 24-120 f4, but think I would miss having the wider end on a DX body (16 - 24), this was the lens I was wanting to get if I went the D600 route.
I think my 70-300 would compliment the 16-85 better.
One thing that has surprised me reading the earlier posts, are the comments regarding the 18-105 compared to the 18-55. I would have expected it to be a step up in picture quality.
I have looked at dozens of reviews and write-ups, from Nikon and 3rd party offerings. I seem to keep coming back to the Nikon 16-85, the only downside for me is the variable aperture, if this lens was a constant f4 I would be sold on it. Though the price would no doubt go up if it was.
I have also considered the 24-120 f4, but think I would miss having the wider end on a DX body (16 - 24), this was the lens I was wanting to get if I went the D600 route.
I think my 70-300 would compliment the 16-85 better.
One thing that has surprised me reading the earlier posts, are the comments regarding the 18-105 compared to the 18-55. I would have expected it to be a step up in picture quality.
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Brad, thanks for the comments. I will have to look at that 16-85 though I would really like to get a bit longer reach (yet the 85 is a jump over 55)
I was not really expecting the 18-105 to be "better" in IQ than the 18-55... Really just want it to be as good... I have had no quality issues with my 18-55.
Pat in NH
Pat, why not the 18-200? Some will say it's not the sharpest nor the best, but it's pretty handy and covers a lot of ground. Since you might want to carry something handy for your motorcycle rides, it would be a good option... There is always a compromise unless you want to carry a lot of lenses with you.
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
I had not really thought of that one Marcel!!
My mind seems to want to expand the 18-55 slightly .. and I have a 55-300 now... 18-85/105/135 seemed to be a good fit... (depending on availabilty/price)I will give it a look and Thank You!
Pat in NH
I had not really thought of that one Marcel!!
I will give it a look and Thank You!
Pat in NH
Well, it's not perfect and it wouldn't be my "studio" lens, but for travel and all around, I think it's fantastic.
Rancher_RIP
RIP
Pat, we have pretty much the same lenses and the 18-105 is on my next thing to buy list. Has been for a while. There are a few other things on the list but I have to remember to think about needs vs. wants. Boys and their toys...
Dave
Dave
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Thanks Chuck, I will check out that refurb. I have bought other stuff refurb and had good luch.. Did you use/try the 105 yourself?
Pat in NH
Last week I bought the sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 macro. I thought it would be a good 18-55 replacement with that little bit extra reach, macro and a little bit faster. I just didn't fall in love it though so returned it. It was sharp, the macro was impressive and all around a nice lens but I'm more of a whole picture taker instead of a macro picture taker so I'm going to save for a tokina UW because I drool just thinking about it
Pat- I had looked at the 18-105, seemed like a nice lens to me. The one thing that I dd not like was the plastic lens mount. The 18-55 uses the same mount. One way of looking at it is if the camera gets dropped (heaven forbid) the lenses mount will break & not the camera mount. The only reason I did not buy the 18-105 was the fact I found a used 16-85 at very friendly price.
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Last week I bought the sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 macro. I thought it would be a good 18-55 replacement with that little bit extra reach, macro and a little bit faster. I just didn't fall in love it though so returned it. It was sharp, the macro was impressive and all around a nice lens but I'm more of a whole picture taker instead of a macro picture taker so I'm going to save for a tokina UW because I drool just thinking about it
I am also going to end up going with an UW too.. Looking at both the sigma and tokina for that... likely to be my next purchase after my walkaround...
Pat in NH
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Dave, thanks!! Yes, I finally put my 55-200 up for sale local... It will not fetch that much but then I did not give much for it... If I grab the 105, I will sell the 55 and so cash wise it will be about a swap, the 2 lenses for one..
Pat in NH
Last week I bought the sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 macro. I thought it would be a good 18-55 replacement with that little bit extra reach, macro and a little bit faster. I just didn't fall in love it though so returned it. It was sharp, the macro was impressive and all around a nice lens but I'm more of a whole picture taker instead of a macro picture taker so I'm going to save for a tokina UW because I drool just thinking about it
The Sigma 17-70 was one of the lenses that I was considering for a while. Some good reviews about it, some that didnt like it too much, so I went back to looking at the Nikon 16-85.
Did you think it wasnt an improvement over the 18-55 ?
Rancher_RIP
RIP
Pat, I don't really have any problems getting the lens as my next thing down on the list was another body,a D7000. That is in the near future. I was just waiting since I think I can get a better deal if I get the 7000 with the 18-105 as a kit.
Dave
Dave
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Ironwood I wouldn't put you off the Sigma 17-70mm. I just didn't love it and felt I should wait for what I REALLY wanted. It is a very nice lens and I was taking pics SUPER close pics for fun and getting great results, it focuses at 6.6inches from the sensor so at 70mm you can be almost touching the lens! I wanted a faster wider lens for taking stars and northern lights but my usual subjects are my kids and critters so I found the slower auto focus annoying. Manual focus was easier than with my 18-55mm and results were fantastic. The bigger build and focusing ring were very nice. I really did like the lens but what I truly want is a true UW so I think thats why I didn't fall in love with it. It might be prefect for you. My only real beef was the slower auto focus and a lens hood that never stayed in place. I think it is a great walk around lens and the macro was great which is why I made a comment about it
WhiteLight
Senior Member
18-200 if you have the budget, else the 18-105
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Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the reply SH, it sounds like quite a good lens, and at one stage I was going to go with it. But the more research I did, the more it looks like I would like the Nikon 16-85 better, so I am 90% sure that is what I will buy at this stage.
At the price of the Sigma, I was hopeful that it would do the job, but if I got it, I think I would always wish I had spent the extra and got the Nikkor instead.
I read in one review that the 2.8 was only good to 24mm, once past that you were out to f4 anyway, so probably no faster than the Nikon in most situations. And as you say the AF is slower. So I think I will put it out of my mind and just think of the 16-85.
RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Looks like I have a buyer for my 55-200... so....
Ok, first things first... Thanks for all the comments and opinions regarding the lens change. I appreciate the feedback from everyone here.
Taking all things in to the equation... which includes my intended use and pricing....
I have decided to go ahead and order the Refurb 18-105 from Adorama. I have the extra year warranty (VIP) and have free shipping.
When it arrives home (have to still order it) I will give a little report...
Thanks Nikonites...
Pat in NH
Ok, first things first... Thanks for all the comments and opinions regarding the lens change. I appreciate the feedback from everyone here.
Taking all things in to the equation... which includes my intended use and pricing....
I have decided to go ahead and order the Refurb 18-105 from Adorama. I have the extra year warranty (VIP) and have free shipping.
When it arrives home (have to still order it) I will give a little report...
Thanks Nikonites...
Pat in NH