Nikkor 18-70mm AF-S DX

SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Decided to grab a used one to see how it would stack against the 18-55 VR. The front end doesn't twist when focusing, and auto-focus has manual override which I feel would be a bit nicer than only auto or only full manual. Also 67mm diameter instead of mere 52. And f3.5-4.5 instead of 5.6.

Any input on this guy besides these?
 
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Sambr

Senior Member
It's Nikon's best kept secret. Metal mount sharp as a tack and great colours. I just love mine I have taken some spectacular photos with this lens. I choose it over the 17-55 2.8 many times.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Funny to see this lens mentioned today. This was the kit lens with my D70. I sold the d70 last year, but felt like I should keep the lens. I took it out of the closet just today and spent the afternoon playing with it, also comparing with my 18-55 VR. I thought maybe I should sell it, but after playing with it, no way can I sell it.
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Hmm. I'll see it when it comes, but hearing good praise and watching couple reviews, I think its safe to say that I'll probably be selling the 18-55. :D

Next step might just be switching 55-200VR for 70-300VR to stay consistent and get an even farther reach lens.
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
After about a week using this one, love it. Focus is fast, larger glass than 52mm, etc etc. Once I get a focus ring and put it on (got one with one that broke off, but fix didn't look difficult at all and everything works just fine mechanically). Sold my 52mm stuff and gonna aim for the 70-300 VR in the near future.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
I've been playing with mine too since I dug it out of the closet. This lens stayed on my d70 full time. I'm very glad I did not sell it with the camera. I don't miss not having VR. It solves my dilemma for a set of better zooms. I have been trying to kick things up a notch and get away from my Tamron 18-270.

I had picked up a used Tokina 11-16, then put this 18-70 back in service, and just got a 70-300. I think I am happy with these 3 lenses and with the 18-70 being my main lens. I ended up with the Tamron SP VC 70-300. It was cheaper than the Nikon and had a rebate going on right now to make it even more attractive. Some reviews put it sharper than the Nikon at 300mm.
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Interesting, but does that Tammy have internal focus motor? I figure either way, once I get a 70-300 of some sort, I'll be really set. 18-55 really didnt reach far enough like the 70, and then 200 on my 55-200 really wasn't enough of a zoom for say birds that I may end up shooting from time to time. Only reason I'd lean towards Nikkor one is having that same awkward 67mm diameter for filter sharing purposes.
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
So, when you can't find spare parts, you make em yourself lol

wpid-camerazoom-20130307030355674.jpg


Looks rough and I will add some sort of top cover, but in the essence it works and works quite well this way :p
 
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Mabvith

Senior Member
I just got one of these partly on the strength of the above comments. Was lucky to get a very clean, unmarked one on eBay at a good price.
A good lens, knocks the socks off the 18-55 for handling and speed of focus, and it is noticeably sharper as well.
 
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CakvalaSC

Senior Member
I bought this lens used and don't regret it, very good lens for all purpose use! I almost use it more than my Tamron 18-200mm lens (almost!)
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
I'm still bouncing between my 50 and this. 50 feels better to me and f/2 at night over vignetting 3.5 any day, but field of view is equivalent to 70mm on the zoomer. Not nearly as practical for anything that moves.
 
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