Looking for a general wide-to-normal zoom DX lens

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
I will be giving my nephew one of my D90s along with a couple of lenses. Currently he has a digital camera by another manufacturer although I don't think the lens can be removed. He mentioned eventually getting something else possibly by Nikon so I figured I'd give him a D90.

I have the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 with VR and I'd like to find some type of wide-to-normal zoom such as the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. My nephew will also be given a tripod. As far as I know, he hasn't taken any sports or action photos--mostly shots when he's been on vacation or when he went abroad for school.

Since Nikon has 2 models for the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, besides the VR, what are the pros and cons of either? I've seen so many DX lenses being sold as refurbished so I'm wondering if the less expensive f/3.5-5.6 has any advantages (less parts to wear out)? Both sharpness and having a lens that will last for many years are important.

Or is there another lens you'd suggest? I don't want something really expensive and figured either one of these might work. Thanks for any help or ideas!
 

AxeMan - Rick S.

Senior Member
​Did your D90 come with an 18-105mm lens? I know when I bought mine it came with that lens. Not as long as your 55-200mm but still gives you a little zoom with out losing out on the short end.

Without breaking the bank I think this would be a great lens for the D90. I know my wife now uses my old D90 and this lens never comes off of it.

The highest price I found on Amazon was right around $400, but I'm sure you could find it cheaper somewhere else, you just have to shop a little I can't tell you where to buy one from. When I buy lens or cameras I like to pick them up myself and not trust the handling to UPS / FED-EX, USPS etc.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
I purchased my D90 new as a body-only model so I used my film camera lenses on it for a while. I'm not sure I want to part with the wide-normal zoom I have as a back-up which is why I'm looking for something to fill its place. Thanks for the suggestion--will look into the 18-105mm and compare it to the other two.
 
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