What low range lens should I get?

C. Hand

Senior Member
I got a D7100 for Christmas and I love it!! I received a Nikon 55-200mm VR II lens to go with it. Problem is I need that short zone covered. Family pictures inside and out, my wife quilts and wants me to take pictures of all of her quilts. My plan was to Start collecting really good lenses, but I feel a more urgent need to fill this wide gap then go after primes. So, money is pretty tight, I had thought about a Sigma 24-70MM or even a Nikon 18-55mm. What are your thoughts, I want clarity and low distortion, but I need to be able to shoot indoors.

Thanks!
 
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A couple to look at.

These are great lenses and the refurbished lenses from this company are a great bargain.

I used this lens for a long time and it was my favorite walk around lens for my D7100
Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX ED AF-S Nikkor-Zoom Lens - Factory Refurbished includes Full 1 Year Warranty

if you can find one the Nikon 18-105 is a good lens also and has good IQ. As good as the 18-140 but not quite the same reach.

I would really stay away from the 18-55. I had one when I first got the D7100 and it was very disappointing in the quality and sharpness.
 

Englischdude

Senior Member
if shooting indoors I would suggest a constant aperture 2.8 zoom,1. for the low light and 2. for the portraiture/background separation you will want. what about a prime? The 35mm 1.8 is stellar and wont break the bank with the additional advantage you will learn to think about your shots more and zoom with your feet.
 

Camera Fun

Senior Member
My 18-105 served me well as I learned my D7000. It has decent range and can help produce some very good photos. I'm keeping it for now in case I need something on the wide end until I can afford a wide angle in the future. I've heard/read good things about the 18-140 also. However, any lens without a constant aperture can be a very limiting factor for some photography.
Since you just got the D7100, you might want to consider taking some time to get familiar with it while you evaluate different lens options. Also, watch for rebates to help with the financial end. Just remember that going with too cheap of a lens to save some money up front could cost you some quality in your photos.
 

Nero

Senior Member
I use the 18-105mm with my D7200 and I like it. IQ could be better but I don't regret getting it instead of the 18-140mm.

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk 4
 
While constant aperture lenses are great and I shoot with one too they are much heavier and the cost is significantly higher. So since you stated in your post "money is pretty tight" you are in the same boat as many of us. The 18-105 or 18-140 are both good lenses and if you buy used or refurbished they on't break the bank and will serve you well for years to come. They are always good lenses to have in your arsenal.
 

salukfan111

Senior Member
+1 on what Don said on not spending a lot of money. There is a 28-85mm screw drive you can find dirt cheap that is a really nice lens and includes macro (10"or 11" I think) capability. I have a small fortune in lens and this 50 dollar lens spends a disproportionate amount of time on my camera. The screw drive on your camera will allow you access to a bunch of really awesome fast glass cheap on ebay (the 28-85 isn't fast glass btw). There is a 35-70 f/2.8 zoom that is pretty famous you could get on ebay for 200 bucks but that 28-85 would meet your needs.
 

aroy

Senior Member
I would recommend the kit 18-55 VR-II for general shooting and 35mm F1.8DX for low light. These are amazing lenses for their price and unless you are going to print big, the IQ is excellent when down sized to 3K on the long side. For internet purpose where the long side is usually 1000 to 1500 pixels, these lenses will be as good as the more expensive professional ones.
 

C. Hand

Senior Member
Thanks everyone!! I will do my research and let you know what I end up with. The Nikon 35mm F1.8 will be the lens I buy after this one, the only reason I am not doing that now is for some of the pictures I want to take a 35MM may be too much lens. I am having so much fun with my D7100 and I have had people say really nice things about my shots, but I have a LOT to learn as I find out with every shot! Thanks again!
 
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