Worth getting the kit lens?

So unless Nikon actually announces/releases the D7200 sometime soon I'll be upgrading my D3100 to the D7100. I'm wondering tho if it's worth paying the extra money for the 18-140mm kit lens that comes with it and replacing the 18-55mm that came with my D3100 with it or if I should keep the 18-55mm and save myself a few hundred bucks.

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xlDeMoNiClx said:

So unless Nikon actually announces/releases the D7200 sometime soon I'll be upgrading my D3100 to the D7100. I'm wondering tho if it's worth paying the extra money for the 18-140mm kit lens that comes with it and replacing the 18-55mm that came with my D3100 with it or if I should keep the 18-55mm and save myself a few hundred bucks.

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if you need the comfort of that range then yes. itll save you from changing the lens often

im biased towards pro lens so Id go with either the sigma 18-35 1.8 or get a used nikon 17-55 2.8. I want the best in IQ and I like to shoot pretty open. but youre buying. personally save your money and get better glass. the D7100 can resolve a lot. good glass will show its true talent.

You've already got the 50mm 1.8g and the 55-300, so I'd say save the bucks. I had several lenses already (listed below in my sig) so just didn't see the need. In truth, my 50mm and 70-300mm are the two lenses on my camera most of the time, and I only use the 18-55 for the times I need a shot in the 18-35 range, or want to be able to focus a bit closer (as it's minimal focus distance is around 12 inches or so). All the extra pixels with the D7100 will allow you to crop a bit more heavily, too.

Sure, the 18-140 is a bit more versatile as a "carry one" walkabout lens, so you have to weigh out a couple hundred bucks vs. carrying another lens or two and being willing to switch on the run if needed.

Just my .02, which is really only worth about .01 on a good day.

I did a test recently of the D7100 against the D4 and D800 with different lenses including the 18-140. I have yet to get all the photos together for the review thread (hopefully soon) but the 18-140 really doesn't bring out the full capability of the D7100 sensor. There is so much more that you would be missing. So I agree, save your money for more serious glass to take full advantage of that wonderful sensor resolution. You would probably be better off getting a 35mm f1.8 DX lens than the kit lens since you already have the 18-55 for more general use. Based on what I've seen with my 18-55, the 18-140 performs better but I don't think you gain that much as the 18-55 is in itself already a very good performer as a kit lens, although I haven't compared it with the 18-140 directly. As mentioned I would save your shekels for more serious glass down the road.

Considering that you can buy the body and lens as a kit, my vote would be to get the 18-140. My son purchased a 5300 recently with the 18-140 and, after shooting a bit with his setup, I like the results and the range. Nothing against the 18-55, but it's a cheap lens. Sure a 17-55 2.8 would be lots better. Many lenses will be better, but they're not $300 (if purchased with the 7100). Plus, you can use that lens for a couple of years and sell it for 2/3 of what you paid for it. You might get as many opinions as responses here, so good luck and happy shooting with the 7100.

I have the 18-140 and the 7100, and it takes a good shot. I usually leave it on the camera unless I'm shooting something special that requires my 2.8's. It's lighter and has a great range. For the price in the kit, you can't go wrong. I'm with Jim above ^^^^^

It all depends on what you want and what you're willing to spend to get it of course, but I'd say the 18-140mm is a damn fine lens, especially on the '7100; don't dismiss it out of hand just because it's a kit lens. I love mine.

DXO Mark gives it high marks in their review and, in conjunction with your 50mm and 55-300mm, I'd say you'd be well covered.

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Your upgrading to a D7100, If in the future you think you might go full frame, Buy FX glass

pedroj said:

Your upgrading to a D7100, If in the future you think you might go full frame, Buy FX glass

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I don't plan on it. Too expensive for my tastes since I doubt I'll ever go pro.

I definitely have quite a bit to think about anyway now.

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Seems like the best thing to do is just get the body. I've already got enough lenses that would make up for the 18-140mm focal length and it's pretty good glass so why bother getting a lens I wouldn't need?

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nikonpup said:

if on a budget, get the 18-105mm. Lots of nites using it as their walk around lens.

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This.
Readiliy available for $200-$225 used/refurbed.