Lens recommendations

[DonBattles]

With all the great photos as of late I've been inspired to get out and snap some shots. I've got a Nikon D40 and the standard 18mm-55mm zoom lenses. So I'm looking for lens suggestions, something that can do multiple things well. My plan is just getting out and walking around so subject matter will be pretty random. Likely landscape shots, architectural, and maybe macro. The fewer items to carry the better. My initial thought is 18-200mm lens would be good but I leave the floor open for suggestions. My lens budget will be $800-1200 which might allow more than one lens depending on price.

[ChrisAZ]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

With all the great photos as of late I've been inspired to get out and snap some shots. I've got a Nikon D40 and the standard 18mm-55mm zoom lenses. So I'm looking for lens suggestions, something that can do multiple things well. My plan is just getting out and walking around so subject matter will be pretty random. Likely landscape shots, architectural, and maybe macro. The fewer items to carry the better. My initial thought is 18-200mm lens would be good but I leave the floor open for suggestions. My lens budget will be $800-1200 which might allow more than one lens depending on price.

We found the 18-200 to be dissappointing, so can't recommend that. No one lens does it all, at least not well. To get a step up from the 18-55 you'll need to decide what you want to shoot within a range. 16-35. 17-55 (I'm not real excited by that lens), 24-70 (expensive and a bazooka), 70-200 (another bazooka). How about a fast prime (35mm equivalent, f2.8 or better) and zoom with your feet? I'd also suggest looking for used lens bargains at BH Photo or Adorama in your price range.

[magoo]

Although I currently use a Sony DSLR +1 for the fast prime lens suggestion, I've had more fun with the 1.8/50 lens than I've had for years!

I'd also suggest compiling a short list then spending some time on flickr, there's groups for pretty much every lens & you get a good feel for what you can & can't do with each one, and what would suit your personal requirements.

Here's what looks like a useful list of compatible lenses: http://www.photographybay.com/2009/1...0-d3000-d5000/

& this is just one example of a flickr group for the 50mm F1.4G lens, more versatile than you might think...

http://www.flickr.com/groups/afs50mmf14g/

I just picked this lens because it's close to the specs of the lens I'm currently enjoying so much, but there will probably be a group for any one that takes your fancy

[AudioNut]

I am in love with my 18-200 Nikon lens . . . There have been some bad copies, but mine is extremely sharp. The original 18-200 had fairly severe lens creep but my series II doesn't exhibit that problem at all.

I also have the 16-85 Nikon and it is equally sharp, but doesn't have the range and utility of the 18-200.

Julian

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

With all the great photos as of late I've been inspired to get out and snap some shots. I've got a Nikon D40 and the standard 18mm-55mm zoom lenses. So I'm looking for lens suggestions, something that can do multiple things well. My plan is just getting out and walking around so subject matter will be pretty random. Likely landscape shots, architectural, and maybe macro. The fewer items to carry the better. My initial thought is 18-200mm lens would be good but I leave the floor open for suggestions. My lens budget will be $800-1200 which might allow more than one lens depending on price.

I would look for something higher specification in the standard zoom range, like a 24-70/2.8 if Nikon makes one. There is no getting around better glass to improve image quality.

[ChrisAZ]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I would look for something higher specification in the standard zoom range, like a 24-70/2.8 if Nikon makes one. There is no getting around better glass to improve image quality.

One of my favorite lenses but Big, Heavy and $$$$