Can't live without one

[Deleted]

This probably is immaterial unless you have a Nikon DSLR but I learned a lesson the hard way recently.

One of the first lenses I acquired for my Nikon DSLR was a "kit lens", the 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 G Nikkor that came pretty much standard on the Nikon D70. The 18-70 is exceptionally sharp for an entry level lens. It also has a metal lens mount while most low end Nikkors now are plastic.

About a year ago I acquired the 18-200mm Nikkor. When a friend got his first Nikon DSLR I decided there really wasn't any reason to hold onto my 18-70 so I sold it to him. It only took a couple of months to realize I had sold the lens I used most. Not only is the 18-70 sharper than the 18-200, it also is much smaller and lighter. So I ended up going on Ebay and getting another 18-70. I suppose it would have been nice to get the newer 16-85mm Nikkor, but it costs about $600 while a like new 18-70 cost me $135 including shipping.

I would urge anyone who is just getting into DSLRs not to think you have to have the fastest lenses out there. Digital cameras are much more light sensitive than film cameras. I can shoot in low light situations with an f/3.5 lens on a DSLR that would have required an f/1.4 lens on a film camera. And the difference in price between a f/3.5-4.5 zoom and an f/2.8 zoom can be $1,500!

[nikonbob]

Wayne

I can only echo your sentiments. My walk around lens on the D700 is a used and discontinued 24-85 3.5/4.5 G afs. It is plenty sharp enough and can isolate enough at 85/5.6 for my use. It's partner is a 70-300 4.5/5.6 G VR II afs lens bought new but the price new is not exorbitant and again plenty sharp enough for me. The VR works well and further negates the need for fast glass especially when coupled with high iso capabilities of modern DSLRs. My old 70-210/4 did nicely but I wanted VR and the extra reach.

Bob

[Deleted]

Here's my first shots with the lens on a D50 at ISO 400. A little distortion on the first because I was up close. Maybe the $1,500 lens will do better but not enough better to justify the difference in cost for my type of shooting. This lens isn't VR but a VR mode makes up for at least two additional f/stops.