Really confused about Lens Choices for the D90

[lindadanverz]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forums and am really hoping someone can help steer me in the right direction.
I have a Nikon D90 with the lens that came with the kit (18-105VR).
I'm still new to DSLRs and lenses, and have been reading around everywhere I can, in order to figure out what is the next best lens for me to get.
Basically I am not happy with the kit lens because I dont feel like the picture produced by it has that professional look that others do. Granted I am still earning, but I believe that a better lens would help produce an overall more pro-like look with shots.
I dont need a wide angel lens. I would be using the lens for walking around, taking pictures of objects up close, and some portraits. I would like to have VR and some zoom. Can someone please steer me in the right direction? I've been reading a lot of good things about the 18-200VR but my question is, is the difference between it and my current lens noticeable enough to justify the price?

Any help is greatly appreciated

Thanks!!

[RichNY]

Linda- Can you post an example of a photo you thought should have looked better? The difference in image quality might be because of lighting or post processing rather than just the lens.

A lens with a better image quality is going to have a smaller focal range; the 18-200VR is known as a convenience lens but not a very good lens optically.

With zoom lenses, the next step up would be a Nikon 16-85 and the best quality walk around zoom would be the Nikon 17-55.

[Turo]

I use this lens on my backup body (D50) and I have noticed it is capable of some very nice images. As Rich mentioned, I'd like to see some sample images before anything, because your problem may be a matter of simply learning how to use your camera better. A new lens will not automatically increase the quality of your pictures, but the proper exposure settigs on your camera definitely will!

And just to mention, your 18-105 to me has better image quality than the 18-200.

[lindadanverz]

Hi everyone,
Ok thank you very much for all your help so far!

You might have just saved me from an unnecessary and expensive purpose.
I am definitely still learning and have much to learn.
I dont have pictures with me right now. But for example, some of the problems I have encountered is that with the flash the shot often tends to be too bright. And without the flash, the shot ends up coming out blurry and yellowish.

[kjmdrumz3]

Not to be rude, but I suggest that you delve into your owners manual. The basics (exposure, shutter speed, aperature, ISO, flash) are covered there. If you have any other questions do a quick search. If you still get nothing, then by all means, ask! I also suggest "Digital Photography" by Scott Kelby. Very informative for the novice. You'll get better through experience, believe me. Good Luck!

[Rooz]

Hi everyone,
Ok thank you very much for all your help so far!

You might have just saved me from an unnecessary and expensive purpose.
I am definitely still learning and have much to learn.
I dont have pictures with me right now. But for example, some of the problems I have encountered is that with the flash the shot often tends to be too bright. And without the flash, the shot ends up coming out blurry and yellowish.

you need to post a couple up, but it sounds like your issue is low light shooting indoors. in which case, rather than an 18-200 lens, i;d suggest a flash and a 35mm f1.8 lens.

[jcon]

As mentioned, its not the lens. Fear not though, youve come to the right place! There is a wealth of knowledge and great people here to help you. You will also find people suggest you to books and other usefull resources.

The first thing to look into is shutter speed and aperture and how these two settings relate to each other.

You have a great photography tool(D90) and youll have a great time learning how to use it!

I would feel bad suggesting you new or "better" equipment, until you fully understand how to use what you currently have and what your needs truly are.

[kjmdrumz3]

Or we could trade bodies. The D40x has been taken some pretty good ones lately ;)

[tim11]

There are many people here who would choose 18-105VR over 18-200VR. Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
18-200 is a great lens but it has faults and lens creep is one of them. On the other hand 18-105 benefits from new design technology and there are many owners who are happy with it. Kit lenses should be fine for walk around lenses.
Don't expect too much too soon from your camera. Personally, I mastered the basics of photography with a PnS before moving on to DSLR but even then it took me for a while to get in tune and produce the image quality I aimed for.

[TheWengler]

You might have just saved me from an unnecessary and expensive purpose.
I am definitely still learning and have much to learn.
I dont have pictures with me right now. But for example, some of the problems I have encountered is that with the flash the shot often tends to be too bright. And without the flash, the shot ends up coming out blurry and yellowish.

I think the problem is that you don't understand ambient light exposure and flash exposure.

[RichNY]

Hi everyone,
Ok thank you very much for all your help so far!

You might have just saved me from an unnecessary and expensive purpose.
I am definitely still learning and have much to learn.
I dont have pictures with me right now. But for example, some of the problems I have encountered is that with the flash the shot often tends to be too bright. And without the flash, the shot ends up coming out blurry and yellowish.

Linda- The two items you mention don't sound like a quality of lens problem. The first issue is most likely caused by the flash pointed straight at the subject with too much power. There is a feature on your camera called flash exposure compensation that will allow you to lower the amount of flash.

As for the blurry shots, they are probably caused by a shutter speed that is too slow and the subject moving. If you post a picture later we can verify if this is the case.

The yellowish color is most likely caused by your white balance setting. Again this can be seen when you post a picture.

[Cyberwlf]

Even though i like the 18-200VR a fair bit for what it offers, the lens creep is irritating at times, but yeah if i had a kit lens like yours already my next step up would probably be something with better IQ than either. I do however agree though that you shouldnt spend money yet, too easy to do, but you need to first master what you got before you just throw money at it thinking it'll could be a solution. Once you master what you have, or atleast feel competent :P then you can break the bank!

[kjmdrumz3]

...if i had a kit lens like yours already my next step up would probably be something with better IQ than either.


AF-S 50mm 1.4G FTW!!! lol

[Cyberwlf]

lol

Yeah if you want something to drool over for future acquisitions just check out Rooz's 50mm 1.4G shots :p

[XaiLo]

Let me suggest Bryan Petersons "Understanding Exposure" Revised Edition the best 18 bucks you'll ever spend. Lite easy and enjoyable reading with fantastic illustrations.

[BikerJohn]

Someone on here had mentioned that book a few months ago when I purchased my D90 and I completely agree on it being good. I'm not that good yet, but after I take a picture and look at it on the computer I can tell you exactly what I'd do differently in the field the next time. Now I have to learn to see it on the camera next.

[britkev]

Count me among those who would not rate the 18-200 any better than the 18-105.

I'd also agree with those posters suggesting that you are trying to shoot in too low light indoors. As mentioned, look up the flash compensation section in your manual to fix the over-exposure you seem to be suffering with the built-in flash.

If you have money and want to spend it the 50mm f/1.4G seems to be a great choice... although for a little less money you could pick up both the 50mm f/1.8D AND the new 35mm f/1.8. An external flash would also be a worthwhile investment if you plan to do a lot of indoor shooting.

[K1W1]

Granted I am still earning, but I believe that a better lens would help produce an overall more pro-like look with shots.



Follow this link (http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=%22Nikon+D90%22+18-105&m=text) and look at the photos. Most were taken with the same camera / lens combination that you have. When you have done that look at this link (http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikkor/pool/tags/18105mmf3556gvr/) which is simply photos with your lens regardless of the body. I think that you will see that there is nothing wrong with either the body or the lens that you own and hopefully you will put your efforts into actually learning how to use the equipment you have rather than trying to buy experience and knowledge by simply flashing a credit card.
The absolute best advice in all the answers above this one is the second least expensive - buy a copy of "Understanding Exposure". I would take that advice if I were you.

BTW Welcome to the forum and please don't take offence at my post. I guess I come from the tough love school rather than the money solves everything school. Stick around, ask lots of questions and more importantly post some images and you will get very helpful constructive advice.

Edit:
One more thing. Forget the 18-200 it will do nothing at all for your images other than give you more telephoto range.

[lindadanverz]

Thank you everyone so much!
You have all been really, really helpful, and have saved me from a useless purchase. I appreciate it so much!

And I get the message, I'm gonna go buy myself a D90 book to start really learning. Makes me feel so much better that it's just me and not the lens :)

[Turo]

Thank you everyone so much!
You have all been really, really helpful, and have saved me from a useless purchase. I appreciate it so much!

And I get the message, I'm gonna go buy myself a D90 book to start really learning. Makes me feel so much better that it's just me and not the lens :)

I would recommend you don't just get any D90 book, I would go for the one Xailo recommended, Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". It is absolutely excellent, and extremely easy to read.