Which lens?

[No Control]

Hi all,

Well first of all I'm very close to buying a new D80. I've wanted a dSLR for some time now and I'm very very excited. I just have a question for you guys.

I'm unsure of which lens to pair it with. I have a 24-85mm lens from my film camera but I know it wouldn't be close to wide enough for the shots I like to take and I don't have the money for a 12-24mm at this point. What I really need is a midrange zoom that prefferably starts at 18mm or lower. From what I see, in my price range (around $300) I could go with the kit lens but it has sharpness and vignetting issues, the 18-55mm II but it has chromatic abberration issues. Can someone tell me which would be a better option? Are there any 3rd party lenses I'm overlooking? I'd ultimately be using it for everything from landscapes to travel to family pictures.

Any advice would be great. Thanks!


-Drew

[coldrain]

The 18-55 and 18-55 II (same optics) are actually quite good, and for its small price you can hardly go wrong.
Also it's barrel distortion is not all that bad.
The Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC macro and Tamron 18-70 f2.8 Di II are both more than $100 above your budget.

The Nikon 18-70 f3.5-4.5 has quite strong barrel distortion again, and quiet strong light fall off too (not as strong as with the 18-135).
The Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 has less barrel distortion, and may be closest to your stated $300. It is a good lens for the price.

[No Control]

Thanks coldrain. I'll take a look those you suggested.

[Shawn]

I will vouch for the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC MACRO. I got it a couple of weeks ago and have yet to take it off. Great lens for the price. It was $389 at a local shop in Seattle.

[JBO]

i got the d80 with the 18-135 and i love it. i also got a dvd and book to teach me how to use the camera. its a great combo and if your just starting out i suggest that

josh

[XaiLo]

congratulations... I hope it brings you much joy and usage. :) Post some pics soon.;)

[500mL]

Is there a Tamron or Sigma equivalent for the 18-200mm Nikkor VR lens? I was told at the store I went to that there is no such thing that would be compatible for the D40. Is that true?

[K1W1]

Sigma have announced an 18-200 lenses with OS (their version of VR) (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3324&navigator=6) but I'm not sure that it is actually available yet or whether it has some form of internal focussing motor (Sigma usually call it HSM). If it does not have HSM it won't focus on the D40 but it certainly will fit and take photos.

[Rooz]

its listed as compatible with the d40/x.
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/news.asp?nID=3324

pretty pricey though. may aswell get the nikkor VR.

[colemanr]

It's also listed as F6.3 at 200mm, which will make autofocus less effective in low light. The Nikkor is F5.6 at 200mm, which is the limit that Nikon recommends for autofocus.

Rob

[coldrain]

The Sigma 180-200 has a lot less barrel distortion though. And it costs $200 less at least. So, it does have its place.

[aparmley]

I think buying it with a kit lens and saving your money until you can increase your budget to include some good options is the best option here.