Kit lens replacement - Saxperience

MR_N · 22nd March 2009, 19:53

Hi all
looking for some advice in the lens field. Want one to replace the kit lens i have (18-55) on the d40, not "too" pricey but i dont want a shitter. Just a good alround lens. quite like the wide angle that the 18mm produces so id like to keep that function, and id like it to have a macro function.
Any reccomendations? Or am i talking bollocks, not totaly clued up when it comes to lens's.

thanks people

Sam

Mystic^p · 22nd March 2009, 20:05

If i could start again i'd have started with the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens. Its a pricy one though but for the range it covers it would save so much hassle. Theres a Sigma 18-200mm which is a hundred odd ££ cheaper too but not as advanced image stabilisation & slightly softer throughout its mid zoom range.

Then if you liked the wider stuff i'd recommend the Sigma 10-20mm. Seems to be the lens which spends the most time attached to my camera!

You got a budget/purpose in mind?

don55 · 22nd March 2009, 20:17

there are two options for a sub £300 lens if you want to stick near the kit lens focal range, now im not talking about nikon lenses as i know dick about them, but the two after market lenses are the :

tamron 17-50mm f2.8

sigma 18-50mm 2.8

both great lenses, but the tamron jsut takes the edge, both can be got second hand for about £200 or less and new about £280+

MR_N · 22nd March 2009, 21:51

Mystic - The sigma 10-20 looks a great lens and i can see me using that alot, then i guess i could always change back the the original lens for the 20-55 shots i would need. Budget wise im looking at sub £300 i would say.

don - will take a closer look at the tamron, seems bang on for what im after

Will probely end up getting the tamron and maybe a dedicated wide angle in a few months time, like the sigma mystic said.

EDIT - Just had a peep at both the sigma 10-20 and tamron 17-50. Can get the tamron for £269 which seems great dollar for brand new. The sigma is a bit more pricey but im guessing i can stretch to it for the wideangle stuff. These 2 will most definatly be the next 2 lens's. Thanks guys, great help and advice. imaginary rep

Mystic^p · 22nd March 2009, 22:53

The sigma is a great lens, its quite big so the cameras flash will probably cast shadows of the lens onto the photos. Its also pretty heavy, which bothers some people lol.

don55 · 22nd March 2009, 23:11

i have the tamron, and im planning to get the 10-20 siggy soon