Lens question: good next-step-up or unnecessary?

**Giselle** · 10-20-2008, 01:34 AM

Quickie: I have the 55-200mm. My birthday is coming up and I'm considering the 18-200mm (Nikon). Good next step up or totally unnecessary?

FWIW, I'm very pleased with the quality of pics I get from my current lens as I have finally "figured it out" well enough to satisfy me.

What do you think? And if the 18-200mm isn't a good step up, what do you suggest?

**binka_nugget** · 10-20-2008, 02:14 AM

You'll definitely get a better range but I would only get it if I was intending to sell the 55-200mm. You'll get the added bonus of getting 18-55mm shots you couldn't get before, but everything else the lens offers will be unneccessary if you're already getting that from the first lens.

Personally, I would look into a 18-55mm lens instead. A pro would be that you wouldn't have to carry the heavier 18-200 when you only want closer range photos that day. A con would be having an extra lens to carry when you want all kinds of ranges that day. I went with the 18-55 & 55-200 route and am very happy with that decision.

ETA: For the price of a 18-200mm lens, you could probably get a 18-55mm lens and a something like a 50mm 1.8, which is LOTS of fun and allows for a lot of creativity

**ILoveMyAbbyGirl** · 10-20-2008, 12:37 PM

I thought about doing the 18-200, but I got the 55-200 since my camera came with the 18-55. Two lenses, but I don't mind. =] Probably cheaper that way, lol.

**Catlady711** · 10-20-2008, 05:42 PM

Unless there's something spectacular the 18-200mm lens does or has that is absolutely necessary to what you are using the lens for, then I'd say it's unnecessary. I'd tend to agree with the above comments and if you want wider angle get the 18-55mm. Otherwise you're paying huge bucks to cover 3/4 of the range you already have.

**Moesha** · 11-19-2008, 07:52 PM

I have searched through old posts and was going to go ahead and make a new thread for this question until I found this one and since my question is sort of related to Giselle's original post, I hope she doesn't mind that I added my question here.

Without going into boring details, I've decided to purchase a Nikon D80 (or maybe a 90 if I find a REALLY good deal in the next month or so). I'm still waiting for the D80 to drop more. I'm hoping with the holidays coming up, I'll be able to find a good deal and maybe a coupon also. My question is about the lenses. Would it be better to get 2 lenses that cover 18-55 and 55-200 or just one 18-200? I think I can get either of the choices for about the same price. Right now I am using a D60 with an 18-55 lens on it. (I've just been trying this out to help me decide if I wanted to purchase a digital SLR and I think I've decided I am going to take the plunge.) I know I want to get closer than just that. I just wanted some opinions so I'll know where to focus my energies in my search for the best deal!

**Catlady711** · 11-19-2008, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Moesha

I have searched through old posts and was going to go ahead and make a new thread for this question until I found this one and since my question is sort of related to Giselle's original post, I hope she doesn't mind that I added my question here.

Without going into boring details, I've decided to purchase a Nikon D80 (or maybe a 90 if I find a REALLY good deal in the next month or so). I'm still waiting for the D80 to drop more. I'm hoping with the holidays coming up, I'll be able to find a good deal and maybe a coupon also. My question is about the lenses. Would it be better to get 2 lenses that cover 18-55 and 55-200 or just one 18-200? I think I can get either of the choices for about the same price. Right now I am using a D60 with an 18-55 lens on it. (I've just been trying this out to help me decide if I wanted to purchase a digital SLR and I think I've decided I am going to take the plunge.) I know I want to get closer than just that. I just wanted some opinions so I'll know where to focus my energies in my search for the best deal!

While I'm no expert on Nikon lenses (Canon user here). If the same holds true for Nikon then both have their pro's and cons.

One lens:

Pros;

Less lens changing (less sensor dust)

Greater range of focal distances for quick shots (not being stuck with 'wrong' size lens for situation)

Cons:

Heavier/bulkier

May have a lesser quality glass if cheaper (in Canon there is a 'professional' grade glass that does cover that range and it's VERY expensive but quality is noticably sharper)

Smaller F stops (meaning not very good for low light F/5.6 and up)

Harder to hand hold shots (may need tripod more often for many shots including low light)

Two lenses:

Pros:

Lighter weight no matter which lens you have on

Higher quality glass (depends on specifics see above note)

Wider F stops (better for lower light pictures or bokeh F/4.0 and under)

Cons:

More often lens changes (greater chance of sensor dust, may also have on 'wrong' lens for shot)

More to carry with you on a photo shoot (although any photography gear nut may have at least 70 lbs of weight in a backpack at any given time)

Like I said I'm not all that familiar with Nikon specifics, however in general there shouldn't be too many differences from Canon.

In general it can be said of ANY camera manufacturer that the kit lenses STINK in quality.

Hope your dream camera and you have many happy hours of shooting.