What should I upgrade my kits lens to?
I’ve been looking to upgrade my kit lens recently and it’s really difficult to find a suitable lens amongst the many many lens available from Nikon (I’m a Nikon user) and from third party lens manufacturers.
Digital Photography School has an article summarizing the recommendations from Digital SLR user magazine about upgrades for Nikon lenses. Here’s what Digital SLR User magazine recommended:
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
- Rated at 4 out of 5 Stars
- Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
- Rated at 4 out of 5 Stars
- Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
- Rated at 4 out of 5 Stars
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
- Rated at 3 out of 5 Stars
As an existing owner of a 18-135mm Nikkor lens, I wouldn’t want to “upgrade” to the 18-55mm and 18-70mm. The difference is minimal and probably unnoticeably to my untrained eye. However, the 18-200mm is a possible choice for me. The great focal range will be excellent for travelling without having to constantly change lens.
Another lens I’m considering is the Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon Mount
Here’s my list of choices to upgrade my kit lens:
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
- Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon Mount
- Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor Lens
- Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
I can only dream about the last 2 options. They are quite far from my budget right now. 
For Canon users, fret not. Here’s a video from CameraLabs.com on some upgrades for Canon kit lenses:
Thanks to Digital Photography School for the great articles! One of my favorite photography blogs!
November 26th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Good recommendations. I just bought the Tamron 17-50 (instead of the kit lens) with my D80. I should get it tomorrow! I will have to let you know if it lives up to the reviews it gets.
I also bought the: AF-S 55-200MM F/4-5.6G ED IF DX VR, which I know is not quite the same quality but gets decent marks at Amazon and B+H and a couple of other places.
I have my eye on these lenses:
1. Nikon AF 50/1.8 – very fast and cheap all around and portrait lens
2. Sigma 30mm f1.4 for Nikon, about $420, ultrasonic motor, equivalent to a 45mm perspective on a film camera; Nikon does not bother to make a competitive lens.
3. Some sort of 10-20 or 12-24 lens or other wide angle, I read mixed reviews on Nikkor vs. other brands.
Anyway, thanks for the advice on lenses. I will definitely check out this page next time I am in the market for a quick refresher. BTW, I am giving away a $20 gift card this week for the best comment on which camera brand and model are best if you want to check it out.
Thanks,
Matt
November 27th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for your comments Matt!
I have the 50 f/1.8 too! Its a good buy. Cheap, sharp and fast!
So torn between the Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8….
November 27th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the info on the 50 f/1.8. Good to know. That is my next lens.
Got the Tamron 17-50 today, I don’t have a ton of experience with nice equipment like this but it is a lot sharper than anything else I have shot with. It is a wide lens as well (67mm) not sure if that is normal or not but so far everything I have shot is pretty clear.
I don’t know about the Nikon 17-35 but the Tamron is a sweet lens. Will try to post some pics soon.