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:

1. 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
2. Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens - Rated at 4 out of 5 Stars
3. Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens - Rated at 4 out of 5 Stars
4. 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. A friend of mine recently bought this for his Canon 40D and works beautifully. Fairly affordable too when compared to the Nikkor lens at f/2.8

Here’s my list of choices to upgrade my kit lens:

1. Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
2. Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon Mount
3. Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor Lens
4. 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!