Nikon Lens help

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throbb

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#171726 29-Apr-2015 10:47

Hi,

I currently have a Nikon D5100 with its kit lenses(18mm-55mm and 55mm-300mm). I am heading to Europe for a few months and don't really want to have to carry around 2 lenses when I out doing touristy stuff.

I've been looking at buying a Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR which I think should cover most of what I need. Need some advice if people think this will be suitable.

I've also notice some 3rd party lenses which seems to give more bang for my buck (Tamron/Sigma) how do these stack up to Nikon lenses?

Thanks

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#1293394 29-Apr-2015 10:52

I take a compact RX100 on holiday, 28-105mm lens. The lens you suggest is probably good, not super fast but high ISO is good these days.

Tamron/Sigma lenses are good value. I won't buy them any more, I shoot professionally and find the focus speed and accuracy isn't as good as Nikon. I hear they're getting better, the Sigma ART series for example, but they're mostly expensive primes.

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#1293417 29-Apr-2015 11:10

whether it's suitable depends on your needs entirely.

sounds like it will be ok. the only question is do you need more reach (eg 200mm and above) - if you want to shoot animals you will need the longest you can afford eg 18-300mm :D

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#1293422 29-Apr-2015 11:14

had a quick look at prices. based on price alone, i'd get the 18-140mm, as it is the $$$ sweetspot.

but there are more to lenses and the numbers. one may be lighter that the other, sharper, focus faster, better image stabilisation ... etc.

i suggest in your price range weigh these factors up between the 18-105 and 18-140

maxeon

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#1293425 29-Apr-2015 11:15

I used Sigma lens for few months and they are good value for money.
I am NOT a professional photographer, so you might want to take that into consideration on the above comment.

On a side note - are you planning to sell your 55mm-300mm lens?

Thanks

Batman

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#1293427 29-Apr-2015 11:19

there is a sigma 18-250mm / tamron 18-270mm for around the same price as a nikkor 18-140mm.

but they break faster (don't knock them!!! i have knocked them and they don't like being man-handled)
they MIGHT NOT focus as fast (makes NO difference if you shoot a building that won't move, but makes a world of difference if you try to chase a flying bird or a running child).
they "may" not even focus on the right spots.

other than that ... for normal use it's great, if the focus accuracy is spot on like a nikkor one.

alasta

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#1293485 29-Apr-2015 12:40

The 18-140mm is better than the 18-105mm not just because of the extra range but also because it has a metal mount and slightly better sealing.

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dman

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#1300325 8-May-2015 04:07

I wouldn't bother bringing one of those super zooms lenses, they try to do everything, and do nothing else.

Just get a Sony RX100 (or a Panasonic LX100 if you've got more money to spend) instead.

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#1300334 8-May-2015 06:28

One man's meat is another man's poison

timmmay

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#1300351 8-May-2015 07:50

joker97: One man's meat is another man's poison

I don't eat meat. I wouldn't call it poison though.

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#1300374 8-May-2015 08:38

timmmay:
joker97: One man's meat is another man's poison

I don't eat meat. I wouldn't call it poison though.

lmgtfy

throbb

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#1300382 8-May-2015 08:47

alasta: The 18-140mm is better than the 18-105mm not just because of the extra range but also because it has a metal mount and slightly better sealing.

I think I am going to go for the 18-140mm, the reviews are pretty good for it. I am also considering getting a 30 or 50mm prime lens for when I'm in a church or other low light places.

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#1300386 8-May-2015 08:53

that would work quite well

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#1300387 8-May-2015 08:56

for a crop sensor i would recommend the widest (focal length) prime you can get for travel shots. otherwise it's like a zoom lens. like a sigma 30mm 1.4 art ... but that's gonna cost you. so i suggest cheapest and widest.

or carry a cheap tripod and use longer shutter speeds

NotReally

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#1300389 8-May-2015 08:57

Just back from 3 weeks in France with an old Nikon D50 with a 18-200mm Sigma lens. It was fine when there was plenty of light (i.e. anywhere outside) but really struggled inside (esp. where flash is forbidden). I am planning to upgrade to the Nikon D5500 with the 18-140mm (sharper than the 18-200/250/270/300 in any brand) and a 35mm prime soon.

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#1300422 8-May-2015 09:12

joker97:
timmmay:
joker97: One man's meat is another man's poison

I don't eat meat. I wouldn't call it poison though.

lmgtfy

I understood what you meant... I was just making a comment.

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