I have a Nikon 18-105 VR lens. I am going to purchase the D3000 camera. I can get it by itself, or with the 18-55 VR lens alone, or with both the 18-55 and the 55-200 VR lenses. Will the 18-105 work with the D3000? And will the 18-105 give me close to the effective zoom range of the 55-200? If I were to purchase the camera alone (or with the 18-55 kit lens), would I be better to save the money and use my 18-105, or should I pay the extra and get the 55-200? Is keeping all three a bit of overkill?
What to Buy?
(28 posts) (13 voices)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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Welcome to the forum kent!
The 18-105 should work fine on the D3000. If you have the money, I would get the D3000 and the 70-300 VR to use with your 18-105.
I don't see a real need in you having both the 18-55 and the 18-105, unless you want a more portable lens.
Posted 3 years ago # -
kent said:
I have a Nikon 18-105 VR lens. I am going to purchase the D3000 camera. I can get it by itself, or with the 18-55 VR lens alone, or with both the 18-55 and the 55-200 VR lenses. Will the 18-105 work with the D3000? And will the 18-105 give me close to the effective zoom range of the 55-200? If I were to purchase the camera alone (or with the 18-55 kit lens), would I be better to save the money and use my 18-105, or should I pay the extra and get the 55-200? Is keeping all three a bit of overkill?Keep the 18-105 lens, Sometimes the difference in cost between the body only and with 18-55 is so small that you might as well get the kit, I would say that if the difference is less than $80 area then kit the kit, if more than $100 get the body only
Pete
Posted 3 years ago # -
The cost of the kit (including the 18-55 lens) is minimal. Is it worth paying about $250 more for the 55-200? Will it really give me that much better zoom than the 18-105?
Posted 3 years ago # -
Hi Kent, Welcome to the forum! First off congrats on the D3000 purchase. I had the 18-105 and found it to be very very "plasticy". I was doing some hiking and one day the lens actually broke off my D80 body I had at the time. The mounting pins are plastic not medal and it cost me just $50 to fix but I was disappointed to say the least. The kit lens 18-55mm is wonderful you can even use it for macro as it focuses so close. I'd spring for the 70-300mm VR as alphanikonrex mentions its well made even though its still plastic. Bascially I found the plastic tighter on the 18-55, 18-200mm VR (wonderful lens), 55-200mmVR, and 70-300mm VR.
Of course you could settle this all right now and just get the 18-200 mm VR. If you do try it out, you'll wish you hadn't because the second you mount it you'll want to buy it and have it as your only lens for several months. Especially for learning your new camera ^_~
Posted 3 years ago # -
The cost of the kit (including the 18-55 lens) is minimal. Is it worth paying about $250 more for the 55-200? Will it really give me that much better zoom than the 18-105?
Posted 3 years ago # -
The cost of the kit (including the 18-55 lens) is minimal. Is it worth paying about $250 more for the 55-200? Will it really give me that much better zoom than the 18-105?
Posted 3 years ago # -
No need to go repeating yourself :^)
The 55-200 will give you approximately a 2x advantage over the 18-105.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Thanks
Posted 3 years ago # -
Posted 3 years ago #
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Agree with alphakun.
D3000 body only & 70-300VR is a better option, but if too expensive get the double zoom kit and resell the 18-55 or the 18-105.Posted 3 years ago # -
I would not pay $250 for 55-200 vr, would prefer to add couple more $$ to get the 70-300/vr
as for seeing difference between 105 and 200, yes - You will be able to see the difference
Posted 3 years ago # -
kent said:
The cost of the kit (including the 18-55 lens) is minimal. Is it worth paying about $250 more for the 55-200? Will it really give me that much better zoom than the 18-105?I don't know where you live, but the 55-200 goes for <=$150 used in the USA. IMHO, if you don't have coverage in that range it is a no-brainer at that price.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Wait, how come you bought the 18-105 lens only without a body? It should come with a D90, no? I mean, I'd much rather have a D90 than a D3000.
In any case, like the others have said, I'd go with the 70-300 instead of the 18-55 and 55-200 combo. 18-105 is a good lens as it is (as are the 18-55 and 55-200), but the build quality is slightly lacking in the 18-55 and 55-200. For me, build quality matters. It's not like I'm bringing it into rain, but I considered that when I bought my D40 kit.
Posted 3 years ago # -
So I bought the D7000 kit and now I'm trying to unload the kit lens (i.e., 18-105). I plan on buying a couple tamrons (17-50 and 70-300) instead. What do you think a good asking price is for this lens? I think I could easily sell if for $200. With that money I'd probably by an SB-600. So, my other question to the group is: Would you trade a 18-105 VR for an SB-600?
Posted 2 years ago # -
It's easier to sell off then trade but if you want to trade.
The SB-600 is an awesome flash so I'd go with that over lenses.
Also why go for Tamron lenses? At least get the 70-300VR Nikkor.
Posted 2 years ago # -
skip tamron get N70-300vr
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've heard good things about the new tamron 70-300, plus it has a rebate right now. I'd like a faster lens than the kit lens, and the 17-50 2.8 VC fills this want nicely (nikkor is too $$ for me). Although, there do appear to be a few good N70-300 's on CL.
Thank you krev, I'm actually do have a buyer lined up for the 18-105, and I'll prob use that $$ to buy a sb-600.
Posted 2 years ago # -
So do you own the 17-50 2.8, NP? I love mine, but it's not the VC version.
Posted 2 years ago # -
stick with the 18-105 VR lens, yes getting all three lenses is overkill.
Posted 2 years ago # -
OK, here's what I have to go with my D7000:
Tokina 11-16
Nikon 35 1.8 DX
Nikon 50 1.8
(Plus 18-55 and 55-200 (non VR for both) kit lenses from my D40, rarely use)Here's what I'd like to get to complete the package:
Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC (chosen over Nikon 16-88)
Nikon 70-300 VR
SB-600Anybody think this is a bit much, maybe overkill? I shoot landscapes mostly, though I also try to zoom in on surfers, and I have an 8 week old at home.
Also, a friend of mine recently asked me to shoot her wedding (never done before, but they know that and are cool with it especially in lieu of no photographer). Would any of you prioritize any items on my wish list with that wedding in mind (outdoor).
Thanks,
NP
Posted 2 years ago # -
NeuroPhoto said:
OK, here's what I have to go with my D7000:
Tokina 11-16
Nikon 35 1.8 DX
Nikon 50 1.8
(Plus 18-55 and 55-200 (non VR for both) kit lenses from my D40, rarely use)Here's what I'd like to get to complete the package:
Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC (chosen over Nikon 16-88)
Nikon 70-300 VR
SB-600Anybody think this is a bit much, maybe overkill? I shoot landscapes mostly, though I also try to zoom in on surfers, and I have an 8 week old at home.
Also, a friend of mine recently asked me to shoot her wedding (never done before, but they know that and are cool with it especially in lieu of no photographer). Would any of you prioritize any items on my wish list with that wedding in mind (outdoor).
Thanks,
NP
Sell off the 18-55/55-200.
If you really want the Tamron 17-50 so be it, but the Tokina 16-50 AT-X PRO f/2.8 is pretty awesome too. I haven't wished it had VR/OS/VC while using it.
Can't go wrong with the SB-600.
As for the 70-300VR, if you want it get it or save some cash and get the 80-200 AF-S and add a TC.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I thought you said you had the 18-105? I would keep that as a go anywhere lens when you dont have a specific need. yes sell the other kits(18-55 and 55-200). For the wedding, the 17-50 VC should be excellent in combination with the 50 & 35 F1.8. and SB-600.
Posted 2 years ago # -
heartyfisher said:
I thought you said you had the 18-105? I would keep that as a go anywhere lens when you dont have a specific need. yes sell the other kits(18-55 and 55-200). For the wedding, the 17-50 VC should be excellent in combination with the 50 & 35 F1.8. and SB-600.Thanks. I did have the 18-105 but s
old it to get funds for the SB-600.Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks All. Picked up the SB-600 and 17-50 VC today. Very happy with them so far.
-NP
Posted 2 years ago #
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