Hi, I'm about to buy a Nikon D90. I wanted to buy the 18-200mm VR by Nikon, but it was too expensive with the D90. I didn't want to downgrade to the D5000, because with the 18-105mm, it would cost only $100 less than the D90 (the d5000 comes with an 18-55, so I'd have to buy only the body first). I was going to buy the d90 with kit lens, but found the 55-200mm VR, which has more zoom capability, for about the same price. Which should I buy? I need the camera and lens by June, so I can't go any more expensive. Also, what would be the DX "normal" focal length (you know, for shooting regular pictures). I wanted 18-100+mm lens, but I don't know if I'm missing out on any focal length going with the 55-200mm VR lens. So, in short, should I but the 18-105mm VR lens or the 55-200mm VR lens?
18-105mm VR or 55-200mm VR lens for D90
(32 posts) (16 voices)-
I don’t know what the prices are where you are buying D90, but where I work 18-105 will only cost you 100 EUR if it is part of the kit and it is really worth it, 55-200 will cost you around 250 EUR and it is surprisingly good telephoto lens for the price.
Lenses are similar regarding optical quality, 18-105 is built a bit better, but 18-105 is way more useful then 55-200, and if you do not have any other middle lens (this is the range you will certainly miss more) this one is the only one that makes sense really. If you need something longer eventually try to save enough for 70-300.Posted 4 years ago # -
Is this the 55-200mm lens of which you speak?
If so, every review I've read of it has been glowing. I'd get that and this:
Unless you're getting the D90 kit which already has the 18-105mm lens.
Or you could splurge a bit and get the D90 body only and then this lens which would cover everything you want:
Regardless, most general use pictures which would equate to what a PnS does happen in the 18-55mm range, which is why cameras like the D40 come with the 18-55mm.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Ok, you guys. I'm a 13 year old with a deadline to get the money, so there's no splurging for me. I can get the D90 with 18-105mm VR or with the 55-200mm VR for the same price. Now, all I'm talking about is which is better. So far, I'm leaning towards the 18-105mm VR because of it's coverage from low to high. If I bought the 55-200, I could probably sell it later and have more money to replace it with the 18-200mm, because that was what I wanted before, but can't afford by June. Any other opinions on which you guys prefer?
Posted 4 years ago # -
If you put it that way I would certainly go for 18-105, none of these lenses is better than the other and 105-200 is not the range you will find very useful on DX. You could also sell 18-105 later if you wont to and probably easier than 55-200.
Posted 4 years ago # -
"...which is why cameras like the D40 come with the 18-55mm..." - they come with 18-55mm lens, because it's considered to be the most useful focal range - great for portraits and with the ability to capture the environment as visible by human eyes (around 35mm on DX and 50 on FX), it's also quite inexpensive to manufacture, and for sure it is not because P&S cameras have the same focal range.
chaosmint - and what about 18-55vr and 55-200vr - both of this lenses have good quality/price factor; as for the two lenses You've suggested IMHO 18-105mm VR will suite You better
Posted 4 years ago # -
13 year old ?
Posted 2 years ago # -
What's the matter Casper? You afraid of the competition? LOL
Posted 2 years ago # -
I was 13 as well when I joined the forum and I can tell you that the 55-200mm VR is a /fun/ lens. I sat around and researched for about half a year before I finally got the money and jumped on a D90 with an 18-55mm VR + 55-200mm VR.
From my experience I can tell you that the 55-200 VR is a
reallyfun lens. It's optically okay, and even with it being fairly slow (f 1:4-5.6 :P ) you can still get good bokeh. On a crop body you can zoom in a lot. It's also cheap compared to other lenses.I have never taken photos at a golf tourney but in my experience I have a tendency to zoom a lot at sporting events.
Then again, the range of the 18-105mm might suit you better as each photographer has their own technique. It certainly is hard to get everyone in a frame for a group-portrait with a 55-200mm, especially indoors.
Good luck on your decision!
EDIT: oh man, this thread is a year old.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Neither, get the 35mm f1.8... :P
Why is this thread still open?
Posted 2 years ago # -
kyoshinikon said:
Why is this thread still open?… because new users still coming to find answers on similar questions, like me…
… for an example, I’ve read these topic because I’m looking for answer as I’ve a doubt: does I need AF-S 16-85mm and 70-300 lenses or not? I’ve already 18-55, 55-200 & 18-105 all VR… they are not bad at all, but I’m looking on something better… from other side, I’m still not ready to spend more than 1000$ for one lens…
…btw, me apologies for but typing as I’m Croatian… thx
Posted 1 year ago # -
db_cro said:
… because new users still coming to find answers on similar questions, like me…… for an example, I’ve read these topic because I’m looking for answer as I’ve a doubt: does I need AF-S 16-85mm and 70-300 lenses or not? I’ve already 18-55, 55-200 & 18-105 all VR… they are not bad at all, but I’m looking on something better… from other side, I’m still not ready to spend more than 1000$ for one lens…
…btw, me apologies for but typing as I’m Croatian… thx
we cannot answer that question for you, as only you know your protography intrest.
Posted 1 year ago # -
casperwb said:
13 year old ?I was starting to pickup some work at that age, more decades ago than I care to think.
There have been many young teens in my photography classes, too, and Brownie Girl Scouts have photo badges. My, ahem, adult middle-age daughter has more than one.
While I hope most 13-year-olds are enjoying growing up, if the chops are there, it can also be a method of making a few coins, even paying the way through college (as I did).
My best,
Mike
Posted 1 year ago # -
casperwb said:
we cannot answer that question for you, as only you know your protography intrest....that's a true, I'm only one who can answer to me on this question, but forums like this one can help us. And this is a reason why I've joined to you.
...anyway, next week I'll be in Singapore and this will be a good opportunity to find some lenses for good price.... you will know...
...at least, as I already have several zoom lenses, I'll probably buy one prime lens - AF-S 35mm F1.8G DX
Posted 1 year ago # -
good choice, you cannot go wrong with the 35mm 1.8.
all those f1.8 primes are fantastic, and as someone pointed out on another thread, primes do not suck dust onto your sensor, while zooms do.
the 70-300 is fantastic in good light, however if you do a search for the lenses you are intrested in, you will find tons of info to help you with your choice.
Good luck shopping, getting a "new' lens even though they may be used, is like christmas all over again.
Posted 1 year ago # -
The D90 is an awesome camera for the price range. I use mine almost as much as a D300, and my D700 is used a lot less. I would opt myself for the 18-105VR kit lens as the kits are a good deal. Some outfits like B&H have had very few D7000 without the kit lens.
I would ask casperwb about the prime lens sucking dust onto sensors? I unfortunately bought a D40X with a 18-135 Nikkor lens, got a second body and BOTH have dust on the sensor. I should have returned both bodies, not just one!! If you are careful you can do a lot of lens changes and not get dust on the low pass filters/sensors (whatever). But if you do get dust on the rig I think it has to be removed or your images will suffer.
Post shooting cleanup of dust is both redundant and will degrade your images. Learn how to swap lens (you can call Nikon Digital Hotline from anywhere in the world and have them walk you through that). I tip the camera body down and same for the lens without the cap over the end that goes to to the f mount during the swap. Also be careful to wait until a safe time to sap lens.
Right now you will have one lens and I find that I use fixed focal length lens less. Also know that db_cro and casperwb are astute photographers and at that 35mm point the prime lens would be tough to beat.
You will get a better deal on the D90 with the 18-105VR kit lens. One warning though you might want to remember that over time if you become rally serious about photo work, you'll make precious little use of a kit lens. The 18-200VR is one "kit lens" that I would say is a real keeper. Just that the 18-200VR isn't going to be anywhere near as low a price.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Unfortunately, I haven’t bought anything last month in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur as I couldn’t got a good price. Hopefully, next time I’ll be luckier especially as I sold in the meantime my 55-200 and now I need 70-300. Anyway, I can still deal with my 18-105 as my primer lens, even sometimes pictures are not sharp enough. I’m sure that 16-85 will improve this…
@DaveyJ
Not sure for 18-200VR will meet my criteria?...Posted 1 year ago # -
sorry to hear you did not get any new lenses db-cro.
nikon prices have been up on new and used equipment ever since the earthquake.
70-300 is very nice, make sure and get the VR model.
cant comment on the 18-200, don't have one, never even got to play with one.
thank you for giving us the follow up, it is most appreciated, and good luck with your journey into the world of photography.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I shoot the D90 and by far the 70-300VR is my favorite lens. It's a must to have and affordable, it shoots extremely fast and pure.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I agree with Bland! The 70-300VR is a almost must have lens. I shoot D90, D300, D700 and use the 70-300VR every day. The D90 is every bit as good as the D300 and D700 for many uses. I even know gals who use the 70-300VR on D3100 and have awesome results to prove that lens value. For what it is worth the 18-200VR is also an awesome lens. I use a 12-24 DX a lot and on 24 it is hard to beat with ANY lens and on 12 it is wide and can take in scenes that make you think the 12mm view is critical. A 18-105VR is a good match with the 70-300VR but I have seen it paired with a 18-55VR and again with results to prove that combination can work also. I strongly suggest what ever glass you use, be sure to dial in the 70-300VR!!
Posted 1 year ago # -
I was fifteen when I got hooked by photography.
The 18-105 is the lens that I find myself using most of the time (with my D90). For the money, I'm hugely impressed by the 18-105 lens.
I also have the 55-200, although I do not use it often. It's a good quality lens, very lightweight, and has a good overlap with the 18-105 to reduce lens swapping.
I also use the 35/1.8 - WHAT a little gem. And the 12-24mm - truly excellent, but sadly way, way out of reach for most teenagers!
Posted 1 year ago # -
...thx on your comments... now I'm sure that next will be 70-300VR and after I'll look forward on the 16-85...
Posted 1 year ago # -
how much is 70-300?
Posted 1 year ago #
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