Camera Labs

Hi everyone,

I'm making the move into DSLR photography and would like some advice as to whether I should go for the D80 with the 18-70mm (and probably purchase the 70-300mm later), or the 18-135mm for a more general purpose zoom. I'm sure it depends on the photographer but if I were to go for the first option, would it be realistic to keep swapping the lenses for the extra reach or would it be less of a problem than I think?

Price is not an issue and any feedback would be much appreciated.

Mark

Hello Markh, and welcome to the Camera Labs forum!
Weeeeell, if price is not a problem, why not go for the Nikon VR 18-200mm? It gives you lots of reach plus is stabilized - invaluable!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

This is an option I am considering and I would prefer a single lens. I will probably go for the body and the 18-200mm VR separately but there's just one thing: is there any significant loss in genera quality, given the fact that the lens has such a long focal length?

You should at least read the "verdict"-page on Gordon's kit-lens-comparison here: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikko ... roup_test/. The 18-200mm came out pretty good!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi Markh, you'd think the 18-200mm VR may be compromised due to its long optical range, but it's actually very very good.

Have a look at the results and Gallery pages in our review here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikkor18200mm/

If you want a single lens to do it all and can afford it, then yes, it's the model to go for.

If you want a twin lens solution, then go for either the 18-55mm plus 55-200mm VR for a budget option, or the 18-70 plus 70-300mm VR for the quality option. If you're going for the D80 though, I'd sway towards either the 18-70 plus 70-300mm VR or the 18-200mm VR if you can afford it.

The 18-135mm is a really nice option as a budget single lens solution, but if you have a higher budget and or don't mind carrying two lenses, there's better choices.

Gordon

As to the Nikkor VR 18-200, look here, here and here to see how it looks when attached to a Nikon D40X (which is identical, on the outside, to a Nikon D40).

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.