Standard zoom lenses offer a general-purpose range from wide angle to short telephoto, thereby giving you great day-to-day flexibility. The vast majority of standard zoom lenses in use are those kit models which are popularly bundled with many DSLRs, such as the Nikkor DX 18-55mm model. Mounted on a Nikon APS-C body like the D40 or D80, this will deliver an effective range of 27-83mm, thereby covering typical landscape shots to basic portrait work.

You may already own a standard zoom, but it can often be worth replacing it for a superior model. After all, as the lens range you use the most, you’ll see the benefit on the most photos. Better quality standard zooms may offer superior optics, an extended focal range, tougher construction, quicker focusing, brighter apertures or image stabilisation to reduce camera-shake.

As always, bear in mind any reduction in field due to your DSLRs sensor when choosing a lens. All of Nikon's DSLRs (apart from full-frame FX models like the D3) have a reduction factor of 1.5x, which effectively multiply lens focal lengths by 1.5 times. So if you go for an 18-70mm lens, you’ll actually have an equivalent of 27-105mm.

Also note Nikon DSLRs without built-in focusing motors, like the D40, D40x and D60, will only auto-focus with AF-S Nikkor lenses. If you use an AF Nikkor lens on these bodies, they will be manual focus only.

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