Lens for D90

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>  I was debating over whether to buy a D60(with 18-200) or a D90. However after going through all the discussions in this forum I have decided to go for the D90. However I could find any discussion which offers opinion about what lens to buy along with it.  The d90 kit comes with either 18-55 & 55-200 OR 18-105 . I usually like to carry only 1 lens along with me.<br>

 Please provide any suggestions about which lens to buy.</p>

<p>Regards<br>

Kaushik<br>

 </p>

<p>I myself am also considering the D90.  The kit at Costco comes with an 18-55 and a 55-200.  In view of the advice I've been given on previous threads, it is sometimes better to buy the body alone and get the lens of your choice.  If you like to carry one lens only and it needs to be a zoom, I might go for the Nikon 18-200 or the Tamron 18-270.  I have not used either, my advice is just for the focal length.  Good luck on your purchase.</p>

<p>I think the 18-105 lens covers a good range, is light and compact and optically great for a casual shooter such as myself.  My only complaint with the lens is the plastic lens mount.  It will break with minimal abuse.  I just had to send one in to Nikon for repair for $100.  If you plan to shoot sports/nature go for the two lens combo; you'll really appreciate the extra reach the 55 to 200 gives you. </p>

<p>If you want D90 with a 18-200 buy it not as kit.</p>

<p>The 18-105mm VR kit lens seems like a good match to the D90 to me. I held this combo in my hands and took a photo for a couple one time and it felt really nice.</p>

<p>I'm guessing the 18-105.</p>

<p>I'd rather have the D60 with an 18-200 than a D90 with an 18-105 if it was one or the other. plastic-mount lenses just scare me.</p>

<p>How are you using your photos. If you're printing out under 8 x 10 (with the occasional 11x14 thrown in) you probably won't notice the difference between IQ of the D60 and D90. Now, if there are features on the D90 you want... that's another story...</p>

<p>"I usually like to carry only 1 lens along with me."<br>

you answered your own question: 18-105.<br>

personally, i'd avoid the d60 as it wont AF with the superb 50/1.8 and isn't much different from the even more inexpensive d40.</p>

<p>I just got the D90 after thinking about it many times and asking many times here what to do. Well I got the body only. I already had a Sigma 30mm f1.4 and I bought a Nikkor 50mm F1.8 D plus a Sigma 28-300mm which will provide me a big range for just family type snap shots. I realize that I won't be getting any shots that will go into sports illustrated but I think that I will get some stuff that will make me and my Family happy and really that is what matters. As time goes by I will add another prime and then another prime and maybe a fast medium zoom. Hopefully this setup will keep me happy for many years to come.</p>

Hi Kaushik - You probably can't find many lens suggestions because your choice of a lens will be based primarily on what you can afford, what you like to shoot. and how much you're willing to carry. I chose the 18-105 because its range is very usable, it was affordable , it was a new model, and it seemed like it was designed to compliment the D90 very well. Previously, I owned a D60 with a 2-lens setup. Even though the 55-200 was a terrific lens, I hated carrying both, so I almost never did. As a result, I was always limited to 18-55. I have read that many people REALLY like the 18-200, especially for its flexibility. For me, I don 't like the idea of a "superzoom."

<p>For a small light daylight lens the kit 18-55 should be OK.  I would rather have a faster f2.8 normal zoom or a couple of even faster f2 primes.  I cherish the ability to shoot wide open when needed.  For a one lense only option I would choose the 16-85mm for the extra at the wide end.</p>

<p>I don't know how much you have to spend. My first choice would be the Tamron 17-50/2.8 and second would be the Nikon 16-85AF-s VR. Both lenses will cost you more but down the road you will want one of these as you major lens on the camera most of the time.</p>

<p>If you really want a cheap lens with good optics. I'd suggest a 50mm 1.8.<br>

no zoom? use your feet. It's a good way to practice photography. and the DOF is just amazing. I've been using it for years now and even if I already have an 18-200mm, my 50mm is still the lens I use most of the time.</p>

<p>If you are looking for versatility, you may want to try the Nikon 18-200 or Tamron 18-270 as suggested above.  The latter will give you a better reach also with vibration compensation at probably a lower cost.</p>

<p>Nikkor 18-105 is a very good lense. I like the 18-200 as it gives me longer range and is an esay lense to carry all day long. </p>

<p>If you want 1 lens only, my suggestion is also either Tamron 17-50mm or 28-75mm. Or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 if you want better build quality but it will cost you more.</p>

<p>If you like to carry only one lens, go with the 18-105 VR. It is a very good lens. The "plastic mount" looks rather sturdy to me, and will not break or wear easily, especially, if you "use to carry only one lens". The body itself is made of the same material, by the way. Of course, you can also spend three times the money, and get a hammer like lens. While you are using this pro lens, I can destroy three 18-105 VR, or even better, I can buy a better lens, once I have the money, and one is available.</p>

<p>I would go with the kit. It is the one that gives you more flexibility. In the future you may decide to change the 18-55 with a 17-50 2.8 or simply add a wider zoom. The 55-200 is pretty good all alone (it may be a bit ankward in manual focusing, well, to be honest, it is a pain in the ass in that regard :-).</p>

<p>The kit sounds nice, if you have the money I think a body only and 18-200vr might be a nice setup. That is the most versitile lens I've ever owned, it stays on my d80 95% of the time.</p>