Zoom for Nikon D7200

<p>I admit I was a long time Pentax guy. But want advice for good all purpose zoom (medium range) for Nikon D7200. Thanks</p>

<p>For a sharp all purpose zoom for D7200 I'd recommend the AF-S DX 18-140/3.5-5.6G ED VR.</p>

<p>We might be more help if you could tell us your ability/interest level and intended uses. I can't speak for what I don't own or have not used, but I like my Nikkor 70-300mm VR. It has excellent and fast autofocus, and is overall a good performer on my D7100 and D5100. It also will cover FX if/when I go that direction. In kit lens, the 55-200mm/4-5.6 DX VR gets good marks, but is not particularly outstanding, as is the 18-55mm/3.5-5.6 DX kit lens. You can often buy these two together for a discounted (and very reasonable) price. I find my 18-105mm DX VR is far from the sharpest lens in my bag, but it is so convenient and useful that it spends more time on my camera than any other single lens. I also own and use a variety of specialist lenses on these two DX bodies, but they are not medium zooms. Additional lenses you should consider are the 35mm/1.8 DX prime, 50mm/1.8 prime, and one of the family of ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as the Tokina 11-16/2.8 or the Nikkor 10-24mm/3.5-4.5 DX. </p>

<p>If you want one all-purpose lens, then the 18-200mm/3.5-5.6 DX is said to be good, if more expensive, as is the 18-300mm/3.5-5.6 DX VR. These are bigger, heavier, and more expensive than other options. I don't own either one, so I'm hoping someone else can weigh in. They are also "super-zooms", so they don't exactly fit your category.</p>

<p>If you are a novice, I recommend getting the 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lenses and shooting like crazy to develop your knowledge and skills. Then, when you have reached the full potential of these two lenses, look to buy additional lenses that will allow you to learn new skills and techniques and explore new opportunities. If you are an advanced photographer, or budget is not an issue, there are myriad alternatives, and I'm sure others will share their opinions. Keep in mind that your D7200 will also function with virtually every lens made by Nikon since 1977, so there are vast and affordable options available to you.</p>

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<p>We might be more help if you could tell us your ability/interest level and intended uses.</p>

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<p>Or if I may rephrase that a bit, what is the OP's budget for this mid-range zoom.</p>

<p>Prior to the introduction of the D500 in January this year, the D7200 used to be the top-of-the-line Nikon DX body. While it is not a pro-grade camera, it is intended for pretty serious amateurs and perhaps some pros. I would imagine one is going to get a good mid-range zoom to match the D7200, rather than something that is bottom of the line such as various 18-55mm f5.6 type.</p>

<p>Assuming that the OP has a decent budget, I would recommend against any DX zoom that has a plastic mount. Those are typically consumers lenses that have poor construction quality. However, if the budget is very limited, there maybe no choice.</p>

<p>Tamron 17-50/2.8</p>

+1 to Nikon's 18-140mm f/3.5~5.6 "kit" VR zoom. It's a fantastic lens. It's hardly been off my D7200 since I bought the camera.

 

I also own the 17-50mm f/2.8 Tamron (non VC), which is excellent if you need a bit more aperture. I have the wide end covered by a Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom and for telephoto I have Tamron's 70-300mm SP VC zoom.

 

All these lenses have excellent image quality that does justice to the D7200's 24Mp sensor. None of them will break the bank and none of them will disappoint you.

<p>I wouldn't go cheap on your lenses after buying a D7200<br />It may not have the 'pro' specs of the D500, but the 24MP sensor still can deliver top IQ images, and will mercilessly show the faults of inferior lenses.<br>

<br />I found that out after I finally sold my D70S and D2X after many faithful years of duty and upgraded to a D7100 (I prefer having a 'grab and go' DX body around next to my FX set, I don't always feel like bringing the 'big guns' along, especially when the highest IQ isn't demanded) .<br>

The D7100 may be the 'older' brother of the D7200 (with e.g. slower AF, not as advanced high ISO and video, smaller buffer etc) but it has a similar/the same (?) 24 MP sensor, and consequently higher resolution.</p>

<p>While my kitlens 18-55 held up quite good on the 6MP D70S and 12 MP D2X (it basically was my 'standard' short zoom for pro PJ and event work when I still shot DX), its IQ fell short dramatically on the D7100 (soft, low contrast)<br>

Similarly my 70-300 VR performed very much up to standards on DX, (even with the D70S eg http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/20130803_boat_ride ), and pretty good on my 12 MP FX D3.<br>

But on higher MP bodies like the FX D800 and within the context of his thread the DX D7100, in particular its lower IQ/performance at the long end shows<br>

A 'wonder' zoom like the 18-200 or even 18-300 are even more of a compromise in that respect. Yes, they do offer the convenience of a wide focal range in one lens.<br>

But that not comes at the cost of the speed of the lens (both 18-200 and 18-300 are 3.5-5.6, maybe similar to the 18-55, but that is due to its smaller size much easier to hold still at slower shutter speeds) but more importantly also at the cost of the IQ http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/778-nikkorafsdx183003556vr?start=2</p>

<p>So rather then buying a single ''does it all' lens that compromises on in particular the IQ (which would of course be a shame of/ go at the cost of the IQ of your D7200), I would better get a higher IQ short zoom to begin with (several options have already been mentioned), and in a later stage maybe get an equally higher IQ longer zoom (unless you of course want to go after using primes)</p>

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<p>I can't believe no one has suggested the 16-80mm f/2.8-4G DX VR.<br>

It is an excellent lens on my D7200.</p>

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<p>I can't believe no one has suggested the 16-80mm f/2.8-4G DX VR.</p>

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<p>It all depends on what the OP wants to do and wants to invest..<br>

A good Zoom could also be a Sigma 50-150 mm or (if you can still find it.)<br>

also a fantastic lens (and fast) a Sigma f/1.8 50mm - 100mm ( also on my wish list now, since I tried it recently from a friend..) , the FF/1.8 makes it more "all purpose " then a lot of other zooms, but it is a big chunk of glass which may be not to everyone's likings ...<br>

But the again , if more wide is desired then a Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm F/3.5-F/5.6 or a sigma 17-70mm F/2.8 - F/4.0 can also be fine examples for a good zoom on DX...</p>

<p>So, for a real answer . we need to know more about budget and intended purpose I think ...</p>

<p>Thanks for the input. To answer some of the queries. I have been a fairly serious amateur for 20 years or so. I submit to competitions fairly often. I have been shooting Pentax DSLRs and Olympus M4/3 mostly. Also have several Nikon film cameras and some AF and Manual focus lens which I like. Looking for walk around lens about 24mm to 105mm or so. Image quality is number one consideration. Best regards.</p>

<p>The 16-80mm on a DX format D7200 has the equivalent angle of view of a 24-120 on FX.</p>