mike_stoddart

<p>I picked up a Nikon 18-105mm VR on Friday, loving it so far. Haven't dropped it yet! :)</p>

<p>Thanks. Mike, that's what I'm thinking. The 18-105mm VR is discounted right now and it's in my budget. Should I worry about it having a plastic mount? Is there an equivalent with a metal mount? I've read about the Sigma 18-125mm, but does it compare well?</p>

<p>I have the opportunity to buy a used Nikon 18-105VR or a Nikon 18-135 (non-VR). Are these preferred over Sigma/Tamron?</p>

<p>Thanks again. I'm leaning towards a general purpose lens, I think it'll suit my needs more. When I go out I would rather take one lens, especially if I'm travelling. This muddies the water as I know I'll have to compromise on quality to some extent, but I'm more interested in capturing pictures than ensuring quality down to the pixel level. I will print pictures but only to fit the atypical picture frame around the house.</p>

<p>Any suggestions? I'll probably try to stay away from anything 18-200m - 18-270mm, unless there's something fantastic I should look at. The Sigma 15-125mm seems to get positive reviews, again knowing its limitations. Nikon's 18-200mm is too expensive and I'm not sure if the Sigma or Tamron 18 above 200m are worth looking at. I could try to pick up a used Nikon 18-105mm or 18-135mm though they both have plastic mounts. So many options! :)</p>

<p>Thanks all. Richard, I know I'm supposed to understand your re-quote, but I'll have to hit the books. :)</p>

<p>Thanks. So you don't think using one lens is worth it over two? A lot of my pictures are on the spur of the moment and switching lens will be a pain. I can afford a 70-300mm through ebay but I'm not sure I want to spend that much. Resale value isn't important to me - I want to get a lens to keep for a long time.</p>

<p>How do I use my cameras? Typical family stuff around the house and out. Anything interesting I see when I'm out and about; nature, buildings, sky, rivers etc. The last time I needed a telephoto was taking a picture of my daughter sledging. My 18-55mm was too short and I couldn't get in close enough.</p>

<p>I bought a D90 a few months ago with the standard 18-55mm lens. I'm completely new to DSLR and also to the fundamentals of photography beyond point and shoot cameras, but I'm very slowly trying to learn.</p>

<p>I would like to get a telephoto lens but I can't decide if I should get a lens that would also replace my 18-55mm or if I should get the Nikon 55-200mm VR to complement my 18-55mm. My budget is very low; I don't see any point in buying an expensive lens given my lack of knowledge.</p>

<p>I've read a lot about various lenses and I'm wondering if a Sigma or Tamron, e.g. 18-250mm, would suffice. Or is my best bet Nikon's 55-200mm VR?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>