Lens for Nikon D80

I'm looking any purchasing a Nikon D80, but am unsure about the lens to buy with it. I like the idea of the starter lens (Nikon 18-135), but it has received terrible reviews, yet I can't afford anything like the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor. What other lenses would people recommend that are around the same price as the Nikon 18-135 in the mindset that this will be the first and primary lens for the camera -- I may purchase another lens in the long run, but for now, this will be it?

I like the idea of the Tamron AF28-200mm, but it almost seems too good to be true and I'm not sure about the quality of the lens.

Any ideas?

Zakir

I bought the 18-70mm kit lens with my D80, and have found that to be a nice general purpose lens. I also bought the cheaper Nikon 70 - 300 mm lens at the same time for about $200 and found it to be ok - the quality wasn't great, but the price wasn't high either :)

Where are you seeing bad reviews for the 18-135?
Its the lens I got with my D80 and I'm quite happy with it for a walk around lens.
Quick focus, quarter turn zoom, very quiet. Might not be up to pro standards but I've been asked for some of my photos with it.
Only problem I have with it is vignetting at widest angles if I don't boost the f/stop to 5.6 or higher.

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Originally Posted by Zakir

I'm looking any purchasing a Nikon D80, but am unsure about the lens to buy with it. I like the idea of the starter lens (Nikon 18-135), but it has received terrible reviews, yet I can't afford anything like the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor. What other lenses would people recommend that are around the same price as the Nikon 18-135 in the mindset that this will be the first and primary lens for the camera -- I may purchase another lens in the long run, but for now, this will be it?

I like the idea of the Tamron AF28-200mm, but it almost seems too good to be true and I'm not sure about the quality of the lens.

Any ideas?

Zakir

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Did you check out the reviws on this site? The only review of the 18-135 is written by Frog and he's already said he's happy with it. Check out the other reviews and the answer is staring you in the face - if you can't afford the 18-200 then go for the 18-70 which is excellent (I have both).

I would definitely steer away from the Tamron AF28-200. I don't have one but this is my reasoning:

- no wide-angle setting (28mm is more of a "normal" focal length)
- designed for film rather than digital. It might not have the resolution required by the smaller digital sensor. If you're going to use film lenses on a digital camera then stick to the very best ones ($1000+)
- not made by Nikon. Tamron is a worthy manufacturer and they turn out some good lenses (I have the 11-18). But Nikon are the best at making low-price lenses

Charles