ok which lens... last question I promise!!

[chocolic]

If you had a Nikon d90 body and needed to pick an everyday lens from the following list which would you chose?

Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical (IF) Macro NEW for $235

AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro refurbished for $260

Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro refurb for $210


Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF used for $230

Nikon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom - refurb for $200

Nikkor Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF used for $260

Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3 Af Dc F/dig Nikon used for $200

I've found side by side comparison for cameras - is there a site that does the same for lenses??

[Franglais]

If you had a Nikon d90 body and needed to pick an everyday lens from the following list which would you chose?

Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical (IF) Macro NEW for $235

AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro refurbished for $260

Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro refurb for $210


Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF used for $230

Nikon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom - refurb for $200

Nikkor Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF used for $260

Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3 Af Dc F/dig Nikon used for $200

I've found side by side comparison for cameras - is there a site that does the same for lenses??

Keep on asking questions. You're asking the same ones as people who don't necessarily post themselves but pick up information from our posts. Some criteria for your choice:

a) You have a D90. The sensor has very small pixels which need a high definition lens. A budget lens designed for film is not necessarily going to provide it.

b) You are looking for a "walk-about" lens which we usually consider goes from moderate wide-angle (equivalent of a 28mm in film terms) to at least moderate telephoto (85mm in film terms). A 28mm lens gives a view equivalent to a 42mm in film terms, which is not wide enough for a walk-around

c) Nikon's autofocus requires lenses aith a maximum aperture of f5.6 or wider. In fact the autofocus system exceeds specifications and it will usually work with lenses that open to f6.3 but we could make this a criteria to eliminate more lenses.

I eliminate the following lenses on your list because they are a) budget lenses designed for film b) not wide-angle enough on the D90

- Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical (IF) Macro
- Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
- Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF
- Nikkor Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D IF

I eliminate the following lenses because c) their maximum aperture at the telephoto end is unsupported and could pose problems with the autofocus:

- Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3 Af Dc F
- Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

This leaves us with:

- Nikon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom

[Grandpaw]

I agree with Charles, about asking questions, keep them coming. Most of us learn more by reading other peoples questions than our own. I know this is not on your list and probably not in your budget range but if there is any way you could save up to get the Nikon 18-200VR lens it would be well worth the money. This lens would go from wide angle to telephoto and do a great job! It also has the VR which helps eliminate camera shake at slower shutter speeds. I have one of these lenses and use it for about 98% of my picture taking. The lens is the more important part of getting a great picture than the actual camera. You have a GREAT camera, get a lens to match if it is at all possible, Jeff

The lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...D_IF_AF_S.html

[Frog]

Franglais and Grandpaw have given you good advice.
My only comment is that I used the 18-135 for a long time after getting my D80 and I consider it a better lens than reviews give it.
The only problem I ever had with it is that you'll get vignetting when its wide open, (anything under f/5.6), at the wider angles, probably 18 to 24. Once you're aware of it, its easy to avoid or use if wanted.

[Dallas J]

Out of that list of lenses I don't see anything better than the kit 18-105 vr. After looking at all the tests and reviews of the Nikon lenses (18-105, 108-135, and 18-200) I came to the conclusion the 18-105 kit lens was the best for everyday as far as IQ and price were concerned. The older non stabilized 18-200 and 28-200 seemed to have extremely soft corners. I'll work good as far as quick shots go, but then I might as well get a compact for the price instead of lugging around the D90.

Also, I see them on craigslist for $200-250.

[Frog]

The 18-105 vr lens that Dallas suggests could be a good choice as far as price goes and the vr will let you take a lot of shots that would otherwise need a tripod.

[starriderrick]

I would purchase this lense...if your budget permits. Fantastic piece of glass.

Tokina 50-135mm f/2.8 Pro DX APO Auto Focus Zoom Lens.

Rick