First DSLR after Nikon superzoom - what lens for D5500: I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I...

markjonmiller

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

I appreciate a light camera when traveling, however, a couple of years ago I moved from a bridge camera (think super zoom) to a D5100 DSLR. It would take a lot to go back to a bridge camera.

I bought a kit from Costco that included the 18-55 and 55-300. After a year and a half I bought the 18-140. The 18-140 makes a very good general purpose lens. It is a moderate wide angle with a decent telephoto capability. It's now the lens I use the most. I still like the 55-300 for birds and wild life.

Now the 18-55 mostly sits and I seldom use it.

Think hard, make your decision, and go with it.

psychomom Loc: Indianapolis, IN

I had a D5200 and 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. When I traveled I needed that wide angle, but often found 55mm was not close enough. When I am out and about I could carry a second lens, but it's not convenient to keep changing them. So I would recommend 18-140.

Jahawk Loc: Rhode Island

markjonmiller wrote:

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.

Get the 18-140 you won't be disappointed. my walk around is the Sigma 18-250 os covers everything, however if you plan on shooting indoors alot you might want to look at the 35mm f1.8 too, you can keep it in your pocket, and it's inexpensive. both lens would cover just about all.

threedeers Loc: Northern Illinois

markjonmiller wrote:

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.

If you are going to spend the big bucks on a walk around lense please condsider the 18-200 or 18-300. Eighter will take care of most of your everyday needs.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I just got a D5500. If it were any lighter it would float away. If you are concerned about weight, get the 18-140 VR. It's a lot less heavy than the 18-55 plus 55-300 combination. It will also save you a good deal of lens changing. If you find in the future that you need longer than 140mm you can get something them. By then you'll have a better idea of what you need and what's around.

Eurolux Loc: NYC

I only have the 18-55 and 55-300 and can say from some considerable experience that the longer reach of 300mm gets plenty of use. From what I've researched the 18-140 might have a slight overall edge in quality, but the other two kit lenses are honestly pretty good.

Having previously used a super zoom, you will very likely miss the long reach and wish you had it. My D5300 is very light and easy to carry. Your D5500 is even lighter. Right now Groupon is offering Nikon lenses at some nicely discounted prices. Good luck!

lalezo Loc: Gainesville, FL

I have a D5500 and have attached the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED lens ... this I find almost ideal combination as a walk-around combination. Best of luck !

Lloyd

CO

Nikon's superzoom lenses like the 18-140mm, 18-200mm, 18-300mm, and 28-300mm have a lot of barrel distortion and pincushion distortion. The engineers have to compromise too much in the design in order to achieve the long zoom range. Take a look at the Nikon 16-85mm DX VR lens. It's sharp, has excellent build quality, and has half the distortion of the superzoom lenses.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I had the Nikon 18-200mm which I really enjoyed,but I wanted a faster constant aperture lens.On the recommendation of a professional photographer I bought the sigma 17-50mm f2.8 lens.I love it. Then my friend bought a D7100 and needed a lens and bought the Sigma. We both love the lens. If you want longer reach get the 70-300mm or 55-300. I don't know which is better. Get refurbished or used from B&H or Keh etc.

markjonmiller wrote:

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

markjonmiller wrote:

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.

You do know that there is nothing light about a traditional DSLR, right? It's not nessisarily the just the body, but it's lenses that make up, a lot,of the bulk and weight.

Consider a weather and more importantly a dust sealed camera and lens combo.

I'd suggest either the new EM5 or a used EM1 or Xt-1

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

markjonmiller wrote:

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.

If I were in your shoes the lens I would like to get would be the 18-140.
It is not going to be the perfect lens but as a walk around and for your trip it will prove to be very useful.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

lalezo wrote:

I have a D5500 and have attached the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED lens ... this I find almost ideal combination as a walk-around combination. Best of luck !

Lloyd

The 18-200mm additional option would be one worth considering. I keep that lens on my D7000 95% of the time.

Rjames

I got the D5200 2 years ago with the typical kit lens's 18-55mm & the 55-200mm. I seemed to always want the full range so I found a used 18-200mm & it's never left my camera since. It's not perfect for low light indoor shots & from time to time I want a wider angle but for an all around travel lens it's great.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I am very happy with my 18-140 on my D7100. Yes....it does exhibit barrel distortion but this can be fixed in PP. It is very sharp through the full range, even at 140. Maybe you should rent one and give it a try. There are some good deals on some refurbished 18-140's on the Nikon website, as I recall.

markjonmiller wrote:

I have been using a Nikon p500 superzoom and am ready to get a DSLR to go RAW. Planning on D5500. The question is: what lens- I can either get two (18-55 and 55-300), or one 18-140. Planning a 2-week trip to the middle east this fall. Thoughts? I originally got the superzoom to avoid a heavy camera.