rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

I bought a used D7200 with a Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300 1:4.5-5.6 G ED lens. It seems to be a great lens, but I now need something versatile like an 18-55 lens to round out functionality. Shopping for lenses must give even experts at least a headache, cuz I'm in total overwhelm. First off, I don't understand the difference between the lenses f stop range, eg the 4.5-5.6 of my existing lens and what you can do with the camera. That lens gives me an f-stop range of 4.5 to 22. So how does one know when buying a lens what the lens' state rating translates to in the camera? It seems obvious to me I'd want a lens with maximum flexibility since I only have a budget for one more lens right now.

Anyway, any other recommendations or insights would be helpful. Lens stabilization is also important to me, but otherwise I really want a good lens...max budget about $1000.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Bill_de Loc: US

The 4.5 to 5.6 is the range that the maximum aperture (smallest numbers) changes when you zoom from shortest to longest focal length. The change my not be linear. The 4.5 to 22 is the range from the widest opening to the smallest, adjusted by the user.

---

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Since the lens is a zoom lens, it will specify 2 f/stops. The 4.5 is the wide open f/stop at the 55mm zoom and the 5.6 is the largest f/stop at the 300mm zoom. The minimum aperture f/22 is the same for both ends of the zoom range.
--Bob

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Well, you're out of luck. Nobody here will have any opinions on the subject.

From personal experience, the most versatile medium-wide angle zoom for a crop sensor camera is the Sigma 16-35 f/1.4 ART. And you can find one between $700 and $800.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/967344-REG/sigma_18_35mm_f1_8_dc_hsm.html

CO

LensTip.com does extensive lens testing. They test cameras in eleven or sometimes twelve categories. Here's a link to their testing of the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the eleven categories you can click on. I downloaded their image resolution testing for that lens. You can see that lenses have a sweet spot range for sharpness. I wouldn't stop down the lens smaller than f/8.

Another great lens to consider is the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR DX lens. It's sharp, has great build quality, and has low distortion. I have two of them.

https://www.lenstip.com/225.1-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_AF-S_DX_18-55_mm_f_3.5-5.6G_VR-Introduction.html

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens center


Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens edge

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The 18-55mm is a very good lens for a good price. Don't be too concerned with aperture numbers unless you want to spend big bucks. Lenses called f/2.8 (for example) are very expensive because that large f/2.8 aperture is available at the far end of the zoom range. That requires larger, good quality glass ($$).

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Vibration-Reduction-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B01MXINYSI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519384808&sr=8-3&keywords=nikon+18-55mm&dpID=416L7D4-5UL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Reviews -

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55mm-vr-ii.htm
http://www.bythom.com/1855lens.htm

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I purchased my D7200 with an 18-140mm f3.5 lens and its stays on my camera most of the time. It's a great all around lens and very sharp given that it was considered a kit lens. It's surprisingly small even at full throw with a reasonable f stop range. The focal range is adequate for 95% of my shooting and I rarely need to change lenses. I guess I'm just lazy, that's probably why I like it so much.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

[quote=rgrenaderphoto]Well, you're out of luck. Nobody here will have any opinions on the subject.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I recommend the Nikkor 16-80 2.8-4 lens. It's a better lens than the 16-85.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Good answer.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

I say this stay with the Nikon brand Lens, while here on this site some will recommend other brands. over the years I’ve had 3rd party Lens they just didn’t do or meet the quality of the ORM ones in my opinion, I know I’ve just opened a can of worms oh well. Good luck shopping for what you want to buy!

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

The f/stop range lets you know the light-gathering ability of the lens. If you only shoot outdoors in relatively good light, it does not matter as much as if you also shoot in low light situations. The lower number/wider aperture lens allows for opening the aperture wider than the higher number/smaller aperture lens. So if you find an f/2.8 lens in your price range, it is usually a better choice than f/3.5 or f/4.5. As someone else suggested, this is one of the differences between the 16-85mm f/3.5 and the 16-80mm f/2.8.

Comparing at these two lenses, they are very close in most of their specifications. The ways they differ are what make one better than the other. The 72mm lens vs. the 67mm lens is one - wider [72mm] = more light-gathering ability regardless of f/stop. Other differences are found in the internal build - the number of Lens Groups in the f/2.8 = 13 vs. the f/3.5 = 11; f/2.8 = nano crystal coat on lens vs. f/3.5 = no coat; ED Glass Elements f/2.8 - 4, f/3.5 = 2; Type - f/2.8 = E, f/3.5 = G. So it is not just what you can see that is different! [To learn what the letters and other terms mean, go to Nikon's website under "Learn and Explore" - under the heading "More Learning" you will find their "Photography Glossary".]

There is more "engineering" in the 16-80 f/2.8 that is focused on producing sharper images. I have not used this lens, but reports are that while the 16-85 f/3.5 is good, the 16-80 f/2.8 is better. Since you only have the budget for one lens, I suggest you consider buying pre-owned or refurbished. This makes it possible to get a better quality lens [or camera] than you might otherwise have been able to afford. If you have a local camera store, you could inquire as to what they have. If not, then online the best [and "trusted"] vendors are B&H, Adorama, Cameta, KEH and, of course, Nikon. I use B&H and Adorama because in addition to good prices, good service, and honesty, they are close enough to me that delivery is usually within 2 days!

Hope this helps.
Susan

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

For a lens in the 18-55 range I recommend the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8. It's one of the best DX lenses that Nikon makes. You can pick up a used one from KEH camera for under $800.

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-17-55mm-f-2-8g-ed-if-af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor-lens.html