Nikon G 28-80 (gelded) f3.3-5.6. This lens came out with Nikon's N series film camera's years ago. In fact I often buy an N series from N55 to N80 film camera to get one. Works on all digital Nikons except it has no focus motor. Usually pay $50 for the camera and body, but can surely buy the lens alone in that price category.

I buy this lens for every Nikon body I pick up. THIS IS A BUDGET TIP!!!

This is the sharpest cheap Nikon Nikkor I have ever put on front of any Nikon camera.

I read about this lens on the Ken Rockwell site some years ago. I have purchased a bunch of them. Always around $50... a disposable price, but I have never broken one, nor has one ever failed me.

The writeup from Ken Rockwell is on the money on this lens per my experience with nearly 20 of them.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-80mm-g.htm

By the Way, I highly regard Ken Rockwell. He is the only reviewer I have ever heard call an occasional Nikon or Canon lens a piece of S___. I knew he was legitimate the first time I read one of those reviews. Nikon and Canon, as well as others, have occasionally turned out bad lenses. One who presumes they can do no wrong with their glass is in for a surprise. Do your research.

Ken's straightforward reviews have save me from many mistakes in my buying/selling cameras over the years. No purchase on my part gets made without looking at Ken's comments, as well as other review sites.

Just a Kudo for KR.

The unique identifiers for me when shopping for this lens is 28-80 zoom and f3.3 largest aperture (unique) half a stop over an f2.8 or approx that.

Nikon made 1.5 million of these. Come in black and grey. I usually buy the grey because it's a fast grab in my camera bag. I have never had a problem finding one of these within 5-10 minutes on eBay and one other site that I frequent.

Beware of one thing. If you see an N film camera, don't just grab it because you think it has this lens. Some large super camera stores bought N film Nikon bodies only, and put Quantaray (CRAP POS) on them to compete with Nikon. Look for the f3.3 Nikkor brand. Wolfs and Ritz camera stores were notorious for the Quantaray switch. Every time I get a Quantaray lens on a body, I immediately throw it in the trash, working or not. Usually NOT!

Did I say Cheap? Did I say plentiful? Did I say go ahead and break it, and just pick up another?

If you want an inexpensive medium zoom that is likely as sharp as ANYTHING YOU NOW OWN, regardless of what you paid and brand.... this could be the lens.

I'm picking up two more today, one to put on a 3000 shutter count Nikon D7100 I am picking up for $350.

So todays budget tip:

Sharp lens 28-80 Nikkor G
24 Megapixel D7100 body
No AA filter
Relatively high ISO
Low shutter count on this one

Total Outlay $400 plus shipping

Source... eBay

Seller has 400+ feedback at 100% positive.

I spoke once before about how I buy my photo gear for very good prices, and manage to stay relatively current. This is another one of those deals.

I have three hobbies... Gen Aviation, Sailing, and photography since the Sixties. Photography has third priority in my budget, so I spend the least there.

Look for the Deals first. Use and Refurbished and a couple of years behind the cutting edge. In no way do I justify Full Frame, and New Prices.

I am happy with the results of the shots I do get with this budget theory.