grumpy52

Would like to buy a longer lens for my camera- either a nikon 18-300 3.5, Sigma 28-250 or tamron 28-270. (not sure of the last 2 lens specs). I like the idea of the longer tele and faster lenses-$999.00-nikon, but both the sigma and tamron are about 50% less. All 3 lens have their strong points as far as VR, focusing speed, weight. The nikon is the fastest at 3.5. I am leaning toward the nikon, just wavering on the price a little. I know other alternatives are the various 28-200 f 2.8 lens but wish for a little more tele. What do think?
Hope this makes sense!

JimGuy

The lens's mentioned are sort of "jack of all" lens's. They are versitile, but wont be as sharp, fast, or expensive as lens's such as a Nikkor 24-70/2.8 or 70-200/2.8 etc.
I have an older Nikkor 18-200 vr1 lens that I use on the D300s occasionally, and you can get good images with it. It does have its "soft spots" but it is a handy walk around lens if you dont want to carry a lot of gear, change lens's, or dont know what you will run across. The Nikkor lens's lens's probably have better quality control (consistancy from one copy to the next).
Theres a newer improved version of the Nikkor 18-200vr...the 18-200 vr2. You might take a look at that one. As far as the price difference between the Nikkor lens's and the third party, you do, IMO, to a large extent get what you pay for, altho photo gear is a bit over priced in general. Going from 18-300 seems like it might be too much of a stretch.
Read some reviews. Heres a link to a decent review site. RE the Sigma and Tamron, I think you meant the 18-250 and 18-270. http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview#nikon_aps

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Have you considered looking for a factory refurb at Adorama, B&H or Cameta (or used from KEH) to save a few $$$?

I'm using the 18-200-VRII with my D7100 and am well pleased with the what it produces

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

I have the D3100 and use the tamron 18-270 as a all purpose lens, also have the 70-300 tamron but its heavier and not as good for close ups or all purpose, also the nikon 50mm for those times the 18-270 is a bit much.
For my needs the 18-270mm has acceptable quailty.
Pete

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Why don't you look at the metadata of your photos and see which focal lengths you use most often. I switched from Nikon 18-200mm vr lens to Sigma 17-50mm f2.8. I love the constant 2.8 aperture and don't miss focal length.

SteveO9

I'm also looking for an all purpose lens for my 5200 but don't want to spend over 1000 for the nikkor, any suggestions?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Look for online reviews and comparisons. You can save an awful lot of money without noticing any decline in picture quality. A brand name is just that - a name.

JimGuy

I think Nikon may have a bit better quality control, consistancy from copy to copy than some of the third party lens's.
Heres a good review site where they test lens's.
http://www.photozone.de/