Recommended "First Lens" purchase for a Nikon 7100 (Page 2): For a zoom lens I would recommend the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S lens. It has half the distortion of Nikon's superzoom...

CO

For a zoom lens I would recommend the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S lens. It has half the distortion of Nikon's superzoom lenses. It's very sharp, has great build quality, and three aspherical elements to combat aberrations. It's about $650.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

Bought the d7100 when they first came out and attached a tamron 17-50 F2.8 and it's on the camera about 95% of the time. The only time I attach another lens is when I want to do a pano.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I used to use an 18-200mm, but when I got my D610, I sold that and got a 28-300mm. Very nice all-around lens.

Use the Nikon Lens Simulator to compare lenses.

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/

allen finley photography Loc: Sunshine State.

I love my Sigma DC 17-50mm 2.8 lens. I do not recommend that you get the Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens. I bought it as a first lens and only used it for one shoot.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

When I went from the D3100 to the D7100 I purchased the following lenses over time. They cover the spectrum very well without breaking the bank and I suggest that you consider adding them as your needs develop.

1) 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 (original kit with the D3100 and still an excellent lens for the money)

2) 55-300 f4.5-5.6 (this lens probably spends more time on the D7100 than the others)

3) 85mm f3.5 Macro (This lens is also a favorite when I want to cover a mid range and still go in for tight shots)

4) 35mm f1.8 (I added this lens for low light and it is excellent and a good value for the money)

5) Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 (my newest and only non-Nikon but I am very pleased with it for wider shots)

These cover me from 11mm out to 300mm and from infinity down to inches with good light range coverage, too.

Bob

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I also like a constant aperture lens. There is also the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 lens.

amehta wrote:

All indications are that one of the best lenses fo... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

pasiuk57 Loc: Apple Valley, Minnesota

I really like the Nikon 18-300. HEAVY but I've had great luck with it...covers a nice range. Then the Nikon 50mm 1.4 also great!

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Look at the 18-0200. As Jerry suggested look at the Nikon lens simulator - you can compare the FOV and reach of all of Nikon's lenses to see which may be better suited to what you want right now

Jim Bob

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

18-140 is a superb lens-useful range and extremely sharp, especially when stopped down a little. SB 700 flash hard to beat for the money.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

I would get the 18-200 VR ll for under $600. Bought one for a trip to Hawaii and rarely take it off almost a year later. It is great for everything except BIF (birds in flight) and grizzly bears. (Very long telephotos).
Duane

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

My 18-200mm VR II works very well for me on my D7000. I will keep this lens for this camera, as I migrate to the FF world in the coming months.

KWB1958

18x140 is a great all-purpose lens. A lot of flexibility.

ddonlewis

Everybody has to assess what type of photography they do, and how tolerant you are to compromise. I'm not a fan of the superzooms like 18-105/135/200 or more. It's proven that the quality of a wide and tele zoom combo is much better. The 18-55 and 55-200 is a great combo for well less the amount you want to spend. They are light to carry and the quality is great. Yes they are not fast, but with todays cameras, and there performance in low light you don't need the super fast lenses any longer. Yes, certain applications may need a fast lens, but not many. Some like the fast single focal length lenses like the 35, 50 or 85, but I've never seen much quality improvement, and the loss of flexibility over a zoom doesn't work for me.

Jim Bob

ddonlewis wrote:

Everybody has to assess what type of photography t... (show quote)

I disagree with your assessment of the 55-200 when compared with the 18-140. I think the latter is sharper. Be that as it may, are you confident the OP can acquire your recommendations and a decent flash for under $700? Would be close.

David E. Parvin Loc: Aurora, CO

photon56 wrote:

Nikkor 35mm f1.8 is a great lens, very good low light capabilities that will compliment the D7100 nicely.

Could not agree more, a great lens at great price. I also have the 50mm and the 85mm but the 35mm is the one I use the most.