Best AP-Z Lens for a Nikon DX Body - under $500? Used to be the 18-105 was THE kit lens, for Nikon DX Bodies. Then, they came out with this new 18-140. Neither lens has gotten...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Used to be the 18-105 was THE kit lens, for Nikon DX Bodies. Then, they came out with this new 18-140. Neither lens has gotten particularly good reviews, has it? In fact, the older 18-105 has actually fared better than this one.
Nikon users, what would be YOUR recommendation for an all-around AP-Z (you can choose a third party one, too!)

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Nikkor 55-300mm AFS VR.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

You need a Prime: 35mm 1.8 DX

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

!8-140 is a nice all around lens.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

DAVEO - really? ... Haven't found any fault with it, at all, huh, Dave?

mrpentaxk5ii

Kmgw9v wrote:

You need a Prime: 35mm 1.8 DX

Why, he may have no use for a 35mm prime, it might not be wide enough or long enough for his use.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

mrpentaxk5ii wrote:

Why, he may have no use for a 35mm prime, it might not be wide enough or long enough for his use.

Everyone with a DX body needs a 35mm Prime.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

!8-140 is a nice all around lens, don't short sell the kit lenses. Close to the AP-Z your reference, so I don't know why anyone would recommend a 35mm. Comfortable for a walk around. My wife has blown up quite a few of the several thousand shots from our trips. Cheap enough for a used or refurb. If you desire a longer lens then this obviously would not work for you.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Kmgw9v wrote:

Everyone with a DX body needs a 35mm Prime.

I have two of them and don't need either one, particularly if I'm wanting a zoom.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

As far as wide angle lenses, I have both the Sigma EX 10-20 - a wonderful lens, AND the Tamron SP 10-24 - which I am not so fond of ... but, in some situations, it has worked out better than the 10-20 ....

I don't honestly see any advantage in using a non-macro prime. Except for speed, of course. But, with the ISO extension available on today's DSLRs - there's really no need for ultrafast lenses anymore. f2.8 is usually enough.

mrpentaxk5ii

ChrisT wrote:

Used to be the 18-105 was THE kit lens, for Nikon DX Bodies. Then, they came out with this new 18-140. Neither lens has gotten particularly good reviews, has it? In fact, the older 18-105 has actually fared better than this one.
Nikon users, what would be YOUR recommendation for an all-around AP-Z (you can choose a third party one, too!)

A lens that goes from 18mm to what ever is a type of lens that has a long focal length but is not great in low light or will give you the sharpest photo. you would be better off choosing a 17mm to say 70-85mm if you are more likely to shoot from normal to med-telephoto and add a 55-250 or up as a second lens. but first decide what subjects you are most likely to photograph.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

DAVEO - there you are, you see ... one of my Macros is my Tokina 35 Pro DX which is a f2.8 lens. Use it, from time to time on my D7000 ... works out well, when I need that length. Doesn't happen very often, though ....

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

MRPENTAXK5II - I have the 16-85 VR, but I don't really see that as an AP-Z. It's more special-purpose, when you need the width of a 24, and at the same time ... are likely to want to go to 127 for portrait use ....

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

ChrisT wrote:

DAVEO - there you are, you see ... one of my Macros is my Tokina 35 Pro DX which is a f2.8 lens. Use it, from time to time on my D7000 ... works out well, when I need that length. Doesn't happen very often, though ....

No, I don't see....you're the one who posted talking about an AP-Z lens and wanting to know about the 18-140 and wanting to spend less than $500 for an all around lens. Good luck in your search.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

DAVEO - that comment I made - there, you see - was more directed to the forum in general ... you mentioned you have two 35 Primes, but have no use for either. Actually, I have a 35 Prime - which is also a macro. I don't use it much, as I don't have occasion to - as, apparently, you don't either. Now, then - the object of this post - is to get some feedback about the AP-Z lenses available for Nikon-mount DX cameras. I know about the 18-105, and the current replacement - the 18-140 - neither of which have gotten particularly good reviews. So, I was wondering if others have gone in a different direction, perhaps, to 3rd-party lenses - Sigmas or Tamrons ....