Willssnr

I find the info shared on this site very useful. Hopefully a few thoughts please.
I have inherited a Nikon D 90, and would like to ask for advice on choosing a Zoom lens
( perhaps as long as 300) to use as a general purpose lens. A low level budget does restrain a little but would like to know what to aim for!
Many thanks

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I use an 18-200 as a walk-around lens.
Works for me.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The various 70-300 VR models would be a great choice, just assure they are the AF-S models as this model body is too old to be updated for the newest AF-P zooms.

For more general purpose, all-around, the DX models that range from 18-105 VR through 18-200 VR are all useful, just decide which and how much you want to spend, as well as maybe some consideration on the size / weight, where the longer the focal range, the physically larger the lens.

BebuLamar

For the D90 if I were to buy a lens that I would use most of the time it would be the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8.

Celtis87

I have used the Nikon DX 18-200 lens. I’ve been very happy with it, starting with my D80 and now on my D7000. It’s helped me take some nice shots.

(Download)

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Nikon makes a 18-300 DX lens. Those lenses usually have compromises and photographers should be aware of them when they use them. Perhaps in your case two zooms could fit you better.
Nikon made an 18-70 DX AF-S lens that can be bought used at a most reasonable price and it is an excellent performer. The FX 70-300 AF-S has excellent image quality. As has been already advised if you decide to go that route check compatibility.

BooIsMyCat Loc: Somewhere

Wonderful view.

I wonder what that would look like with a long exposure..

Najataagihe

An 18-55mm DX lens is equivalent to the old standby 28-80mm lens for 35mm film cameras.

It is the cheapest, most versatile lens you can get for GENERAL photography.

If you want to add a zoom, the 55-200mm DX is the equivalent of an 80-300mm on a 35mm film camera.

Seeing as we thought an 80-200mm was the cat’s meow, back in the day, it is an extremely useful range for a general-use telephoto zoom.

You do NOT need “fast glass”, except in some extreme circumstances.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

By "prime", I presume you mean as "main" lens on your D 90. For years, I used an older model Nikon 28-105 3.5-4.5 with satisfaction(The one that didn't have the newer bayonet hood.)on my D 90. If you watch, you can get one in good shape for (relatively) not much money. On a crop sensor camera, 42-157mm equivalent view, a very handy range, I found.
Japanese eBayers have some good examples. Nikon won't fix them, should something go wrong, but there seem to be independent shops that do repair them. That, and the 35mm f/1.8 Nikon DX lens should make a very versatile set for the D 90. If you wish to go longer, the AF-s 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR can be had for reasonable amounts. 105-450mm equivalent view. It is a stellar lens! AVOID the cheaper, non-VR versions. Just my never-humble opinion!

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If the range of your lens doesn't include wide angle options, that's more likely to catch you out than not having enough reach - unless you're specifically into wildlife or sport. Not having wide angle options will be far more restrictive than not having telephoto options.

fredtoo Loc: Houston

sure, zoom lenses are a compromise, so if you enjoy almost always having the wrong lens on when the photo op happens, do not consider one.

But if you don't really enjoy changing lenses (especially on the move), then consider the Nikon 18-300 and you may not ever take it off. Really great color, and its almost always the lens you need.

What is the best thing about the 18-300 ? When it came out it made the very popular 18-200 dirt cheap. Just as nice a lens, but doesn't quite reach out far enough for me.

If you want to do still-lifes (flowers, bugs, fruit bowls) you can always pick up a good quality used fixed lens. There you will want good control over your depth-of-field. Might be the only time you would even consider removing your zoom.

just another opinion.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

This lens has an excellent reputation and takes beautiful sharp images. And it won't break the bank. I have used it in Florida Wetlands with huge success.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1275036-REG/nikon_20062_afp_dx_nikkor_70_300mm.html
Just make sure it will operate on your camera.

Celtis87

Thanks. That would make for a terrific shot with the right ND filter.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Just click the <Compatibility> section from your link above, and one can confirm the Nikon D90 is not compatible with this AF-P lens.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I've owned a D90 (actually 2, sold one, still use one on occassion) for a long time. Great lenses for this model include the Nikon AF-S (AF-S series) 18-55, 18-105, 18-140, 55-200, 18-200/18-300, 70-300 and none of them will break the bank (with good shopping). Lenses from the AI (limited compatibility), AF-D and AF-S series will work with full functionality ( the Nikkor chart says AF-P will not work), and several of the Tamron and Sigma models work very well (Tamron 18-270, either version works very well with the D-90) and 18-250 Sigma, among others.

Besides myself, I would imagine there are a number of Hog's with lenses (that get less usage, due to newer gear, mirrorless, and such) that will help you for what would now be very reasonable prices. The D90 is a solid workhorse, and delivers fine photos, patience and good shopping will yield a fine kit that takes excellent photos for little money. The D90 does have the old AF screw drive, so many older/legacy lenses will work with full AF capability. Good hunting.

If I have any I'm willing to part with (including some large telephoto Nikon/Sigma/Tamron) I'll post them later, as I am slimming down my collection. Check compatibility charts carefully, some from other sources list many inaccuracies, stick with a Nikkor chart, and charts from Sigma/Tamron.