Nikon lenses (Page 3): Get the DX 70-300 AFP. Refurbs about $200. Be sure to get VR. Much better image quality than AFS 55-300.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Gandalf67 wrote:

I am thinking of purchasing either a Nikon dx 18-55 vr and a 55-300 vr or an 18-300 vr. While I like the idea of one lens, I don’t want to sacrifice image quality. I am a hobbiest, not a professional. I mostly use my camera while traveling and take a wide variety of pictures. Any help would be appreciated. I would be pairing the lenses with either a D5600 or a D7500. Thanks

Get the DX 70-300 AFP. Refurbs about $200. Be sure to get VR.

Much better image quality than AFS 55-300.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

The 18-300 AFS is good. There are two models. The one with the larger objective (I think the older one) is better. It is all my wife used on her D5300. I now have it but must admit I use it rarely, preferring my Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and AFP 70-300 VR.

I also have the 28-300. While it works on your cameras it isn’t the best choice. It is heavier and more expensive and has lower image quality than above.

Choice depends on above factors plus how much you dislike carrying and changing multiple lenses.

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

I have had all the mentioned lens and bodies with the exception of the 18-300 and the IQ on all of them is very good and all you need. If you get a packaged kit with the 18-55 and 70-300 make sure the 70-300 has VR as a lot of kits are packaged with the non-VR lens. The D7500 on B&H is packaged with the 18-55 and 70-300 and both are VR for $996 the D5600 kit does not have VR on the 70-300 so if I got the D5600 I would just get it with either the 18-55 or 18-140 and buy a 70-300 on e-bay. Myself I would get the D7500 with whatever lens you want the 18-140 or 18-300 are the most versatile.

mcmama

I had both kit lenses for a D5500 and sold the 18-55 when I got a D7200 with an 18-140. This summer I traded that lens for an 18-300 and couldn’t be happier. I love the quality of my images.

Paul LaFontaine

The 18-140 is a great lens. I also really like my 55-300.

Janet05

CHG_CANON wrote:

As mentioned by others, start with just the DX 18-140 VR. Let your interests and experience with this lens on the candidate camera determine later if you need anything longer or shorter.

I have the D7500 with the 18-140 and 70-300 4.5-5.6E and really like them.
I have others but I started with those two and they are my go-to lenses

wkillham

Gandalf67 wrote:

I am thinking of purchasing either a Nikon dx 18-55 vr and a 55-300 vr or an 18-300 vr. While I like the idea of one lens, I don’t want to sacrifice image quality. I am a hobbiest, not a professional. I mostly use my camera while traveling and take a wide variety of pictures. Any help would be appreciated. I would be pairing the lenses with either a D5600 or a D7500. Thanks

I have the 18-300. I traded an 18-200 for it. They are both great lenses but if I had to do it over I would keep the 18-200. The 18-300 does not give that much more reach and is much larger and heavier.

srfmhg Loc: Marin County, CA

I use a Nikon 18-300 3.5-5.6 on my D7200 and now my D7500 for 95% of my shots. I hate changing lenses outdoors when traveling and then cleaning the sensors. Feel free to check my posts for examples. This lens is slightly bigger and heavier than the 3.5-6.3.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

srfmhg wrote:

I use a Nikon 18-300 3.5-5.6 on my D7200 and now my D7500 for 95% of my shots. I hate changing lenses outdoors when traveling and then cleaning the sensors. Feel free to check my posts for examples. This lens is slightly bigger and heavier than the 3.5-6.3.

And it is the better, IMHO.

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

If you have not purchased the D7500 yet I just bought it as a kit with the 16-80 F/2.8-4 and find this an excellent combination. I started out with a D300 and the 18-200 and used it quite a bit until I replaced it with a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and 70-300 and was much happier with the image quality. The Tamron stayed on my subsequent Dx bodies most of the time. It is a tradeoff between convenience and image quality. Honestly, I was happy with the 18-200 image quality even on larger prints but that with the D300 was a heavy rig to carry all day. I found I preferred the more used focal lengths of 17-50 around my neck and a 10-20 and 70-300 in my pack. I felt the Nikon 16-80 F/2.8-4 was a little pricey alone but with the deep discounts on the kits made it reasonable and I really do like the combination.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

I use the 55-300 for remote shots from launch pads of rockets taking off @Kennedy Space Center....Resullts are impressive...lighting is NOT an issue?..you may want to check out Ken Rockwell’s site..kenrockwell.com & go through his reports on each lens...He is fully independent & yields a comprehensive & thorough report with pictures he has taken with each lens.....

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

Janet05 wrote:

I have the D7500 with the 18-140 and 70-300 4.5-5.6E and really like them.
I have others but I started with those two and they are my go-to lenses

Same combo of zooms here for my D5600. With that large overlap in ranges, I find the 18-140 on my camera most of the time. Kind of wish I looked at the D7500 more - a better camera in several areas. Plently of reveiws out there comparing the two cameras.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Strodav wrote:

I have a Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 that came with m... (show quote)

18-140 or Tamron 18-400...wife has thousands of nice shots with both in Yellowstone.

bob44044 Loc: Ohio

Gandalf67 wrote:

I am thinking of purchasing either a Nikon dx 18-55 vr and a 55-300 vr or an 18-300 vr. While I like the idea of one lens, I don’t want to sacrifice image quality. I am a hobbiest, not a professional. I mostly use my camera while traveling and take a wide variety of pictures. Any help would be appreciated. I would be pairing the lenses with either a D5600 or a D7500. Thanks

I've had the 18-300 for about 4 years and have absolutely no regrets. Carrying one lens is the way to go. Very, very little clarity is lost. I've won several Photo contests with it. Too little to worry about. The only draw back is the weight. That can be a drag, but nothing is perfect.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

MrBumps2U wrote:

I have wrestled with this question, and I am sure ... (show quote)

I too like the 18-140. I don't frequently have the need for the extra reach of my 18-200.