Replacement for 18-200???

[radityopradipto]

Hi guys
I'm thinking of upgrading my 18-200 lens right now... Can you suggest me good combination of lenses which can cover this range (or more) with a reasonable price?
I'm still considering adding 50 1.4G to my kit though

[OsmosisStudios]

Your signature shows that you have an 11-16. In that case, I'd be tempted to go for a 16-85 and a 70-300 for the super telephoto range.

this gives you essentially the same setup as I have

The 16-85 is a great walkaround, the 70-300 (the VR version, please) is a great telephoto zoom and, coupled with your 11-16 gives you a 16-450 range (equiv), and that's great.

Keep in mind, though, that this combination *will* be more expensive than the 18-200 alone. I bought my 18-200 for $800 and sold it for $700 a year later: I was able to get the 70-300 with that and put the rest towards a 10-24, which I've since bought.

I do think, though, that the image quality jump is more than worth it.

[radityopradipto]

So 16-85 has good optic quality? I read in kenrockwell.com that the quality of 16-85 is reasonably similar with 18-200 though...
And about 70-300 VR, some people it's quite soft at the far end... Is that true? Or even though it's soft, it's still sharper than 18-200?
I'm planning to keep my 18-200 though... It's a good lens for hang out with friends or for events which doesn't let me swap between lenses

[kirbinster]

The 70-300VR is somewhat softer at 300mm, but it is super tack sharp at 200-250mm. The Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR is a great lens if you want a really fast long lens. Another good lens is the Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 AF-S if you want a super sharp mid-range lens.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by radityopradipto

So 16-85 has good optic quality? I read in kenrockwell.com that the quality of 16-85 is reasonably similar with 18-200 though...

Don't base your opinion on just 1 person. Everywhere on the net you will find the same 2 comments.
1- Picture quality is awsome... but...
2- It's very expensive. For just a little more you can get a 18-200mm

Now, to answer your question radityopradipto,
I would go with exaclty what OsmosisStudios was saying: 16-85mm + 70-300. They are in the same build category with both VRII, a metal connector, and a rubber backseal.

Check my signature, this is exactly what I'm using and I would buy the same thing if I had to do it again.

Next lens on my list is actually the 10-24mm DX hehehe

[LoveDSLR]

Since your D90 is good for ISO 3200, any ~17-55 f/2.8 (cropped/DX) if you prefer the wide end or any 24-70 f/2.8.

Nikon 70-300 VR is a best buy otherwise any 70-200 f/2.8.

[radityopradipto]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

Don't base your opinion on just 1 person. Everywhere on the net you will find the same 2 comments.
1- Picture quality is awsome... but...
2- It's very expensive. For just a little more you can get a 18-200mm

Now, to answer your question radityopradipto,
I would go with exaclty what OsmosisStudios was saying: 16-85mm + 70-300. They are in the same build category with both VRII, a metal connector, and a rubber backseal.

Check my signature, this is exactly what I'm using and I would buy the same thing if I had to do it again.

Next lens on my list is actually the 10-24mm DX hehehe

Hey, I saw your photo in Flickr
Montgolfiere 2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
It's quite sharp though... So the 300mm end is softer wide open but getting better at F/8-11, isn't it?

[Digidave]

Here is a sample of the Nikkor 16-85mm VR lens. If you click on the picture it'll take you to my Kayaking set & all shots are from the same lens. It's a great lens!

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by radityopradipto

It's quite sharp though... So the 300mm end is softer wide open but getting better at F/8-11, isn't it?

To be honest, i never really check what is the sweet spot (it's probably around 200mm, f/8). I choose the setting I need for the picture I want.

I wouldn't worry to much about that if I were you. Check this shot, it was taken at 300mm, f/5.6 and I find it quite sharp:



Don't forget Review sites are paid to identify issues and no lens is perfect, not even primes.

[dsenglish]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Since your D90 is good for ISO 3200, any ~17-55 f/2.8 (cropped/DX) if you prefer the wide end or any 24-70 f/2.8.

Nikon 70-300 VR is a best buy otherwise any 70-200 f/2.8.

I agree.. go with a higher end piece of glass with lower fstops. 18 - 200 and the 16 - 85 are giving you very similar range of working fstops. So I really wouldn't considered that an upgrade, more like more of the same.