Looking for a good Nikon Lens for the D70

[stvvon]

I bought a Nikon D70, and am in the market for a good lens that dosen't cost a small fortiune. ($100- $300 range) Im doing reserch and getting information overload. What is a good lense? and what should I avoid? How much should I spend?

[jojonac]

With that budget I would suggest the 50mm F1.8 Should be able to get one for around $200 and its a great lens. The only problem is I dont think it will auto focus on your camera...but Nikon does make a 50mm that has the focus motor built into the lens for a little more but I think its still under $500.

Joel

[pan]

stvvon,
congrats on the D70, it's a great camera. I have the D70 also and am very happy with it. I own the 18 to 70 kit lens, the 60mm macro and the 50mm @ 1.8 and haven't found a need for any other lens yet.
jojonac, autofocus does work with the standard 50mm, the D70 has the focus motor in the body.

[Raoul Isidro]

I would recommend the 18-70mm Nikon lens that was with it in the kit, when the model was released. It will work best on the D70, as it was designed with the D70 in mind. Then I would get the Nikon 55-200mm VR. Cheers.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

If you're looking to learn, and since the D70 has the built-in focussing motor, I'd say go for the AF 50mm f/1.8. It's a gem of a lens, quick, light, cheap.

I say "if you're looking to learn" because since I bought the 35mm prime for my D40, I've found my composition and perspective abilities growing immeasurably. Using a prime (as opposed to a zoom) forces you to move around with your own feet and look at the image in the viewfinder for a touch longer. I have zero regrets about getting the 35mm. If I had the screw motor in the D40, I would've gone with the 50mm f/1.8 for sure.

[OsmosisStudios]

What do you want the lens to do?