18-55 or 55-200 VR for Nikon D5000 ?

[sid4frnds]

Hi All,

I am newbie in the field of SLR photography and i am about to buy my first DSLR - Nikon D5000.

I am getting a good deal on Nikon D5000 with a 55-200mm VR Nikkor lens.

I am an amateur photographer who clicks portraits, landscapes and sometimes macro.

Will it be ok for me to just have a 55-200 lens only, and not 18-55 ?

I just want to have one lens.

Looking forward to your valuable inputs.

Thanks
Sid

[GadgetRick]

Well, you may find 55mm to not be wide enough if you shoot things up close so keep that in mind. On the other hand 55mm almost certainly won't be enough zoom if you're shooting outdoors.

I recently bought the Sigma 18-200mm lens with optical stabilization as a walk around camera. I love it for that. Although, keep in mind, the focus is fast enough for most things but not overly fast. These kinds of lenses aren't really great at any one thing in particular. They're good at a wide variety of things, however, and it's nice not to have to swap lenses in the middle of a walk. Although I plan on picking up some prime lenses in the near future for better quality.

[sid4frnds]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Well, you may find 55mm to not be wide enough if you shoot things up close so keep that in mind. On the other hand 55mm almost certainly won't be enough zoom if you're shooting outdoors.

I recently bought the Sigma 18-200mm lens with optical stabilization as a walk around camera. I love it for that. Although, keep in mind, the focus is fast enough for most things but not overly fast. These kinds of lenses aren't really great at any one thing in particular. They're good at a wide variety of things, however, and it's nice not to have to swap lenses in the middle of a walk. Although I plan on picking up some prime lenses in the near future for better quality.

Thanks for the prompt reply GadgetRick. I appreciate it

Really basic question - How close can i get to the subject using 55-200 lens for the camera to be able to focus and give me a nice close up shot?
. I understand it would not be possible to take a good macro shot with this kind of lens.

Please suggest.

Thanks
Sid

[Rehesan]

My suggestion is to get the D5000 in a two lenses kit, that typically will include the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm lenses. Check that kit at Costco, I saw that kind of kits there a couple weeks ago for around 800 usd.

If you plan to shot landscapes the 55mm will not give you the wide angle you may need to shot some landscapes, the image will be narrow and you could loose some details in your composition.

With the 55-200mm lens you will be able to focus at a minimum distance of 1.1 meters, if you go closer to your subject the lens won´t be able to adquire focus, so, I do not think this lens could be used for a real close macro photography.

I think the best thing about DSLR is precisely to have the option to use many lenses, in order to acomplish your photography style, goals and needs. So, personally I do not think to have a DSLR with just one lens could be the best idea.

[Raoul Isidro]

The 55-200 is a great lens to carry around. It will focus to about 1.1 mtrs.
I would choose an old lens like the 18-70 (no VR) than the 18-55. I like a little bit of overlap as a luxury.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by Rehesan

My suggestion is to get the D5000 in a two lenses kit, that typically will include the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm lenses. Check that kit at Costco, I saw that kind of kits there a couple weeks ago for around 800 usd.

If you plan to shot landscapes the 55mm will not give you the wide angle you may need to shot some landscapes, the image will be narrow and you could loose some details in your composition.

With the 55-200mm lens you will be able to focus at a minimum distance of 1.1 meters, if you go closer to your subject the lens won´t be able to adquire focus, so, I do not think this lens could be used for a real close macro photography.

I think the best thing about DSLR is precisely to have the option to use many lenses, in order to acomplish your photography style, goals and needs. So, personally I do not think to have a DSLR with just one lens could be the best idea.

What they said.

[jorf]

I bought the 2 lens kit and agree with the others that recommend that. I have to say that I would like one of the 18-200 lenses (I think that's right...) because both of the kit lenses are a little frustrating in terms of flexibility.

You could get the one lens kit (pick one) and then also get the 18-200 separately...

[sid4frnds]

Thanks for the quick responses folks. i appreciate it.

I understand that a two lens scenario would be ideal , but that would be a little harsh on my pocket and that is why i just want to have one lens.

I find myself inclined towards 55-200 but looks like it would not be a wise idea to step into the SLR zone without an 18-55 lens.

Please keep writing folks. your valuable opinions will help me clear the haze inside my mind.

Thanks
Sid

[GadgetRick]

Honestly, depending on what you're trying to shoot--and the level you're shooting at--an 18-200mm walkaround lens is fine. That's all I'm shooting with at the moment while I determine what other lenses I want/need. I have the Sigma with optical stabilization. Nikon has one with VR (their stabilization) which is great (much more expensive than the Sigma) and Tamron makes a nice 18-270mm with their version of OS on it for a little more than the Sigma. All of these are fine lenses if you know what their limitations are.

I haven't used my 18-55mm lens since I got the Sigma as there's no need for it and the options (imo) are better in the Sigma than the 18-55mm kit lens.

[kirbinster]

While I like my 18-200 for what it is, the 55-200 is actually sharper at 200mm than the 18-200. Stick with what you have for a while till you really learn. Then you will know what the next lens should be.