Recommendations for D200 lens, £300 budget

[sparks85]

I was wondering if any one had any suggests? I'm looking for a really good quality lens, focal length of something like 18-70mm, to fit Nikon D200. Read some reviews etc but wondered if anyone had any first hand recommendations? I'm looking for image sharpness primarily.

Alternatively, I was thinking of getting a fixed 28mm or 50mm prime and something like a 18-200mm general purpose lense, total around £400 max.

FYI I don;t mind secondhand!

[andy-xr]

If you'll push the budget a little, or can find one second hand this would be worth a look: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-24-70mm-...

[Felters]

I've got the 18-200 Nikon lens (about £500?) and it's a cracking all rounder. But set to 50mm it isn't in the same league as my 50mm f1.4 if you look really closely. Prime lenses will always win. What is it you want to use it for?

[Dick Sternum]

If you're after image quality and sharpness I would try to avoid Sigma. I have bought a couple of Sigma lenses, and I will not be buying any more. Their quality control is simply non existent.

I've got the Nikon 18-200VR but have recently started using the 17-55 plus the 70-200VR. Considerably more money and considerably less portable, but so much sharper and much better image quality. The 18-200mm is an decent enough walkabout lens IMO, but I've started using the 17-55 for this too. On a trip to Aus earlier this year, I'd taken the 18-200 for it's portability, but regretted not having the 70-200 with me whilst I was there.

Actually, scrap all that since I've just re-read your title... Some-what over budget!

Looks like a used Nikon 18-200 is the way to go, or the Sigma. Sigma should be OK at this price point so long as you take a good look at the lens before you buy - check the optics carefully for defects like scratches and bubbles and be happy to reject the lens if you find any. Mate of mine uses Tamron and rates them highly (he won't touch Sigma either).

Edited by Dick Sternum on Friday 18th September 09:39

[andy-xr]

I'm something of a Sigma convert, largely because I dont have 2.8 Nikkor money.

I've got the 18-50, 24-70 and 50-150 2.8's and a 10-20. The 18-50 went back to Sigma for general wonkyness (I dropped it) and the 10-20 was replaced under warranty for massive flare - something wasnt sat right. Always had very good service from them, but can appreciate there are some who havent. Someone once wrote if you get a good one, they're great. Get a bad one and it's usually a stinker - no middle ground.