Depends whether you're happy carrying and changing lenses, or only want one lens to do it all. Feel free to discuss it further in the Nikon section of the cameralabs forums!
Cheers José! The 18-70mm has a 67mm filter thread - you can find out full details on the Nikkor lens group test at the Cameralabs website, under the Features menu.
Hi Cragandrew, we are planning a review of the 55-200mm VR in the future, but haven't received it for testing yet... There are several people discussing this lens at the Cameralabs forums though if you fancy heading over there!
Hi jafp63, yes, the AF-S 18-70mm will work fine on the D40x - and the D40. If you're buying Nikkor lenses, they must say AF-S to autofocus on the D40 and D40x. See our Nikkor lens group test video for more info and also our full review at the Cameralabs website!
That would have to be the DX 18-200mm. We have a video of it here - and don't forget to check out the full review to go with it at the Cameralabs website!
Any Nikkor lens will focus on the D40 or D40x if it has the letters AF-S in the name. Same for Sigma, but you're looking for the letters HSM in the name. If you're after a budget telephoto zoom, look ay the Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm VR.
Hi Gymwrecker, the D300 is a semi-pro body, so to make the most of it, buy decent lenses. The 18-55mm and 55-200mm are budget lenses, so I'd go for either the 18-70mm plus 70-300mm or the 18-200mm. Feel free to discuss this in more detail on the Cameralabs forum if you like...
Your reviews are always superb! So much information, and your presentation is clear and concise. Thank you so much, I hope you will do loads of reviews to come!
Nikon does a 10.5mm fisheye, but it won't autofocus on the D40 or D40x. You can still use it, but it will be manual focus only. There's also a 12-24mm ultra wide zoom, and this one WILL autofocus on your camera.
They both zoom out to the same wide angle, so it depends how much you want or need to zoom-in. Do check out the full article which goes with this video by clicking the link to the right of the video and if you have any Qs after that, feel free to post on the Nikon section of the cameralabs forum.
Good questions and many people have been through the same dilemma! I can't answer here, but feel free to ask the members on the Nikon section of the cameralabs forums...
You're right, and neither does the Olympus 14-42mm kit lens. I wish Nikon and Canon would do 18-55mm kit lenses where the end section didn't rotate... it's a big deal for anyone using polarising filters...
went to your site didn't see answer for this question: is there such a beast, excellent quality picture and excellent quality video in one camera with minidv?
Hi, i have a Canon XS. I will be taking photos of baseball and cricket matches from about 100 meters away. I am confused about telephoto lens what range is good. I cant find a good tutorial about dslr lens. thanks.
Hi everyone! RsGTI and Geekcool, we'll be doing the D40x and E-510 as soon as we can get them! Shirou, there's results with the 50mm in our 10mpixel group test at Cameralabs and tehStig, we're planning on reviewing the 70-300 VR and 55-200mm VR soon... pegas83, if you visit our Nikkor group test at the Cameralabs website you'll find full results for distortion, vignetting, sharpness, fringing and much more!
The best Nikon kit lens review I've ever seen. It's really helpful. Thank you. Is there any chance to review some of the Sigma lenses? There are several interesting pieces amongst them.
@cjgan80 no, DX lenses are lenses made for DX(cropped sensored) bodies like the D3000,D300,D7000 etc. VR Vibration Reduction helps to reduce camera shake.
@cjgan80 DX denotes a lens that is specifically designed for the smaller digital format....... VR means that the lens has a vibration reduction button (reduces blur at slow shutter speeds)
The D60 is a great choice for a first-time DSLR buyer - as is the D40. Check our D60 review at the Cameralabs website to compare them - the verdict page should be useful.
Couple of quick questions : 1. If I am buying a 18-200mm for D300S does it suffice as multipurpose lens. I like taking family photos (indoors and outdoors both), sports and loads of landscapes... 2. If I am buying 18-200 mm does buying 55-200mm make sense ? Will it be ever useful ? I am not buying any other lens,,, not even 18-55mm... Please advise
Im just getting into photography ... getting a Nikon D3000 next week, what lenses would you reconmend ? Also im looking at getting a Flash Gun and a lens hood, would you say these are all essential ?
@cjgan80 I'm sorry, I can't answer any more of your questions here. Everything you've asked about is answered in the articles on my website, so please check them out! And if you have any further questions, there's our forum. I've said this many times, but you keep asking here! Sorry!
Thanks for your reviews! Question, a couple of days ago I bought my first Nikon D300; hasn't arrived yet! I've been looking into lenses, specifically Nikkor. I dont know much about lenses, but I have been thinking on getting two lenses, a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. Could this be pretty much what I need as an amateur? Please advice!
Well, it depends on the filter. I use a Polarizing filter when I am taking a picture of a car or something with water to eliminate some reflections as well as bring out blues and whites. I even have some fun ones that put a "star" on candle light or light sources. Check out google if you want some more info. Hope that helps. -Joe
No, you need a lens on a DSLR to focus the image. Without a lens you'd just get a blank rectangle instead of an image. Depending on the model, your DSLR might not even let you take photos without a lens attached.
Great Reviews... were very usefull for me. im about to purchase a Nikon D40X and I have a question for you guys....: the 18-70mm lense fits perfectly in the Nikon 40x Body...? Will works the auto focus and all features? wich one will you recomend me.... Thanks for your prompt response. José from Venezuela
@nyjeterss Wellll...not really. If you look through a true 35mm lens on a film camera body, it's a bit wider angle than what your eye really sees, so there is some wide-angle distortion in that sense. All that happens when you mount it on a DX camera is it takes a crop of that. So you get a crop of a wide angle lens, giving you a bit of wide angle distortion, even though it's capturing the area of a 52mm lens. Also I made a mistake in my previous post: I meant 50-200, not 70-200.
Can you review the Nikkor 55-200 VR please?.. At the moment I'm torn between buying the 18-135 Nikkor and the 55-200 VR Nikkor. I really don't know which one to buy. I like the IF-ED of the 18-135 but i like the VR on 55-200. Please if you can do a review on the 55-200 VR so i can make a more informed decision, Thanks!
Hi Chad, I recommend you read the lens buyers guide in the lenses section at cameralabs . com - then feel free to discuss it further in the cameralabs forums...
Hey, i just purchase the 18-200 for my D200, and what i can see this lens is really what i need. I really appreciate your tips, because those tips make made the right desicion, and by the way let me know if you have tips for white balance in the nikon d200. Thanks Again
i want to buy a second lens to my 18-55 kit lens ( i have a d3100) and I'm juggling between choices, please help!!! So far I have considered the following lenses: Nikkor 35mm f1.8G, Nikkor 50mm f1.8G ( which hasn't but will soon be released for sale), the Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G, and Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. HELP please!! I mainly do amateur food photography, but also use it for daily general purposes
Just adding to everyone else, thanks so much for your reviews they are very helpful. I have a D40x, and I only have the kit 18-55 lens, but I want to upgrade, and I'm looking at the 18-70, or 18-135. I take a wide range of shots from landscape to HDR, to Portraits, to Micro. What do you think I should go with keeping in mind the value with price?
hi cameralabs.. big fan of your videos.. if i were to choose between 18-105VR nikon or 18-200Tamron (both fall under same price tag). I went through your detailed lenses reviews on your website which was fruitful.. i only have two problems i suspect from Tamron. it isnt VR & i am afraid its autofocus wud be VERY slow.. what do you have say about it?? Thanks in advance..
The smaller the aperture gets (the bigger the f-number) , the softer the image will become due to diffraction. If you absolutely need the largest depth of field or longest exposure then yes, choose a big f-number, but otherwise aim for smaller f-numbers to maximise the quality. Something around f8 for general use is more sensible. But don't take anyone's word for it. Put your camera on a tripod and take a series of photos at every aperture and compare them.
It's like vinyl records - some nice qualities, but the convenience of digital (plus its quality nowadays) far outweighs it for most people. But like vinyl, some enthusiasts still swear by it.
Thanks for answer. abother help... wich diameter of filter UV or any use the 18-70mm lense. I apreciate your help. By The way you are the best reviewer in RUclips for Cameras. Keep doing that way Dude!!!! regards. José from Venezuela
@77mullac You can use old lenses on a D60, but you won't be able to use a lot of features, like the 3D Color matrixing and the auto focus ability. The D60 does not have an Auto Focus motor in the body so you will require Auto Focus to be built into the Lens itself. So look for lenses that have AF-S in the name.
I'm using a D3s with 24-70 Nikkor, but i'm always surprised to see how good the 18-55 VR is (No, i don't use it on D3s but on D90). Please guys never under-estimate this very good piece of lens :-)
Don't have one yet but would always get a nikon... for my taste canon has a little too much electronic post-processing in the cameras...and I alsohave lot of lens kits solely fitting to nikon...
Hi everyone, if you're trying to work out what lens is best for you, check out our lens buyers guide at the dslrtips . com website. It explains all the details and shows what you can do with different types...
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
No problem! A member on the Cameralabs forum has the 10.5mm fisheye if you're interested in more details. Check the User Reviews section...
Depends whether you're happy carrying and changing lenses, or only want one lens to do it all. Feel free to discuss it further in the Nikon section of the cameralabs forums!
Cheers José! The 18-70mm has a 67mm filter thread - you can find out full details on the Nikkor lens group test at the Cameralabs website, under the Features menu.
Hi Cragandrew, we are planning a review of the 55-200mm VR in the future, but haven't received it for testing yet... There are several people discussing this lens at the Cameralabs forums though if you fancy heading over there!
Hi jafp63, yes, the AF-S 18-70mm will work fine on the D40x - and the D40. If you're buying Nikkor lenses, they must say AF-S to autofocus on the D40 and D40x. See our Nikkor lens group test video for more info and also our full review at the Cameralabs website!
It depends what range you want! Please post your question on the Cameralabs forums as there are people there with both who can better advise!
That would have to be the DX 18-200mm. We have a video of it here - and don't forget to check out the full review to go with it at the Cameralabs website!
I hope to, but don't have any timescales yet...
It depends if you want to replace it or complement it... feel free to post your question on the Cameralabs forums to discuss it further...
I recommend you ask on the cameralabs forums.
I've done the Sigma 18-200mm at the Cameralabs website and several of our forum members have also posted Sigma reviews...
Gordon, your reviews are always clear, honest and informative. Thank you!
Any Nikkor lens will focus on the D40 or D40x if it has the letters AF-S in the name. Same for Sigma, but you're looking for the letters HSM in the name. If you're after a budget telephoto zoom, look ay the Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm VR.
See the 'what camera does Gordon use' thread in the cameralabs forum!
Hi Gymwrecker, the D300 is a semi-pro body, so to make the most of it, buy decent lenses. The 18-55mm and 55-200mm are budget lenses, so I'd go for either the 18-70mm plus 70-300mm or the 18-200mm. Feel free to discuss this in more detail on the Cameralabs forum if you like...
Your reviews are always superb! So much information, and your presentation is clear and concise. Thank you so much, I hope you will do loads of reviews to come!
Nikon does a 10.5mm fisheye, but it won't autofocus on the D40 or D40x. You can still use it, but it will be manual focus only. There's also a 12-24mm ultra wide zoom, and this one WILL autofocus on your camera.
They both zoom out to the same wide angle, so it depends how much you want or need to zoom-in. Do check out the full article which goes with this video by clicking the link to the right of the video and if you have any Qs after that, feel free to post on the Nikon section of the cameralabs forum.
Good questions and many people have been through the same dilemma! I can't answer here, but feel free to ask the members on the Nikon section of the cameralabs forums...
Hi, there's owners of both combos on the cameralabs forums - I'd ask there...
Glad you found the mag! Have you also checked out the cameralabs . com website?
I haven't tested the 450D yet so can't say! Do check our preview though...
You're right, and neither does the Olympus 14-42mm kit lens. I wish Nikon and Canon would do 18-55mm kit lenses where the end section didn't rotate... it's a big deal for anyone using polarising filters...
They will work, but you'll need an AF-S model for the D40, D40x, D60, D3000 or D5000 to autofocus. Otherwise it becomes manual focus only.
Gordon, you're a legend. Thanks for cameralabs!
went to your site didn't see answer for this question: is there such a beast, excellent quality picture and excellent quality video in one camera with minidv?
Check the Cameralabs website for a preview of the Canon 450D / XSi and of course our D60 full review...
Hi, i have a Canon XS. I will be taking photos of baseball and cricket matches from about 100 meters away. I am confused about telephoto lens what range is good. I cant find a good tutorial about dslr lens. thanks.
Hi everyone! RsGTI and Geekcool, we'll be doing the D40x and E-510 as soon as we can get them! Shirou, there's results with the 50mm in our 10mpixel group test at Cameralabs and tehStig, we're planning on reviewing the 70-300 VR and 55-200mm VR soon... pegas83, if you visit our Nikkor group test at the Cameralabs website you'll find full results for distortion, vignetting, sharpness, fringing and much more!
The best Nikon kit lens review I've ever seen. It's really helpful. Thank you.
Is there any chance to review some of the Sigma lenses? There are several interesting pieces amongst them.
Do all lenses change aperture as you zoom in or out? my 18-105 nikon does , forgive my ignorance , is this normal.?
@cjgan80 no, DX lenses are lenses made for DX(cropped sensored) bodies like the D3000,D300,D7000 etc. VR Vibration Reduction helps to reduce camera shake.
@cjgan80 DX denotes a lens that is specifically designed for the smaller digital format....... VR means that the lens has a vibration reduction button (reduces blur at slow shutter speeds)
I plan to do a couple more Nikkor lenses in the near future, but do check my reviews at cameralabs . com first because I do more there than I do here!
can you tell me can you use a old lens on a d60
do u think smartly selecting ISO cud just do as good as VR wouldd??
PS: i want to choose the lens to go with a D90..
The D60 is a great choice for a first-time DSLR buyer - as is the D40. Check our D60 review at the Cameralabs website to compare them - the verdict page should be useful.
So , if you were me ...
from going to another level ...
would it be better to buy a dslr with the kit or buy a different body and different lens?
why some of those lenses got vr in red and some of them in gold colour what that mean does that one with red its old one ?
There's several reasons - I've discussed them in detail in my Nikkor lens group test at cameralabs . com...
Couple of quick questions :
1. If I am buying a 18-200mm for D300S does it suffice as multipurpose lens. I like taking family photos (indoors and outdoors both), sports and loads of landscapes...
2. If I am buying 18-200 mm does buying 55-200mm make sense ? Will it be ever useful ? I am not buying any other lens,,, not even 18-55mm...
Please advise
Im just getting into photography ... getting a Nikon D3000 next week, what lenses would you reconmend ? Also im looking at getting a Flash Gun and a lens hood, would you say these are all essential ?
Does the nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 lens really got a better image quality than the 18-70??
I believe newer versions of this lens don't suffer as much from creep - but newer lenses are always a bit stiffer anyway.
I understand that Nikon has come out with a newly designed 70-200 2.8 VRII lens (this month?). Any comments on this one?
Thanks everyone! Don't forget to check out the full reviews to go with the videos at cameralabs . com!
@cjgan80 I'm sorry, I can't answer any more of your questions here. Everything you've asked about is answered in the articles on my website, so please check them out! And if you have any further questions, there's our forum. I've said this many times, but you keep asking here! Sorry!
Thanks for your reviews! Question, a couple of days ago I bought my first Nikon D300; hasn't arrived yet! I've been looking into lenses, specifically Nikkor. I dont know much about lenses, but I have been thinking on getting two lenses, a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. Could this be pretty much what I need as an amateur? Please advice!
Well, it depends on the filter. I use a Polarizing filter when I am taking a picture of a car or something with water to eliminate some reflections as well as bring out blues and whites. I even have some fun ones that put a "star" on candle light or light sources. Check out google if you want some more info. Hope that helps.
-Joe
No, you need a lens on a DSLR to focus the image. Without a lens you'd just get a blank rectangle instead of an image. Depending on the model, your DSLR might not even let you take photos without a lens attached.
Thanks! Don't forget to also check out the actual Cameralabs website!
Great Reviews... were very usefull for me. im about to purchase a Nikon D40X and I have a question for you guys....: the 18-70mm lense fits perfectly in the Nikon 40x Body...? Will works the auto focus and all features? wich one will you recomend me.... Thanks for your prompt response. José from Venezuela
Check out my review of the 16-85mm at cameralabs . com - there's full comparisons with the 18-105mm there!
@cameralabs cause i can't log in to the forum @@ , sad...
@nyjeterss
Wellll...not really. If you look through a true 35mm lens on a film camera body, it's a bit wider angle than what your eye really sees, so there is some wide-angle distortion in that sense. All that happens when you mount it on a DX camera is it takes a crop of that. So you get a crop of a wide angle lens, giving you a bit of wide angle distortion, even though it's capturing the area of a 52mm lens. Also I made a mistake in my previous post: I meant 50-200, not 70-200.
Can you review the Nikkor 55-200 VR please?.. At the moment I'm torn between buying the 18-135 Nikkor and the 55-200 VR Nikkor. I really don't know which one to buy. I like the IF-ED of the 18-135 but i like the VR on 55-200. Please if you can do a review on the 55-200 VR so i can make a more informed decision, Thanks!
What is your thought on the Nikon - Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF Lens? I didn't see a review on this lens at your website.
I would have liked to see for review purposes just having the lenses alone sitting on a table side x side for size reference.
What do you think about 18-105 VR over the 18-135?
Hi Chad, I recommend you read the lens buyers guide in the lenses section at cameralabs . com - then feel free to discuss it further in the cameralabs forums...
Hey, i just purchase the 18-200 for my D200, and what i can see this lens is really what i need.
I really appreciate your tips, because those tips make made the right desicion, and by the way let me know if you have tips for white balance in the nikon d200.
Thanks Again
Some do, some don't. Generally those with a fixed aperture throughout their range are pricier pro models.
i want to buy a second lens to my 18-55 kit lens ( i have a d3100) and I'm juggling between choices, please help!!! So far I have considered the following lenses: Nikkor 35mm f1.8G, Nikkor 50mm f1.8G ( which hasn't but will soon be released for sale), the Nikon 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G, and Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. HELP please!! I mainly do amateur food photography, but also use it for daily general purposes
Just adding to everyone else, thanks so much for your reviews they are very helpful. I have a D40x, and I only have the kit 18-55 lens, but I want to upgrade, and I'm looking at the 18-70, or 18-135. I take a wide range of shots from landscape to HDR, to Portraits, to Micro. What do you think I should go with keeping in mind the value with price?
hi cameralabs..
big fan of your videos..
if i were to choose between 18-105VR nikon or 18-200Tamron (both fall under same price tag). I went through your detailed lenses reviews on your website which was fruitful..
i only have two problems i suspect from Tamron. it isnt VR & i am afraid its autofocus wud be VERY slow.. what do you have say about it??
Thanks in advance..
Click on the link to the right of the video to go to my full review - you'll find a fullr eport on the image quality in the results section.
Why is the 18-70 better than the 18-135?
@cjgan80 VR is the vibration reduction
Wait , Gordon what DX stand for ?
Gordon , is DX and VR same on Nikkor Lenses?
Gordon what dslr do you personally use? I'm very curious...
Yes it does, all AF-S lenses will fit on the D40, 40x and D60
I bought the entry level D3000 kit, and that kit came with the 18-55mm VR and an 55-200mm VR... I love them! =)
@takoyakisupreme the 55-200mm VR is a good choice to work with the 18-55mm. if you want better built quality buy the 70-300mm VR.
Someone told me that you should never shoot under f15 with the 18-200mm. Is this true?
The smaller the aperture gets (the bigger the f-number) , the softer the image will become due to diffraction. If you absolutely need the largest depth of field or longest exposure then yes, choose a big f-number, but otherwise aim for smaller f-numbers to maximise the quality. Something around f8 for general use is more sensible. But don't take anyone's word for it. Put your camera on a tripod and take a series of photos at every aperture and compare them.
What kind of lens are you looking for? Wide angle, normal, telephoto, zoom/prime? You can't go wrong with the 50mm 1.8G
or the 35
17-55 f2.8 ?
I've reviewed and compared both of them at cameralabs . com - head on over and take a look, especially at the results and verdict pages...
Excellent and straight the point review. I like
click the link in the info box to go to my full review - theres loads of info there.
It's like vinyl records - some nice qualities, but the convenience of digital (plus its quality nowadays) far outweighs it for most people. But like vinyl, some enthusiasts still swear by it.
GORDON, your a GOD when it comes to cameras!
Have a look at my article at cameralabs . com - you can see for yourself in the results pages!
will do Gordon, thanks
I MUST SAY
Thanks CameraLabs for exellent revews
i like the way you explain. so clear and your videos are very good.
Thanks for answer. abother help... wich diameter of filter UV or any use the 18-70mm lense. I apreciate your help. By The way you are the best reviewer in RUclips for Cameras. Keep doing that way Dude!!!! regards. José from Venezuela
I like the comparison of focal ranges. Even better for those new to dslr, who might want to realize the difference. A typical problem!
@77mullac
You can use old lenses on a D60, but you won't be able to use a lot of features, like the 3D Color matrixing and the auto focus ability. The D60 does not have an Auto Focus motor in the body so you will require Auto Focus to be built into the Lens itself. So look for lenses that have AF-S in the name.
I'm using a D3s with 24-70 Nikkor, but i'm always surprised to see how good the 18-55 VR is (No, i don't use it on D3s but on D90). Please guys never under-estimate this very good piece of lens :-)
this is a great video! thanks for doing this review. extremely helpful.
Don't have one yet but would always get a nikon... for my taste canon has a little too much electronic post-processing in the cameras...and I alsohave lot of lens kits solely fitting to nikon...
Thank you for this great review.
Sigma 10-20 HSM or Nikkor 12-24 AF-S
It's 2023, and I just bought a used camera with 55-200mm ED (non VR), lol.
Hey, I'd love to, but it's all about budgets. If you guys make my site more successful, then yes, a studio is on the shopping list!
Hi everyone, if you're trying to work out what lens is best for you, check out our lens buyers guide at the dslrtips . com website. It explains all the details and shows what you can do with different types...
great review gordon
thx
@123IOWNALL321 The only advantage of 18-70 is the wider aperture.
Nikon makes you buy the kit lens, when buying their lower end SLR's like the d40/d60- which sucks, they don't give you a body only option.