[geoff]

I'm yearning to get back to SLR and having tortured myself over the choice between Canon 400D and Nikon D80 I'm pretty well decided on the latter (I always did long for a Nikon!). Now the fun starts - which lenses? Having read plenty of reviews I feel I should avoid the kit lenses. My question is whether I can get expect to see good results from a Sigma or Tamron 18-55 f2.8 for much lower price than the equivalent from Nikon.

Interested to hear from anyone with first hand experience.

[Steve]

I am not a Nikon user but believe that depending on which kit you buy that the Nikon lens that comes supplied is actually of decent quality. One of the Nikon gents will be along very soon and fill in the details for you.

What people will need to know is your budget, preferred subject matter and experience level to be able to advice you accurately.

[Dave]

I've seen some excellent shots taken with the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 & at a 1/3 of the price of the equivalnt 17-55mm f/2.8 Nikon lens it would appear a bargain. Saying that I have the 17-55mm lens, but could only justify it as I bought it s/h. The Nikon lens really is excellent & from this quick test I did here:- Budget prime vs Premium Zoom vs Pro Zoom lens , you can see how close it gets to a prime lens......a great achievement for a zoom.

From reading this months Digital Photo mag they compared the Sigma vs thr Tamron in same focal range. Although Sigma came out on top, it was by the smallest margin, so both are excellent lenses.

I think the decision comes down to how big your budget is. For the price of a new Nikon 17-55mm lens you could get a Sigma 18-50mm, Sigma 10-20mm, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 & Nikon SB800 flashgun .....see what I mean

[geoff]

Originally Posted by Dave

I've seen some excellent shots taken with the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 & at a 1/3 of the price of the equivalnt 17-55mm f/2.8 Nikon lens it would appear a bargain. Saying that I have the 17-55mm lens, but could only justify it as I bought it s/h. The Nikon lens really is excellent & from this quick test I did here:- Budget prime vs Premium Zoom vs Pro Zoom lens , you can see how close it gets to a prime lens......a great achievement for a zoom.

From reading this months Digital Photo mag they compared the Sigma vs thr Tamron in same focal range. Although Sigma came out on top, it was by the smallest margin, so both are excellent lenses.

I think the decision comes down to how big your budget is. For the price of a new Nikon 17-55mm lens you could get a Sigma 18-50mm, Sigma 10-20mm, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 & Nikon SB800 flashgun .....see what I mean

Thanks Dave, useful comments. Your last sentence has got me thinking!

[Dave]

This thread may also help :- Which order did you put your lens kit together ?

[geoff]

Originally Posted by Dave

This thread may also help :- Which order did you put your lens kit together ?

Thanks Dave, an interesting read! I'm coming down in favour of buying the Nikon D80 and despite previous reservations about kit lenses I have since read good reviews about the Nikon 18-70 which seem to suggest this might be an exception and is in fact a decent lens. I've read a lot about focussing issues with third party lenses which have influenced my thinking. Next I will want a wide angle zoom (or maybe prime?) and a tele zoom. Regarding the latter, is there likely to be a good Sigma/Tamron with image stabilisation available in the near future or do I need to save up for a Nikon?!

[Dave]

I had the 18-70mm with the D70 & it's a very effective lens for the money. Only downside vs the f/2.8 lenses is the speed, but if that is not an issue then good choice

Ref wide angle have a look at review here & the links I included on my review :- http://www.pixalo.com/reviews/showpr...duct/60/cat/14