Nikkor 16-85 AF-S VR - a GREAT all-purpose lens

[Scream And Fly]

I had a Nikon D200 sitting around here that I haven't used in over a year, so I thought I would get an all-purpose, general use lens for it. I bought the new Nikkor 16-85VR, and though I generally do not buy consumer-grade lenses, this one is impressive. It's super wide, yet does not have wicked optical distortions at both the wide and telephoto ends. It focuses fast and the VR works great. Most of all, unlike my 17-55, this lens is small and light - which is important for a carry-around lens. Though it's not a constant-aperture zoom, I won't be using this lens in low light anyway, though with the VR it should work find in those situations. Images are very sharp, even at the extreme corners and it works fine with standard filters. I only use B+W 010 multicoated filters, by the way. This little lens impresses the heck out of me.

Nikon D200 with Nikkor 16-85 AF-S VR
http://i42.tinypic.com/x3wjup.jpg

It fits nicely in my field case as well, without adding a ton of weight:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2d0ifbk.jpg

[hsbob]

that what i d0. the d1x has the 50-500 sigma, the200 has a 10-20 sigma 2.8, and the 300 has normally a 18-200 sigma [not the 2.8] or a 70-200 2.8 sigma. the camera bag does getheavy.

[mikes280]

nice set up, i am just getting in to a true SLR for the first time, i used to shoot a lot with a film camera and have a few dig point and shoot cameras. I am looking for some advise. My new camera is a D 90 with the 18-105 vr lens, if it works out i would like to get maybe the 70 to 300 vr lens next. So here is my ? what memory do i need i have been reading up on memory and there is different clases and speeds , so what works best in these cameras. Thanks for your help

[Scream And Fly]

what memory do i need i have been reading up on memory and there is different clases and speeds , so what works best in these cameras. Thanks for your help

Hi Mike,

Any high quality card will do fine for that camera. You really do not need a high speed card for the camera, but as a general rule, get the best you can afford. I personally use Sandisk Extreme III and Extreme IV cards and they have never failed me.

Gre

[26Stinger]

I might need advise on what camara to get

[hsbob]

stinger its a matter of how much money you want to spend. greg and i have 200 and 300 nikons, but they run about 1800 plus lens. thry good cameras and close to pros quality and features like speed and lowlite shooting...... the d80 and 90s are a good next step down and can be had for 1000 with len[s].

[mikes280]

Hi Mike,

Any high quality card will do fine for that camera. You really do not need a high speed card for the camera, but as a general rule, get the best you can afford. I personally use Sandisk Extreme III and Extreme IV cards and they have never failed me.

Grethanks for the help i am looking at the extremeIII 30ms card in a 8 gb to start with do you thank 8 gb is enough. would i be better off with 2 8gb's or 1 16g and does it make a difference on how fast they are if they a larger, thanks again for you help

[26Stinger]

Thank you, I'll check those out.

[Scream And Fly]

Shad, when I get to FL we can talk about cameras. PM or call me too if you want :)

See you at the track soon :) :)

[26Stinger]

Thanks Greg, I could use your help picking the right one.

[SFRacing]

stinger, the d40 is also a good camera and very reasonable now considering some newer models have come out. I think the camera and lenses will run you around 5-600 bucks.

[26Stinger]

What's the difference besides price?

[pyro]

...the d40 ... camera and lenses will run you around 5-600 bucks.


What's the difference besides price?

EVERYTHING. Do some online searches that show side by side comparison of features. Two of the biggest differences are the lack of a focus drive motor for older lenses, and having only 3 autofocus points instead of a whole array...

[Fish]

What's the difference besides price?


my sister and brother both have d-40's and shoot great pics with them. I have a d-80 and it does some more stuff and is a better camera, but is more money. They just like to take good pictures and be able to have some control over how they are shooting. They will never shoot as well as pyro and probably would not want to take the time to learn everything he has had to learn about photography, they just out grew their point and shoots and are very happy with their d-40's.

Quite honestly, the d-80 is still smarter than me after over a year. I know there is a lot more I can get out of this camera, but when I look at my sisters pics and mine, there is not a ton of difference in basic shots. High speed stuff and action mine definitely excells, but i have better lenses too.