8 replies to this topic

[madroan]

My kit lens for my Nikon D3000 broke and I'd like to replace it. It was a Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G.

 

On the Nikon website, I see two potential replacements:

 

1. for $119: AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II

 

2. for $249.95: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

 

They seem about the same to me, and I can't figure out exactly why one is $130 more than the other. I would buy a better quality lens if I thought it was worth it, but I would like some expert guidance before I shell out more money.

 

Thanks!

[Adam]

It looks like the latter has image stabilization.  If you do a lot of hand-held shooting in low light conditions, then that one might be worth considering.

[Merco_61]

The VR version has VR and is 11 lens elements in 8 groups. The cheaper one doesn't have the stabilization and is 7 elements in 5 groups. The VR version is slightly smaller and has slightly less mass. They are approximately equal in optical quality, but the VR is useful for static scenes in low light.

[krag96]

It surprises me how good Nikkor "kit" lenses are.  My D5500 came with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRII  and image quality is excellent!  Optics are on par with some of their best, it's build quality that's lacking in either, they aren't built to stand daily usage of tossed onto a car seat and banged around much, everything's plastic, not primarily metal like a pro lens.   The price reflects this, but they are a very good lens and a bargain for the money spent! 

[bluzman]

My kit lens for my Nikon D3000 broke and I'd like to replace it. It was a Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G.

 

On the Nikon website, I see two potential replacements:

 

1. for $119: AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II

 

2. for $249.95: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

 

They seem about the same to me, and I can't figure out exactly why one is $130 more than the other. I would buy a better quality lens if I thought it was worth it, but I would like some expert guidance before I shell out more money.

 

Thanks!

I was going to recommend the AF-P version of this lens. It's got the latest focus technology and VR version. It's the one the comes with the D5600 kit. Then I realized that the AF-P version is not compatible with your D3000. The AF-S version, however, is fully compatible so I also suggest the AF-S version with VR.

 

https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B00HQ4W4PC/

[madroan]

Thanks, all!

[fallout666]

go with vr one if want keep same lens. but not sure if this was ask or not why not upgrade to better lens then kit one to get better quality photo 

[Merco_61]

go with vr one if want keep same lens. but not sure if this was ask or not why not upgrade to better lens then kit one to get better quality photo 

What would the OP upgrade to? The 16-85 is discontinued, the 16-80 is four times as expensive as the 18-55 VR, the 18-105 has longer range but about the same optical quality for $150 more, the 18-140 costs twice as much as the VR, the superzooms are more convenient but optically inferior and the third-party f/2.8 zooms are more expensive, a bit on the heavy side to balance well on a D3000 and have lots of sample variation.

 

The 18-55 VR has a consistently high optical quality and balances nicely on the light and tiny (for a DSLR) D3000.

[fallout666]

What would the OP upgrade to? The 16-85 is discontinued, the 16-80 is four times as expensive as the 18-55 VR, the 18-105 has longer range but about the same optical quality for $150 more, the 18-140 costs twice as much as the VR, the superzooms are more convenient but optically inferior and the third-party f/2.8 zooms are more expensive, a bit on the heavy side to balance well on a D3000 and have lots of sample variation.

 

The 18-55 VR has a consistently high optical quality and balances nicely on the light and tiny (for a DSLR) D3000.

did not know price or if could find some older lens cheaper and better used