8 replies to this topic

[tomthetank]

Hi, finally decided on the nikon d 500. Still saving. I shoot railroad and night shots and will be doing night sky pics and star trails.was wondering what people thought or have tried the Nikon 18-140 f/3.5-5.6 that is in d500 kit or likes or sees the 

Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 better. I know the sigmas faster but would like peoples opinions, Thanks Tom

[Russ]

I know nothing about the 18-140, but the Sigma 18-35 gets rave reviews, with things said such as it is of prime lens quality.

[Jerry_]

The Nikon 18-140/3.5-5.6 is a good allrounder for starting with, that I am occasionally using on my D500, so not my first choice among my lenses.

Except for the railroad captures (and unless you can get close to the railroad), the Sigma 18-35/1.8 would be the better choice for the type of captures you take, comparing these two lenses.

On the other hand, check the price difference of the kit versus a camerabody-only deal and you will find that you can get the lens at a seriously reduced price. So, unless you have already other lenses, it might be the good moment to get a lens that offers the extra reach.

Finally I would also consider the Nikon 16-80/2.8-4 - I think having seen it offered in some kits (not sure if it was the local dealer or Nikon, so)

[mikew]

Cant help but wonder with your chosen subjects is the D500 the best camera,for fast action shots yes but i would have thought the D750 which i think is cheaper would make a better camera.

[ScottinPollock]

Hard for me to recommend a D750 given Nikon has had three years to straighten out issues with it and has yet another recall. I am sure there are plenty out there that work fine, but for me it is a model to avoid.

[Ron]

For railroad photos you might want something a bit wider than the 18-140mm. I would personally consider either the Nikkor DX16-80mm or the Nikkor DX16-85mm. The former is much nicer but the latter is much less expensive. I have a 16-85mm and it makes a very nice DX walk around lens.

 

I agree with Scott about the D750. It's tempting to be sure, but I donno....

 

So far, the D500 has a better (tho not perfect) track record.

 

--Ron

[mikew]

Its my understanding its been one fault but they have extended the S/numbers it covers,after owning one for a few months if i wasn't into bird photography it would be top of my list,the only reason i changed was FX was a mistake for my type of photography.

[Ron]

Its my understanding its been one fault but they have extended the S/numbers it covers,after owning one for a few months if i wasn't into bird photography it would be top of my list,the only reason i changed was FX was a mistake for my type of photography.

 

Yeah, unless you have an unlimited budget for long lenses (and even if you do) the D500 is probably a better choice.

 

--Ron

[tomthetank]

Thanks for the help and answers. Still gonna go with the d500. Did reviews on th stock lens in the kit, said ok lens but alot of plastic on the inside.