if you could only have one lens....

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 02:22 PM

If you had a choice to start again, which system would you choose and more importantly WHY? Keep in mind the brand you would start with is a brand you would stay with (because of investment in lenses) and you could only upgrade the bodies.

K-x with 18-55 and Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for $750

Are there lenses similar to Nikon 18-105mm and Canon 18-135mm for Pentax?

Canon T2i with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD for about $1150-1200
Can it autofocus during movie mode?
or

Nikon D90 with 18-105mm kit lens for about $1000

Is D90 worth the extra $250 over K-x? Why/Why not?

I most often shoot scenic, nature, people with the scenic background, buildings. Basically I like to go for walks/hikes and shoot whatever catches my eye. And, as I said earlier I'm going on a trip to Europe this summer, and I would like a flexible lens that could shoot something from farther, but also could be used indoors and on people. I know, I should get a dedicated lens for indoors and I will, but for start, I want a lens that would be sufficient for all of the above. I don't want to carry bunch of lenses with me and I have limited budget. I was thinking something in terms of 18-105 for Nikon and 18-135 for Canon. Keep in mind I do not own a DSLR and I don't know much about DSLR lenses other than playing with them in stores and reading online, hence I'm here. Thanks.

Last edited by Andrzej; 03-18-2010 at 05:56 PM.

alexeyga · 03-09-2010, 02:51 PM

D5000+18-200VRII

Reason being, Nikon's 18-200 is still the best 18-200 out there... and it's a really nice "all-in one" lens...

Ari · 03-09-2010, 03:13 PM

K-x and Tamron 18-250. It's a good, all around lens. Though the T2i is a nice body at the price, I still think you get more bang for the buck with the k-x.

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by alexeyga

D5000+18-200VRII

Reason being, Nikon's 18-200 is still the best 18-200 out there... and it's a really nice "all-in one" lens...

If I were to get Nikon, this is what I was thinking of getting. This setup puts me at $1300.

What do you think/have you hear of Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II or Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS.

Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS with D5000 would cost me: $950
and
Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II with D5000 would cost me: $850

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 03:27 PM

Originally posted by Ari

K-x and Tamron 18-250. It's a good, all around lens. Though the T2i is a nice body at the price, I still think you get more bang for the buck with the k-x.

Which Tamron? Can you comment on quality of these lenses and or picture quality with these lenses?

K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $815

K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $955

I agree, this would probably be the best band for the buck.

PentaxPoke · 03-09-2010, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by Andrzej

For example, if I were to go with Canon T2i, I would get body only and get either:Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD or Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. Which would put me at $1150-$1380.

I know it is more expensive, but personally if I had a T2i, I would go with the 17-55 /2.8 USM IS.

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by PentaxPoke

I know it is more expensive, but personally if I had a T2i, I would go with the 17-55 /2.8 USM IS.

Yeah, I was looking at this one but it's way out of my budget. And also, it does not give me the range I would like.

edl · 03-09-2010, 04:03 PM

To answer your original question, I would go with Nikon because their 18-200 is the best "all in one zoom" you can buy. Also, Nikon's 35/1.8 AF-S is a nice, cheap prime that isn't offered in Canon or Pentax systems.

But if it was my $1300, I'd start with a D90 ($749 Nikon refurb less 8% cashback from Adorama on ebay) + Tokina 16-50/2.8 ($549 B&H). Similar money to the D5000 + 18-200, smaller focal range but the Tokina will much deliver better image quality. And when you save the beans, add the Tokina 50-135/2.8. Later on, add the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and you're DONE.

Why D90? Because it has the motor to drive those lenses. The D5000 doesn't.

Ari · 03-09-2010, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by Andrzej

Which Tamron? Can you comment on quality of these lenses and or picture quality with these lenses?

K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $815

K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $955

I agree, this would probably be the best band for the buck.

This tamron:Tamron | AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD | AF018P700 | B&H Photo
Here are some image samples I found on the web:http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/af_18_250_35_63_di_ii_ld_
It gets good reviews - I have always been relatively impressed with the IQ on the Tamron super zooms.

alexeyga · 03-09-2010, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by Andrzej

If I were to get Nikon, this is what I was thinking of getting. This setup puts me at $1300.

What do you think/have you hear of Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II or Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS.

Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS with D5000 would cost me: $950
and
Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II with D5000 would cost me: $850

Being a super-zoom-hater to being with, I wouldn't recommend 18-XXX Sigma or Tamron ... Plain crappy IQ...

Nikon's 18-200VR however, is the only lens of this kind (and the old Nikon 28-200 for that matter) that is actually worthy investing in, and I'm not ashamed to recommend one to anybody... Very solid and great performing glass..

That said, money-wise you have some shopping to do... Just last week I've seen a brand new D5000 with a kit lens being sold for 500$US on FM forums... and 18-200VR's usually go for 550-600... you do the math...

RioRico · 03-09-2010, 05:28 PM

If I could have only one camera lens, it'd be the zoom on my 5mpx Sony DSC-V1.
If we each could have only one camera lens, the camera industry would collapse.
If I could have only one lens total, I'd need to break my glasses and rip out an eye.

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

If I could have only one camera lens, it'd be the zoom on my 5mpx Sony DSC-V1.

Originally posted by RioRico

If we each could have only one camera lens, the camera industry would collapse.
If I could have only one lens total, I'd need to break my glasses and rip out an eye.

We would not want you to do that now. Therefore let me rephrase. If you had money to get only one lens at this time, which "all in one" lens you would get?

See, I'm going on a trip to Europe this summer, and I would like to get the best possible setup to the trip. I'm on a limited budget at this time and I can only afford one lens or couple of cheaper ones, but I would rather spend more for a better lens that can function as the cheaper two.

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 06:19 PM

Originally posted by edl

But if it was my $1300, I'd start with a D90 ($749 Nikon refurb less 8% cashback from Adorama on ebay) + Tokina 16-50/2.8 ($549 B&H). Similar money to the D5000 + 18-200, smaller focal range but the Tokina will much deliver better image quality. And when you save the beans, add the Tokina 50-135/2.8. Later on, add the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and you're DONE.

Why D90? Because it has the motor to drive those lenses. The D5000 doesn't.

Well, I went to a store to compare D5000 to D90 and, there isn't much difference in the guts. But the D90 does look and feel more professional, and hence I substituted the D5000 with D90.

Andrzej · 03-09-2010, 06:59 PM

Is there a pentax lens comparable to nikon 18-105 or 18-135.?

RioRico · 03-09-2010, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by Andrzej

Therefore let me rephrase. If you had money to get only one lens at this time, which "all in one" lens you would get?

I'm a recovering LB addict. I'm trying to kick the "lens envy" habit. I'm trying to return to the happy days when there was just the K20D, DA10-17, DA18-250, FA50/1.4, AF-360, and a 16GB SD card. Back before I blew an inheritance (Thanks for dying, Mom!) on 175 other lenses and 40 bodies. No, that basic kit was all I needed. All I need. ALL I need. All I... argh! argh! NO! THE LENSES!! THEY"RE ALL STARING AT ME!! ARGH!! MY EYES, MY EYES!!!!

[strong hands grab /me from behind, force /me into straight jacket, tighten straps]

.
.
.
.

PS: I still think the most minimal kit would be the FA50 and the DA18-250, and maybe a DCR-250. Whew.

03-09-2010, 02:22 PM	#1
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23	if you could only have one lens.... If you had a choice to start again, which system would you choose and more importantly WHY? Keep in mind the brand you would start with is a brand you would stay with (because of investment in lenses) and you could only upgrade the bodies. K-x with 18-55 and Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for $750 Are there lenses similar to Nikon 18-105mm and Canon 18-135mm for Pentax? Canon T2i with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD for about $1150-1200 Can it autofocus during movie mode? or Nikon D90 with 18-105mm kit lens for about $1000 Is D90 worth the extra $250 over K-x? Why/Why not? I most often shoot scenic, nature, people with the scenic background, buildings. Basically I like to go for walks/hikes and shoot whatever catches my eye. And, as I said earlier I'm going on a trip to Europe this summer, and I would like a flexible lens that could shoot something from farther, but also could be used indoors and on people. I know, I should get a dedicated lens for indoors and I will, but for start, I want a lens that would be sufficient for all of the above. I don't want to carry bunch of lenses with me and I have limited budget. I was thinking something in terms of 18-105 for Nikon and 18-135 for Canon. Keep in mind I do not own a DSLR and I don't know much about DSLR lenses other than playing with them in stores and reading online, hence I'm here. Thanks. Last edited by Andrzej; 03-18-2010 at 05:56 PM.

03-09-2010, 04:03 PM	#8
edl Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 457	To answer your original question, I would go with Nikon because their 18-200 is the best "all in one zoom" you can buy. Also, Nikon's 35/1.8 AF-S is a nice, cheap prime that isn't offered in Canon or Pentax systems. But if it was my $1300, I'd start with a D90 ($749 Nikon refurb less 8% cashback from Adorama on ebay) + Tokina 16-50/2.8 ($549 B&H). Similar money to the D5000 + 18-200, smaller focal range but the Tokina will much deliver better image quality. And when you save the beans, add the Tokina 50-135/2.8. Later on, add the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and you're DONE. Why D90? Because it has the motor to drive those lenses. The D5000 doesn't. Last edited by edl; 03-09-2010 at 04:08 PM.

03-09-2010, 02:51 PM	#2
alexeyga Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 838	D5000+18-200VRII Reason being, Nikon's 18-200 is still the best 18-200 out there... and it's a really nice "all-in one" lens...

03-09-2010, 03:13 PM	#3
Ari Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Freehold, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 856	K-x and Tamron 18-250. It's a good, all around lens. Though the T2i is a nice body at the price, I still think you get more bang for the buck with the k-x.

03-09-2010, 03:19 PM	#4
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Originally posted by alexeyga D5000+18-200VRII Reason being, Nikon's 18-200 is still the best 18-200 out there... and it's a really nice "all-in one" lens... If I were to get Nikon, this is what I was thinking of getting. This setup puts me at $1300. What do you think/have you hear of Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II or Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS. Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS with D5000 would cost me: $950 and Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II with D5000 would cost me: $850

03-09-2010, 03:27 PM	#5
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ari K-x and Tamron 18-250. It's a good, all around lens. Though the T2i is a nice body at the price, I still think you get more bang for the buck with the k-x. Which Tamron? Can you comment on quality of these lenses and or picture quality with these lenses? K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $815 K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $955 I agree, this would probably be the best band for the buck.

03-09-2010, 03:29 PM	#6
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	Originally posted by Andrzej For example, if I were to go with Canon T2i, I would get body only and get either:Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD or Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. Which would put me at $1150-$1380. I know it is more expensive, but personally if I had a T2i, I would go with the 17-55 /2.8 USM IS.

03-09-2010, 03:47 PM	#7
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Originally posted by PentaxPoke I know it is more expensive, but personally if I had a T2i, I would go with the 17-55 /2.8 USM IS. Yeah, I was looking at this one but it's way out of my budget. And also, it does not give me the range I would like.

03-09-2010, 04:24 PM	#9
Ari Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Freehold, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 856	Originally posted by Andrzej Which Tamron? Can you comment on quality of these lenses and or picture quality with these lenses? K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $815 K-x with 18-55 (stock;cheaper than body only) and Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens would cost me: $955 I agree, this would probably be the best band for the buck. This tamron:Tamron \| AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD \| AF018P700 \| B&H Photo Here are some image samples I found on the web:http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/af_18_250_35_63_di_ii_ld_ It gets good reviews - I have always been relatively impressed with the IQ on the Tamron super zooms.

03-09-2010, 05:25 PM	#10
alexeyga Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 838	Originally posted by Andrzej If I were to get Nikon, this is what I was thinking of getting. This setup puts me at $1300. What do you think/have you hear of Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II or Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS. Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS with D5000 would cost me: $950 and Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 AF DC II with D5000 would cost me: $850 Being a super-zoom-hater to being with, I wouldn't recommend 18-XXX Sigma or Tamron ... Plain crappy IQ... Nikon's 18-200VR however, is the only lens of this kind (and the old Nikon 28-200 for that matter) that is actually worthy investing in, and I'm not ashamed to recommend one to anybody... Very solid and great performing glass.. That said, money-wise you have some shopping to do... Just last week I've seen a brand new D5000 with a kit lens being sold for 500$US on FM forums... and 18-200VR's usually go for 550-600... you do the math...

03-09-2010, 05:28 PM	#11
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	If I could have only one camera lens, it'd be the zoom on my 5mpx Sony DSC-V1. If we each could have only one camera lens, the camera industry would collapse. If I could have only one lens total, I'd need to break my glasses and rip out an eye.

03-09-2010, 05:52 PM	#12
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Originally posted by RioRico If I could have only one camera lens, it'd be the zoom on my 5mpx Sony DSC-V1. Originally posted by RioRico If we each could have only one camera lens, the camera industry would collapse. If I could have only one lens total, I'd need to break my glasses and rip out an eye. We would not want you to do that now. Therefore let me rephrase. If you had money to get only one lens at this time, which "all in one" lens you would get? See, I'm going on a trip to Europe this summer, and I would like to get the best possible setup to the trip. I'm on a limited budget at this time and I can only afford one lens or couple of cheaper ones, but I would rather spend more for a better lens that can function as the cheaper two.

03-09-2010, 06:19 PM	#13
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Originally posted by edl But if it was my $1300, I'd start with a D90 ($749 Nikon refurb less 8% cashback from Adorama on ebay) + Tokina 16-50/2.8 ($549 B&H). Similar money to the D5000 + 18-200, smaller focal range but the Tokina will much deliver better image quality. And when you save the beans, add the Tokina 50-135/2.8. Later on, add the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and you're DONE. Why D90? Because it has the motor to drive those lenses. The D5000 doesn't. Well, I went to a store to compare D5000 to D90 and, there isn't much difference in the guts. But the D90 does look and feel more professional, and hence I substituted the D5000 with D90.

03-09-2010, 06:59 PM	#14
Andrzej New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Is there a pentax lens comparable to nikon 18-105 or 18-135.?

03-09-2010, 09:42 PM	#15
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by Andrzej Therefore let me rephrase. If you had money to get only one lens at this time, which "all in one" lens you would get? I'm a recovering LB addict. I'm trying to kick the "lens envy" habit. I'm trying to return to the happy days when there was just the K20D, DA10-17, DA18-250, FA50/1.4, AF-360, and a 16GB SD card. Back before I blew an inheritance (Thanks for dying, Mom!) on 175 other lenses and 40 bodies. No, that basic kit was all I needed. All I need. ALL I need. All I... argh! argh! NO! THE LENSES!! THEY"RE ALL STARING AT ME!! ARGH!! MY EYES, MY EYES!!!! [strong hands grab /me from behind, force /me into straight jacket, tighten straps] . . . . PS: I still think the most minimal kit would be the FA50 and the DA18-250, and maybe a DCR-250. Whew.