As I am going to buy a new Nikon D80 DSLR, I am between the 2 lenses. 18 -70 or 18 -135 by Nikon. Does anyone have an opinion on which of the two is a better lens, and why?
2006-10-01 11:03:53 · 6 answers · asked by ilias k 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
The 18-70 is the better lens... if you can live without the extra range.
I don't have personal experience with either, but I do know my way around the web (did tons of research before buying a D200 & 17-55mm)
Here's some threads comparing the two:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=19992415&q=18+135&qf=m
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=19998006&q=18+135&qf=m
Here's Bjørn Rørslett's review of the 18-70mm (unfortunately, he doesn't have a review for the 18-135mm yet):
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom_01.html#AFS18-70G
And finally, Ken Rockwell has reviewed both. I don't consider Ken Rockwell to be a great authority, but whenever you discuss Nikon lenses, somebody's bound to bring him up. So here's his take, anyway:
18-70: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1870.htm
18-135: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-135.htm
2006-10-01 11:48:49 · answer #1 · answered by OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fine, fine. I'll go out on a limb here and say you should definitely buy the 18-135mm. I'm sure someone will pop out of the woodwork and say waaaah, waaah, that lens won't work well with a superfast f/stop. Which, of course, doesn't matter....since the D80 is a VERY nice DIGITAL SLR and hence, can use a decent ISO without any noise to speak of.
They do have a point. Before, those ultrazoom lenses came out, lots of people considered the 18-70mm to be a wide range lens good for most situations. Now everyone raves about the 18-200VR lens (which really is a breakthrough in optical technology, I might add). And for $700 smackeroos, it better give it up. 18mm is plenty short for those that want a wider angle of view, particularly on the Nikon lenses. You actually get more on the 18-70 than the 18-135, but so what. You already have plenty for most moderately wide angle shots. If you need more, then you probably should just buy a wide angle lens.
The truth of the matter is that any of these three lenses, the 18-70, 18-135 or 18-200 is exactly what you want in a general, all purpose, walking around lens. These lenses are designed to have a [relatively] wide angle already and the fact that they go all the way down to 18mm means this aspect of your photography is well covered. You can only benefit further from the extra zoom on the other end of the range. Since the 18-135 and 18-70 cost about the same, buy the 18-135. Or, if you have money, consider upgrading to the 18-200 VR.
2006-10-01 11:34:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say neither....for this reason.....if they a "G" lenses they have a small field of view and if you trade up to a full size sensor in the future, you will be screwed. The lens will vignette on the full sensor and the only way to get around it is to crop the image inside the circle it will create. I tend to take a long term view with equipment. I buy the best lenses I can find and just make sure that the camera body I buy in the future with take the lens. While I like the small magnification factor that comes with a smaller sensor (especially sports with a telephoto lens) I see the "G" series as a big problem in the future. I don't particularly like the VR lenses either. I've got some friends that swear by them but my experience has been disappointing. I would go with a 17-35 f/2.8 and a 70-200 f/2.8. I know they are expensive but in optics you do "get what you pay for".
2006-10-02 09:31:55 · answer #3 · answered by John S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are ruling out the amazing 18-200 VR lens, get the 18-70. This one comment from Panacea's link would swing my vote.
"Personally I'd skip the 18-135mm because of the plactic mount, lack of distance scale and the horrible barrel distortion at 18mm. I've seen a series of test shots and weren't impressed."
I own (2) 18-70 lenses. I bought one for my wife's D50 and liked it so much (esp for the money) that I got another one to keep in the office to use on my D70s when I'm not using it as a macro camera. I really like the lens. I'd hesitate to buy a lens with a plastic mount for any digital SLR. Besides wear, imagine the dust that you'd be dumping right onto the sensor!
2006-10-01 12:02:15 · answer #4 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might find some help to make an informed decision from this website...
2006-10-01 11:13:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends
are you going to take still pictures or moving pictures
are you going to take them from 12 feet away or 50 yards
2006-10-01 11:11:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋