What lens should I choose with Nikon D80?

Question

I'm planning to buy a Nikon D80 which comes either comes with a 18-70mm lens or with a 18-135mm lens. My question is, since I already have a Nikkor AF 28-85mm lens that I use with my analog reflex camera, which one of these lenses should I choose?

I originally wanted to buy the Nikon D80 in its "body only" version but a salesperson told me that since my lens was non-digital the values printed on the lens would not be true to what I'm getting with my analog reflex.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

The 18-70 and the 18-135 cost about the same. Between the two, I'd pick the 18-70. It offers better image quality and better build quality. The 18-135 has a plastic lens mount, for example.
The 'problem' with your 28-85, is that it effectively becomes 42-128mm on a Nikon digital SLR. All Nikon dSLR cameras have a 1.5 focal length multiplier, from the humble D40 all the way to the D2Xs. The lens will continue to work just fine however, so if you can live with 42-128 as your standard lens on the D80, just keep your current zoom and buy the D80 'body only'.
The 18-70 is effectively 27-105mm
The 18-135 is effectively 27-203mm
Both of these DX lenses are specifically made for digital bodies and should not be used on your film body. They won't damage your film body, but they project a smaller image circle, making them pretty useless.

Answer 2

Between those two I'd get the 18-135 it has a wider range and the quality will be about the same. I have the D200 and use a 18-200 VR most of the time. You can also pick up a prime 50mm f1.8 for about $100. You should also check the Nikon forum for additional information on all things Nikon. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi
Enjoy your NIKON !!

Answer 3

I'll add a vote to OMG's recommendation for the 18-70 lens. We got one as my wife's main lens for her D50 and I liked it so much that I bought it for my D70s when I bought a D200 and "moved" my other lenses to that camera as I leave my D70s at work for macro photography.