Best Nikon Standard Zoom Lens For a D80 Nikon Digital Camera.?

Question

I would like to stay within the Standard Nikon zoom choices. Also which standard non - zoom AF lenses are OK to be used on the D80.

Answer 1

I'm not sure what you mean by "standard."

If you mean something that is not a "super-zoom," then look at the lens that comes in the kit. It's an 18-135 that covers quite a bit of territory without being very heavy or large. Ken Rockwell isn't in love with the lens, though.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-135.htm

His favorite - and one of mine - is the 18-200 VR lens. It's not cheap ($750) and pretty much unavailable unless you want to pay a premium price ($900+) on eBay. This is a good "walking around" lens. This is the lens that pretty much lives on my camera to be ready for anything, unless I change it to another lens when I know I am going to be shooting for a specific purpose. Okay, it's not the world's PERFECT lens, but it is not too shabby. Go here and read Rockwell's review:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm

Go here and look at the sample images. Click on them to view them full screen. If you click at least once in the white space, your cursor will turn into a magnifier when you scroll it back over the image. Click again over the image and it will zoom to 100% size so you can really examine the image.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200/examples/index.htm

I suggest this lens because it's not too much bigger than the 18-70, but it adds quite a bit of reach and you will find that you just won't have to change lenses for your stated subjects. The 10 MP of the D80 will allow plenty of cropping if you can't get quite as full an image as you'd like.

"Optically, this lens is the best superzoom we’ve seen, though it’s not compatible with Nikon teleconverters, extension rings, or coupled macro bellows. It also costs about $300 more than third-party digital-only glass. But are extremely rugged construction, unusually well-controlled distortion, and four extra handholdable speeds worth the extra bucks? That, and more."

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/2763/lens-test-nikon-18-200mm-f35-56g-dx-vr-af-s.html

If by "standard," you mean non-DX lenses, then consider the 24-85 or the 24-120:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2485afs.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/24120vr.htm

Answer 2

A lens that seems to be highly recommended is the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8. Older versions of that can be found for under $500. It is a good portrait lens, a good indoor lens, good for sports, etc.

I have it and it was my first introduction to pro glass. It has the side effect of being good exercise equipment - man that thing is heavy.