what is the most versatile lens for a digital SLR for general use and some arty shots for college?

Answer 1

Get an 18 - 300mm. That would be considered the 'most versatile' lens. As for branding, don't bother with Sigma but Tamron might be the way to go. Not too expensive but good quality. Go to a camera store and try out some lenses. You might even come across a lens that matches the brand of your camera. Yes, we could all quote myriads of technical reasons why and why not to get a lens but in the end, they all do the same job and if you're happy, then great. I do have a Sigma lens and it's the worst lens I've laid hands on but guess what, it may be the worst, but it's not terrible. Noisy auto focus, unsharp images at the 300mm end of the zoom - but none of this is really a huge issue. So go ahead and try out some lenses.

Answer 2

what kinds of photo's do you like to take? people? landscapes? depends on what you like to shoot.also what camera do you shoot with? give me more info and i can give you more of a definite answer.

otherwise to start with most people go with a zoom. more versatile but not as sharp as a straight lens. 20-200mm are pretty compact anymore and cheap. i prefer my 28-105 f 2.8. for any wider i like a straight lens to get real sharp. any wider than 28 (which is a smaller number) and you get distortion which isnt always something you want except in certain types of pictures.

also think about macro capabilities. some lenses can focus closer to objects than others, this will be in the lens specs which you can find online - in the "minimum focus distance" section. and look at your f-stops some lenses float and others are fixed. i would recomend a fixed because they tend to be faster and can shoot in lower light situations.

btw off brands aren't always bad also.

Answer 3

Consider the popular Nikon 18-200 VR lens. 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.

"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 you can't find or afford the Nikon, look into Tamron and Sigma in the same focal length.

Answer 4

Get a zoom lense with the longest range you can afford.