Alternative to the 18-70mm on the D70 kit

[marcos]

Someone is interested in buying my D70 but he would like to get the lens too, if I sell it with it, what other lens (better than 18-70) can I buy for my D80? is the 24-120 VR worth it? Loosing the angle at 18 is not an issue for me, just wondering if the 24-120 is a better lense overall, I can use the VR feature too.

[Vodka]

I'll reply a question with another question. What's your budget?

18-200 VR, 17-55 f/2.8, and 28-70 f/2.8 are all worthy replacements for the 18-70, but at a significant jump in price. 18-135 is a cheaper alternative, but I'm not sure if that is necessarily "better" than the 18-70 (apart from the greater range).

I'll let others with more experience chime in with their views on non-Nikon lenses and their performance relative to the 18-70.

Ben

[losfp]

Save for an 18-200, probably.

IMO the 24-120 is not wide enough at the wide end, plus IMO the optical quality isn't as good as the 18-70.

[Marvin]

I have the 18-70 and loved it. I bought the 24-120VR and still used the 18-70 more. Then I bought the 18-200VR and I haven't used the kit lens since. I find the 18-200 about the same as the 18-70 in sharpness but more reach. I have never used the VR feature on the 24-120 as the focal length generally just doesn't require it. I would recommend the 18-200VR as a good all round lens with a very useable focal length.

[Yi-P]

Save up for the 18-200VR, if not, don't get rid of your 18-70... unless it is being replaced by any of a better quality constant f/2.8 lens (ie. 17-55mm f/2.

[shakey]

From left field...28-200 G worth considering if there are any available. Especially if you are not too fussed about the short end and don't need to shoot low light. Nikon has discontinued it, so may be available as "run out stock" at a good price. Although I have a 70-200 2.8 VR the 28-200 still has a place in my bag...but then again I don't have the heart to get rid of my plastic fantastic 70-300 G lens so I'm a bit of a hoarder.

[gstark]

Let me throw a different tack on this entirely.

Work out an arrangement whereby you keep your kit lens, but buy them the 18-55 II. It's inexpensive and quite sharp.

I'll probably buy that lens for Lindy to use on the D70, now that it sits unloved and unwanted since I got my D200.