Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 DX VR is an excellent lens for the Nikon D90. It has the right size and weight and most importantly the image quality is excellent. But if you only have D90 or D80 body, then you might be confuse to choose ideal lenses for those cameras.
Here are my suggestion on some best lenses for Nikon D90 or D80.
Nikon 18-200mm AF-S f/3.5-5.6 DX VR II Price: $780
This multipurpose lens is great for any circumstances, you can shoot wide or shoot telephoto for far away subjects. The problem is the weight (565 g) and relatively high price tag. But if you only want to carry one lens, then this is the one.
Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4-5.6G VR Price: $550
This telephoto zoom lens is great for wildlife or outdoor sports. It is quite long and big (143mm / 745 g), but it is still very balanced when mounted in Nikon D90. The lens is very sharp at 70-135mm range and it has VR (Vibration Reduction) to combat camera shake. VR is very helpful in long telephoto zoom like this lens. Great for outdoor sports and portrait.
Nikon AF-S 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 VR DX Price: $800
This is the newest Nikon ultra wide angle zoom lens. It is great for landscape photography, architecture or photojournalism. It is relatively small (830 mm / 460 g) and lightweight. It fits D90 very well.
Nikon 35mm AF-S f/1.8 DX Price: $199
This is great for low light or to create a shallow depth of field (blur / soften background). The focal length is equivalent to 52.5mm, so it is very close to our eyes viewpoint. The lens is very small and light. The original price (MSRP) is $200, but this lens is very popular and Nikon can’t keep up with market demand. As a result, the price is a bit higher than MSRP most of the time.
Nikon 85mm AF f/1.8D Price: $435
This lens a superb head and shoulder portrait, candids or night scene lens. It is very sharp in the center even wide open, and the bokeh (out of focus blur) is smooth and creamy. It focus very fast and the size fits Nikon D90 very well. Furthermore, it is much cheaper than the f/1.4 version.
Nikon 60mm AF-S f/2.8 Micro Price: $550
If you like to shoot small subjects like insects, then this macro lens is for you. It is quite expensive, but you will have a lot of fun with it. The other application for this lens is portrait. Although it might be too sharp for girls.
Also check out Recommended lenses for Nikon entry level / beginner DSLR camera or Recommended Sigma lenses for Nikon.
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Hi! some of my friend told me that D3000 has released to replace the d5000 due to the power-up issue. They also said Nikon is about to stop making D5k. Is it real? Also, D3000 considers to be at D5000 level, right ? As i am about to get the d5k. I wonder if you could suggest me which camera i m better off. I love D5k though. Some reviews claim that D5k gives the same IQ as D90 D300 especially at high iso performance?
Thanks
No Teddy, that is not right. D5K has the same sensor as D90, so the quality is superior to Nikon D3000. D5K also has video mode and swivel LCD screen. Therefore, D5K is one class above D3000 but 1 class below D90.
Hallo,im new in photography.but i really like take a picture.
Right now,i used D90 with 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 VR.
I really enjoyed with this lens,but for candid,i want more soft background (blur/the bokeh).
Now i have a plant for buy 1 more lens.
I need ur suggest,what lens better i bought?
Thx
try 50mm f/1.8.
If you like longer length, and even smoother bokeh, try 85mm f/1.8
Comparision between Nikor Lens 18-55 and 18-200 Which one is batter for inhouse, closeup and ceremony picture quality
The 18-200mm is better.
Hi,
Right now I have 18-105mm VR lens. But I am looking for some telescopic lens. Can you please suggest me the best lens and also let me know how can I compare with others (other than reviews). So that I will be able to compare the technical stuff other than mm/VR.
Thanks,
Rajani Kanth
The very best is Nikon AF-S 70-200mm VR II but it is quite expensive US$2400 and heavy. Another alternative will be the 70-300mm which is listed above. For technical review type, I suggest http://www.slrgear.com
I’ll second the “Nifty 50″ “Nifty 50″ A.K.A. 50mm f/1.8 that “Admin” recommends. Everyone should have one of these great, inexpensive lenses. The 50mm f/1.4 is one stop faster – but is nearly 3 times the price.
Charles, I recommend the 50mm prime lens as well. I’ve got the f/1.4 and it’s a hell of a lens. The depth of focus is pretty crazy that close–you don’t really need it unless you’re looking for some really weird close ups. I’d second that motion to get the f/1.8.
guy’s best lens out ther is with f1.4,f1.8 and f2.8 apertures and if you use this in dx format take note of the crop factor..
All of the Nikon 50mm are very good lenses, on the D90 they will be equivalent to a 75mm lens on full-frame sensor. More money you pay you get higher quality and performance lens, but then most of us have a budget.
If you are looking for an alternate lens that is more like a “normal” lens for the D90 my recommendation is the Nikon 35mm F/1.4G DX and priced at around $200. This will be equivalent to a 52mm on a full-frame sensor. A normal lens is expected to reproduces perspective that generally looks “natural” to a human.
Read more at Wikipedia about normal lens –> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_lens
@ Charles – “…i want more soft background (blur/the bokeh)”
Let me recommend you to shooting in Manual or Aperture-Priority mode. Here you have more control on DoF vs. Bokeh. In these modes, try using a larger aperture (low F/Stop number). With your 18-200mm you are looking at a F/3.5 when at 18mm and F/5.6 when at 200mm. I believe this lens can create excellent images with great looking bokeh.
The advantage of all the 50mm & 35mm lenses many have recommended, they are small and have a fixed large aperture compared to the F/3.5 you have today. A large aperture will give you a narrow the DoF and more bokeh.
Your description of the 70-300 is incorrect…..it is NOT a DX lens. When matched with a DX sensor it ranges between 105-450mm. Also the 10-24 IS a DX lens, NOT and FX. Just a heads up.
got it right now. thanks!
I don’t have 18-105 VR but I own 18-135 Non-VR. While 18-105VR is a kit lens for D90, 18-135 was a kit lens that used to come with D80. Both are sharp lens. However, the lens that stays on my D300 90% of the time is Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5 It is supersharp and focuses very fast, has 2.8 at the wide angle, and retails for around $350. There is also Tamron 17-50 2.8 which retails for $100 more, and many people like, but QC on Tamron is questionable, I had a bad misfocusing copy of 17-50 in Canon mount and it was slow-focusing in low light. Sigma 17-70 focuses fast in low light. Still thinking about Tamron 17-50 though.
yes I agree, sigma lens is a good alternative for Nikon cameras. I use two Sigma lenses as my workhorse.
Check this post for recommended sigma lens
The 35mm 1.8 DX is the new 50. Run to your local retailer and get your name on the waiting list!
Hello, i, was planning on upgrading from my Nikon D90 to the professional level Nikon D3X. What lenses, speed lights, tripods and sdhc cards are the best to combine with Nikon’s newest flagship camera and is there an underwater outfit to encase the Nikon D3X for swimming pool and ocean photo expeditions. Thanks, in advance for answering my question.
Sincerely,
Obatala
lenses: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8, and Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II
speedlite: Nikon SB900
tripod: Induro – remember to get the ballhead too
SDHC card : Sandisk Extreme pro III or Lexar, at least 8 GB per piece.
Underwater housing: MDX-D3/D3x
Hi! I totally agree that the 18-200 VR is very versatile but sometimes slightly too heavy. I recently picked up an older nikkor 28-80 AF and like how light it is with exceptional range on my D80.
By the way, you said: “But if you only one to carry one lens, then this is the one.”
I think you meant “…if you only want to carry one…”
yes, that is what I mean, thanks!
Go to Ritz camera (wolf camera). At Ritz they will help you find the right camera to fit your needs, give you good sound advice from someone who knows about photography, get FREE photography classes, and you won’t pay more than any other store.
I wouldn’t buy anything at Ritz camera. After I bought tickets for their photo classes last March. They went bankrupt and my local stores closed down. Now I’m stuck with useless class tickets.
Does anyone have any experience with or knowledge of the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens with the D90?
Cobalt if you want to have wide angle lens get the tokina 11-16 for d90 it’s better than nikon 10-24..
Thanks for the tip fonzy! The Nikon 10-24 lens is just too pricey considering I just purchased the 18-200mm nikon lens. Is the Tokina better than the Sigma 10-20mm?
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/10-20mm-f35-ex-dc-hsm-sigma
yes it is Cobalt.
Im not so sure about the Tokina. While this may be dated, its also one of the most comprehensive comparisons I have seen on wide angle lenses for digital Nikon’s on line.
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 vs Nikkor 12-24 vs Sigma 10-20 Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX AF 11-16mm f2.8 Zoom Lens:
http://www.prophotohome.com/forum/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/133/limit/recent
I cant wait to add a worthy wide angle lens to the collection. As pointed out by Michael, “Sigma Corporation announces five new lenses, three new cameras at PMA 2010″ including the 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM.” Just when you thought it was safe to select one lens, technology gives birth to something new.
“The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is the first ultra-wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. This lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor.”
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/sigma-corporation-announces-five-new-lenses-three-new-cameras-at-pma-2010
While this may be dated, its also one of the most comprehensive comparisons I have seen on wide angle lenses for digital Nikon’s on line. It doesnt speak well of the Tokina at all.
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 vs Nikkor 12-24 vs Sigma 10-20 Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX AF 11-16mm f2.8 Zoom Lens:
http://www.prophotohome.com/forum/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/133/limit/recent
I cant wait to add a worthy wide angle lens to the collection. As pointed out by Michael, “Sigma Corporation announces five new lenses, three new cameras at PMA 2010″ including the 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM.” Just when you thought it was safe to select one lens, technology gives birth to something new.
“The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is the first ultra-wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. This lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor.”
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/sigma-corporation-announces-five-new-lenses-three-new-cameras-at-pma-2010
Hello, i had a canon xti for 3 years and it got stollen easter day so now i went to best buy and again was gonna get something in the canon family but a friend recomended to try nikon. I bought a nikon d90 and well I’ve been testing it out this past week on everything and i just dont like the qulity of the pictures! Am I doing something wrong? I have the kit lens that came with it 18-105 and i bought the 50 mm 1.8…..I take baby pictures and i have started to do family portraits but when i took pictures for family portrais with the canon xti i had they turned out great but now with this one nikon d90 i just cant get the pic qulity to be atleast ok
and iam shooting at aouto and i have tried other modes too…please help!!!
Hmm, what do you mean by the pic quality is not good enough? is it blurry, dark, etc? any sample images / comparison that I can look at?
well lets see when i used the 18-105 mm lens yesturday out side and i took a picture at 105mm of my brother working in the yard and when i uploaded to my comp it just looked blury and i used aouto mode and A mode at like either 3.5 or 5 i think and it seems to me when i use the same lens and I’am taking picture of my always moving around nephew it just cant give me great focus pictures….
and i tried it with the 18-105 mm lens and the 50mm lens….what am i doing wrong? because i thought of now trading this camra for a canon x2i but when i read all the reviews and see that people think of the d90 better then or same to x2i >?!
ohh but my main problem is that when i had the canon xti i did inside family portraits and i just did it on auto mode and they turned out great because i printed out 20×30 sizes and it was a 10 mp and now when i tried it with this camra it just dosent give me a good qulity picture to even blow it up on a 4×6
i could give u some pictures, but how?
thank you so much for ur fast reply
Hi Angela, it might be blurry because:
1. the shutter speed or iso is too low to compensate the focal length. Traditionally, at 105mm, you need at least 1/160 second (1 / 105mm X 1.5 crop factor). But because of VR (Image stabilization), 1/60 will be ok. lower than that, it might be blurry.
2. Image is out of focus. In this case you need to make sure that the main subject is locked (it will be a beep sound and green button in your viewfinder if the AF is locked. Also if the subject is moving, you need to use AF-C mode (continuous AF).
3. Fast moving subject: if you nephews move very fast, you need to use higher shutter speed. Usually I will use at least 1/125 for walking, 1/250 for fast walking, 1/500 for running.
My suggestion is to check out the shutter speed and auto focus first, and get that right.
About printing, if the pictures are good, then it suppose to give you equal quality.
you can send me your picture to my email: enche.zein[at]gmail.com
The
ok i emailed you pictures…
I have a Nikon D90 and I am looking for a great lens for Portraits as well as candid shots….I have read a ton of reviews…..Im wondering shoudl I go with the 85mm1.4 or buy the 35mm as well as the 50mm1.4…..any suggestions??
85mm f/1.4 will be great for head and shoulder portrait. 35mm is wider, great for environmental portrait. 50mm is kinda combination between the two.
Hello
Please advice me the best lens for portraits,shoul i consider the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX or Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D ,Currently i am using D90 with 18-105mm kit lens.
can i get the same features from NIKON 18-200MM AF-S DX 1:3.5-5.6 G VR LENS
for portraits and lanscape
Thanks
Triky question. There is no “best” lenses for portrait because every lens has pro and cons.
I like 35mm because it is a lot sharper in f/1.8 compare to 50mm f/1.8. I also like the built quality and silent auto focus. However, 50mm f/1.8 is longer and make people look a bit more flattery (in general).
Nikon 18-200mm produces similar image to 18-105mm but it has longer focal length which might be more helpful, but won’t create smooth defocus area in background like 35 / 50mm prime lenses.
Thank you for the advice,
I have two questions:
Would you recomend Tokina 12-24 for Photo journalism/Landscape,Indoor.
I heared Nikon 12-24mm lens also , but very expensive.is it the same quality.
What is the best investment and more versertie lens-
Nikon 55-200mm VR , or 70-300MM VR
Thanks.
Yeah I recommend Tokina. Regarding the telephoto zoom lenses, both are a good investment.
The price point is different and they have their own advantage-disadvantages. Pick 70-300mm if you want sharper images and shoot mainly far away subjects (sports, birds etc).
Pick 55-200mm if you don’t shoot very far away subjects, you prefer wider telephoto zoom plus price and weight is the concern.
What is the Difference between Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX AF and DX ll
Which is the better lens
DX II has built-in motor for entry level Nikon DSLR cameras such as D3000, D5000, D60, D40. Quality wise, they are both the same.
Just got a D90 and spent the past 2 days out and about with it. I got the kit with the 18-105 and the 50mm 1.8. I like my lens selection a lot, except when the 18-55 is at or close to 18, the images have blackened corners. I have a UV filter and a polarizer on it (for ease). Could the filters be causing this, or is it “normal” for this lens?
It could be, try do some simple test to find out.
Hello,
I’m planning on buying a D90 Nikon SLR Camera, and I was wondering what type of Lens should I buy for “best” or utmost “favorable” one out in the market? Thanks.
Oh, I forgot to mention inuse for. I mainly take pictures of people, wedding, and sports.
Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8. It might not be long enough for most sport, but it is excellent for people, wedding, landscape and general purpose.
Okay, thank you for that advice. For a secondary Lens, for sports, what do you recommend? I also take pictures of people that dance in general. Thanks.
Oh, wow…the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 is quite pricey. Sorry, I forgot to mention my budget price. Anything ranging from $100-$600. Thanks again.
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