Please recommend a replacement for my D5200 kit lens

Ken · 22 Mar 2015 at 14:21

Hi,

So my kit lens took a knock on the front element. It's not scratched and it still focuses but it wobbles from side to side

Anyway I'm looking for a replacement that is faster but still has the convenience of zoom. I have the 55-200mm so that range is covered. I will also be buying the 35 or 50mm 1.8 for food photography.

So my main use for the replacement for the kit lens will be for landscapes as I love hiking and taking my camera with me. I also love long exposure and will attempt to capture the milky way with the replacement hence the reason for as fast a lense as possible. Sometimes I use filters so it would be useful too if the replacement you suggest has a focus ring that's not at the front where the filters attach.

Budget around £350.

Thanks

ote1 · 22 Mar 2015 at 15:23

I've been looking for a landscape lens for a similar price. I'm yet to make a purchase but I've settled on the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DXII (DXII is very important if you want autofocus, the DX doesn't have one built in). I also considered the Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 but felt the Tokina fared better in reviews and had a better aperture for low light conditions. I don't think you can make a wrong choice between these two as far as the reviews are concerned. Note I've been looking at used prices, both are over £350 new I believe. My local, Cambrian Photography, provide 12 month warranties with all their used kit so it's not a worry for me.

D.P. · 22 Mar 2015 at 16:29

Nikon 16-85mm, second hand. Very useful focal range, sharp, contrasty, vivid colors, good AF amd VR. 16mm is a big gain over other lenses

Ken · 22 Mar 2015 at 16:42

Thanks

I too considered that Tokina and it's £309 at hdew. Was also looking at the cheaper Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 due to the more convenient zoom available over the Tokina but still prefer the Tokina as it's wider. As for the 16-85mm I rather buy brand new

D.P. · 22 Mar 2015 at 16:54

If you are going to go with HK companies like Hdew then you should get the 16-85mm within budget.

Ken · 22 Mar 2015 at 19:30

D.P. said:
If you are going to go with HK companies like Hdew then you should get the 16-85mm within budget.

Can't seem to find it at HDEW and at Digitalrev it's £420. What about the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8?

Columbo · 22 Mar 2015 at 19:32

Ken said:
Can't seem to find it at HDEW and at Digitalrev it's £420. What about the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8?

I'd personally take the Sigma 17-50mm over the Nikon 16-85mm simply because of its contant f2.8.

Ken · 25 Mar 2015 at 20:33

Think im going to pass on the sigma. Seems hit and miss in terms of sharpness out from centre and auto focus accuracy. Going to accept aperture 3.5 and replace my vr kit lens with the vr ii. Cheap. Sharp. Same filter size. And filter mount doesnt spin with focus ring like it does on vr i.