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

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

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?

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.