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What is good lens for an amateur photographer?


4 years 4 months ago #669177 by Dave Burburry
My wife is getting into photography and for Christmas I have gotten her a Nikon D7500 body.  I need to get her a body and have been thinking about going with a 18-200mm, or a 50mm, or a Sigma 17-50mm.

I'm a bit all over the place on the lens selection.  Thought I would post it here and get some outside perspective.  

Which lens would you feel was a good buy for someone just getting started in photography?
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4 years 4 months ago #669184 by fmw

Dave Burburry wrote: My wife is getting into photography and for Christmas I have gotten her a Nikon D7500 body.  I need to get her a body and have been thinking about going with a 18-200mm, or a 50mm, or a Sigma 17-50mm.

I'm a bit all over the place on the lens selection.  Thought I would post it here and get some outside perspective.  

Which lens would you feel was a good buy for someone just getting started in photography?


Get a body with a lens already attached and you can avoid all the overthinking.
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4 years 4 months ago #669198 by garyrhook
In an effort to actually answer your question...

Would not recommend a short zoom like that. It will be quite limiting.

50mm.... meh. Others swear by them, I don't, and will never, own one.

The 18-200 is a fine versatile, walk-around lens. I've used it on a D5100 (also crop sensor) and been quite pleased with the results. I'd place it above the 18-55 and 55-200 kit lenses. It's short enough to be wide, long enough to magnify. And modestly priced.

Until your wife decides on a particular direction (if ever) and needs a lens for a specific purpose, it would serve you well.
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4 years 4 months ago #669208 by effron
Another recommending the 18-200, a new "Type II" would be best......
Why so serious?
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4 years 4 months ago #669227 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day mate

Without any information as to your wife's photographic likes or dislikes or experience level, nor any details about what she expects from you, I would go with Gary's suggestion of the 18-200 as her "starter" lens - a good lens for many people, and it may well be the only lens she ever needs

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
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4 years 4 months ago #669255 by Dave Burburry
Well that made my decision easier.  18-200mm ordered!  

Thanks for your input!

While I have you here.  Can you use a 1.7X teleconverter on this lens?
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4 years 4 months ago #669278 by effron

Dave Burburry wrote: Well that made my decision easier.  18-200mm ordered!  

Thanks for your input!

While I have you here.  Can you use a 1.7X teleconverter on this lens?


No, even if you could you wouldn't like it.
Why so serious?
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4 years 4 months ago #669308 by Dave Burburry
Oh well, had to ask.  I have a 1.7x teleconverter.  Figured easy gain if possible.  
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4 years 4 months ago #669311 by garyrhook
Agreed. Even if you could (Nikon TCs only work on certain lenses) you wouldn't be happy with the results.

If you need the reach, Nikon sells an 18-300, but methinks you shouldn't worry about that. You might consider the newer 70-300 at some point.
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4 years 4 months ago #669362 by Tristan R
Something to consider is Sigmas 50-500mm as well.  But that is a very big lens.  If they are just starting out that  18-200mm is plenty of lens.  
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4 years 4 months ago #669417 by Randy Shaw
50-500mm is a huge lens, way over kill for someone starting out.  Stick with the 18-200mm
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