16-85 VR question

[babanou]

Guys,
I plan to go for a D300 pretty soon but am struggling to pick a lens. I was pretty much set on the 16-85 until l looked closely at the lens speed an drealized that i thad the same as the 18-200.

My question is: even if I use the zoom only on a rare number of occasions, wouldn't i tbe worth it to carry the 18-200 rather than the 16-85?

Thanks.

[rjseeney]

If you can live with the extra distortion of the 18-200 throughout the entire range and worse IQ (which is to be expected from a lens with this range), then yes, the 18-200 is a good 1 lens solution. You do gain a bit extra on the wide end with the 16-85 (and yes 2mm does matter and is noticeable). For the cost though, I think the 18-200 is a better value than the 16-85.

[babanou]

The only thing might be low of lighting conditions inside with the 18-200 right thus the need of a speedlight...?

For now I am looking for an inside lens for kid pictures...

Recommendation?

[Bob Nichol]

The NIKKOR 16-85mm is f/3.5-5.6 which is on the slow side for inside use even if you pump up the ISO and would probably require the use of a speedlight expecially if you are trying to photograph active children. The alternative would be fast zooms or primes which means professional grade (=expensive).

The 16-85mm would be a rather limited range single lens solution but as the mid-range component with an ultra-wide zoom and a medium telephoto zoom it would provide better range and image quality than an all-in-one lens.

[babanou]

I just read about the 50mm f1.8 lens that seems quite interesting too...

[rjseeney]

Speedlights are always a good idea. Proper use will definitely improve your images. I use one almost all the time, even in bright light to provide a little fill to help open up shadows. When using the consumer zooms that you've mentioned indoors, a speedlight is a necessity.

[Bob Nichol]

Don't forget that 50mm on a D300 is a mild telephoto (~75mm) so you may not be able to back up enough in the house to frame the picture properly. Normal lens on a DX body is about 30mm.

[babanou]

So, I think I'll get a 18-55 VR, a SB800 speedlight and a 28mm f2.8 to start my kit...
I'll see for the 16-85 or 18-200 later on...

Good enough you guys think?

[rjseeney]

You will be lacking on the tele end. If you don't shoot tele, then it's no big deal. Rather than the 18-200 for the future, I'd look at either the 55-200vr or 70-300 to round out the kit. The 18-200 would make the 18-55 redundant, and IQ would be better with the two lens kits.

[babanou]

I'm getting this kit and sacrificing on the long end for now but making sure I can have some fun on the portait activity.
And when it starts itching, I'll look to add a telephoto..

Thanks all!