Lens Suggestions for Nikon D60

KevinhooaKevinhooa Registered Users Posts: 38 Big grins
edited September 27, 2010 in Accessories
Hey everyone, I just went out and bought a Nikon D60 to replace my D50. I'm looking to get a decent lens, nothing spectacular in the 15-100mm focal range and under $400 price bracket. I've been reading about the Sigma 17-70mm 2.8 lens and that seems like a pretty good choice, but I'm still not sure. Would anyone happen to have some suggestions for other good lenses for that body type. I mainly shoot stills and landscapes so it's doesn't have to be a super fast lens. I appreciate the help.
Kevin H. (Owls Flight)

There seems to be less and less garden in this state.

Comments

  • asp87asp87 Registered Users Posts: 62 Big grins
    edited September 24, 2010
    It's a little above your price range, but the Nikon 16-85mm DX VR f/3.5-5.6 is a good lens too.
    Anthony
    Nikon D60, 18-55mm VR f/3.5-5.6, 35mm f/1.8, 70-300mm VRII f/4.5-5.6, Panagor 90mm f/2.8 1:1, SB-600, 68mm Kenko extension tubes
    Flickr
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited September 24, 2010
    While the Sigma 17-70mm, f2.8-4.5 DC Macro is not a bad lens, it is not a constant aperture. At the long end it lets in less than half the light of the wide end. More importantly, the AF sensor of your Nikon D60 will have greater sensitivity and greater accuracy using lenses with large apertures.

    The Tamron SP 17-50mm, f2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) is a constant aperture design and will allow potentially better images as a result of the larger constant aperture.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • KevinhooaKevinhooa Registered Users Posts: 38 Big grins
    edited September 24, 2010
    Thank you both for your advice. I'll do a search and see what I come up with price wise.
    Kevin H. (Owls Flight)

    There seems to be less and less garden in this state.
  • time2smiletime2smile Registered Users Posts: 835 Major grins
    edited September 24, 2010
    The Nikon 18-105 VR not that great but may be better than some others.

    I think you may be limited to getting a newer lens with the focus motor built in. The D60 i dont believe has a focus motor.

    I to vote for a f2.8 constant, you may pay a little more, but you will not outgrow it.

    and WELCOME to the GRIN
    Ted....
    It's not what you look at that matters: Its what you see!
    Nikon
    http://www.time2smile.smugmug.com
  • asp87asp87 Registered Users Posts: 62 Big grins
    edited September 24, 2010
    The D40/40x/50/60 all do not have focus motors built in. Ask me how I know :bluduh
    Anthony
    Nikon D60, 18-55mm VR f/3.5-5.6, 35mm f/1.8, 70-300mm VRII f/4.5-5.6, Panagor 90mm f/2.8 1:1, SB-600, 68mm Kenko extension tubes
    Flickr
  • KevinhooaKevinhooa Registered Users Posts: 38 Big grins
    edited September 24, 2010
    Yeah, it looks like that Tamron will do the trick. I've been using a Sigma 18-125 3.5 but I've outgrown it and need to move on. And actually my D50 had a focus motor built in, but it's an older 2005 model. But with the D60, yes, I will be looking for a lens with an internal focus. Thanks again for the tips and suggestions. And thanks for the welcome.
    Kevin H. (Owls Flight)

    There seems to be less and less garden in this state.
  • InsuredDisasterInsuredDisaster Registered Users Posts: 1,132 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2010
    I have the 18-200 VR on my wifes camera. Too slow. I also highly suggest something pretty fast.
    My blog
  • RazzmatazzRazzmatazz Registered Users Posts: 7 Beginner grinner
    edited September 25, 2010
    I have 3 Nikkor lens that I'm pleased with overall. I have the standard lenses that came the camera, 18-55mm VR f3.5-5.6 and the 70-200mm VR. I also purchased a fast lense, 35mm f/1.8 for about $200. While I agree that a constant aperture is the best way to go - you'll need to spend a lot more money for that capability. These lens all fall within your price range. I especially enjoy the 35mm lens - and use it to capture indoor action shots. You can't beat the price either.
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2010
    I have the older non OS 17-70mm Sigma it is a good lens but the 17-55mm f 2.8 nikon blows it doors off but it should for the price difference. I have a 50-135mm tokina f2.8 that is a great lens. Does the D60 have the motor drive like your D50? I cant remember if not that takes the Tokina off the list.
    I would suggest if you are going to make the investment get a lens that has a constant aperture through the zoom range. Makes life easier.
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
  • InsuredDisasterInsuredDisaster Registered Users Posts: 1,132 Major grins
    edited September 25, 2010
    DsrtVW wrote: »
    I have the older non OS 17-70mm Sigma it is a good lens but the 17-55mm f 2.8 nikon blows it doors off but it should for the price difference. I have a 50-135mm tokina f2.8 that is a great lens. Does the D60 have the motor drive like your D50? I cant remember if not that takes the Tokina off the list.
    I would suggest if you are going to make the investment get a lens that has a constant aperture through the zoom range. Makes life easier.

    No, no motor drive. You can manually focus lenses and there's a little rangefinder indicator, but I can't say its a lot of fun when shooting action!
    My blog
  • KevinhooaKevinhooa Registered Users Posts: 38 Big grins
    edited September 27, 2010
    Thanks for the additional tips guys. From all the reviews and ratings I've read, that tamron seems like the best one for my shooting style. And yeah, the D60 has no motor drive. I went out and shot with the D60 the other day using the manual focus of my old Sigma lens and it wasn't too bad that I can't wait to save up for the new lens, but I'm def going to have to switch at some point. Thanks again for the tips.
    Kevin H. (Owls Flight)

    There seems to be less and less garden in this state.
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