motorcycle/hiking lens

carmel6942

I am looking at getting a lens for when I take my bike out or when the wife and I go hiking. I am looking at the following lenses for a Nikon D50.

Tamron 18-250
Sigma 18-200

I don't have the cash for the nikkor lens and I am looking at doing some hiking in the next couple weekends. Any body have experience with these lenses?

Thanks for any assistance

MooreDriven

Carl,

I think to better answer your question, you need to provide more information on the types of photo's you plan to take; landscape, macro, wildlife, etc. I will be taking my Nikon 18-200mm and 50mm lenses on my motorcycle trip this weekend. I like the flexibility of the 18-200mm because it provides me with a lot of range for my tastes. I purchased the 50mm for low light situations, or when I want to capture a sharper overal image.

I don't have any experience with the Tamron or Sigma. I would do a search for reviews on those lenses before buying. Personally, I would purchase a 55-200mm Nikon before buying either of the lenses above. It would compliment your kit lens and provide better quality shots.

Good luck, and safe riding.

Dale

Van Isle

I'm gonna guess that you want a general walking-out lens that can sort of do everything well, but doesn't have to do everything perfectly.

I have the Nikkor 18-200 VR lens and I love it. It has many drawbacks, however, like low-light capabilities, sharpness at longer lengths, and lens aberrations at the widest angles.

I say this as I wouldn't really find a use for a lens like this if it was even a little bit less quality. In my mind you would be better served to get better glass than the ones you mentioned covering a smaller range.

The Nikon 28-105 seems like a good buy from BH new for $250 . Good wide angle coverage and some reach. Don't forget to consider used lenses from your local shop!

carmel6942

I'm gonna guess that you want a general walking-out lens that can sort of do everything well, but doesn't have to do everything perfectly.

Yes that is basically what I am looking for. When out on the bike especially early in the morning I see some really beautiful sunrises, but also different wildlife deer, fox, and different types of birds. I don't have a lot of room and would like the best overall coverage for landscapes and wildlife.

I am considering used glass, but I am looking for some experiences with the lenses. I am willing to wait until I have the money for the nikon lens, but if the sigma or tamron quality is close I would be happy to save money also. The online reviews I have read all mention slow autofocus with both the sigma and tamron lenses, I am willing to live with slow autofocus if the quality of picture is good.

Van Isle

I'd like to provide you with more info, but I have no experience with the lenses you mentioned.

BUMP for those with more experience.