zoom lenses

[mcdaniel52761]

I'm looking for a zoom lens for a Nikon D80. I've read the previous posts on here (some of them) and the reviews on photozone.de and what I've derrived is that the lenses are iffy unless you're willing to spend $1800 on the 70-200 2.8 (which I'm not). I'm looking for something up to 200mm and 135mm works as well...and the starting point doesn't matter too much but somewhere between 18 and 70. That being said and without opening up a can of worms, which is the best lens to get as far as picture quality? I do like the VR option as well.

 

[photogincollege]

Well how much are you willing to spend?

 

[Mav]

What crap reviews. You don't need to spend nearly 2-grand just to get "non-iffy" image quality. Start with the 55-200VR ($200) or the 70-300VR ($500) and go from there. If you want something fast that's f/2.8, you could try the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 which is also around $500 I believe. They also make a 70-200mm f/2.8 for around $1000 which is supposed to be pretty good too. A lot of this depends on your budget and what exactly you're trying to shoot.

 

[AlexParlett]

The Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM (yeah i know its got a load more random letters) is an excellent lens that retails on ebay for around $1000.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3340&navigator=3

It has excellent reviews, and i use it myself, and its is a professional standard lens, i would rate it over the nikkor f2.8 80-200 any day.

 

[photogincollege]

Dont forget about the nikon 80-200 2.8. Its a pro grade lens and only around 800-1000.