Lens for D5100?

[SuperDarkDuck]

Hi

I'm about to go to the US for my first time ever, and then I thought why not buy a lens for my D5100 when I am in Washington D.C

I already have the standard 18-55mm kit that came with the camera, but I am torn between a few solutions of lenses.

I want a "combi" solution that gives me range, but still the possibility to get good portraits and sharp pictures in low light.
I don't have money for the 24-70mm, which were my first choice

But what about the 18-200mm, or a 50mm 1.8 with another lens (55-200mm DX) ?

What are your experiences with the 18-200m and 50mm?
And what lens would you maybe suggest a guy like me?

All responses are very much appreciated

 

[pixmedic]

depends on what type of shooting you do. the 50mm 1.8 is a good lens, and cheap. i prefer the 50mm 1.4 though. I dont know much about the 18-200, but the 18-105 VR is a nice lens, and very inexpensive now. depending on what your budget is, you could go with something like the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 if you wanted a faster lens in that zoom range, or the tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. I have both of those lenses are they are very nice. Not going to try and put them on a pedastool with the Nikon pro lenses, but they work very well for me.

 

[SuperDarkDuck]

Do you know anything about the Nikon Nikon 35mm AF-S Nikkor f/1.4G DX Lens?
or is the f/1.8G better?

 

[pixmedic]

Do you know anything about the Nikon Nikon 35mm AF-S Nikkor f/1.4G DX Lens?
or is the f/1.8G better?

the 35mm 1.8 is cheaper. the f/1.4 has a larger max aperture so it lets more light in and will be more expensive. I have the 35mm 1.8G and it has been a great lens. If you have the option and budget of getting a 1.4, then I personally would. I have the 50mm 1.8D and 50mm 1.4D and the f/1.4 is by far the better lens. I can only imagine that it is the same for the 35mm lenses.