Which everyday zoom lens is the best upgrade from the 18-55mm on a Nikon D7000?
Asked 8/21/2012
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I use a Nikon D7000 with the 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm, and 35mm f/1.8. I want to replace the 18-55mm with a better everyday zoom that I can leave on the camera most of the day.
What I dislike about the 18-55mm is the basic build quality, short focus-ring travel, and lack of VR. I’d like to keep good wide-angle coverage, have enough reach for portraits and casual distant subjects, and stay with a Nikon lens if possible.
I’ve been considering the Nikon 16-85mm, 18-105mm, and 18-200mm. What trade-offs matter most when choosing among these for a D7000? Is one clearly better, and should I be looking at something like a 17-55mm f/2.8 instead of a superzoom?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
5
If cost is no constraint: I replaced my kit lens (18-105) of the D7000 with the Nikon 17-55 2.8 and I am very happy with my choice. Optically it is a very good lens, but depending on you requirements there are less costly alternatives that could be acceptable too. However, what was key for me is 2.8 and the build quality since it is my default lens.
If you ever want to upgrade to FX you could also consider the 24-70 2.8, all-though this gives you a kind of a strange focal range on DX und is even bigger, heavier and more expensive.
You didn't tell us why you want to upgrade, what should be the primary driver for your decision. With the 18-55 you have a lens in almost the same focal range as the 17-55, so I asume it's image quality / resolution you are looking for to match the D7000 sensor. If I am right I'd suggest the Nikon 17-55 f2.8.
Originally by user2549. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2549
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main trade-off is convenience vs. optical quality, aperture, size, and build.
An 18-200mm style superzoom is convenient, but that convenience usually comes with weaker image quality than a shorter-range zoom or a two-lens setup. If you want the best results from the D7000, the community consensus is to avoid expecting one lens to do everything well.
If image quality, build, and low-light use matter most, the standout recommendation is the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 DX. It offers much better build quality, strong optics, and a constant f/2.8 aperture, making it a strong “default lens.” The downsides are weight, cost, and less reach than an 18-105 or 18-200.
The 24-70mm f/2.8 is also excellent, but on DX its range is less versatile because it is not very wide.
So, choose based on priority:
- Best quality/build: 17-55mm f/2.8
- Maximum convenience/range: 18-200mm, accepting compromises
- Mid-range walkaround option: 16-85mm or 18-105mm
In short: for a long-term D7000 everyday upgrade, a high-quality standard zoom like the 17-55mm f/2.8 is the strongest choice if you can live without superzoom reach.
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