Lens for Nikon D50

[va-amateur]

I have decided to get a Nikon D50 and need to decide on lenses. Most of my shooting will be standard family shots -- holidays, visits to relatives, etc. Also I take pictures of my son playing soccer and swimming, though I have no delusions about my ability there (out of about 300 shots I have maybe two good ones). But what I really like to take pictures of is the outdoors -- mountains, waterfalls, buildings, streams, etc.

The two lens kit (18-55 and 55-200) looks interesting, but I hear there is a good Nikon 70-300 for about $150. Also maybe I should go with a single 28-200 that goes for $300-$350. I don't want to spend a lot of time switching lenses around (I can hear my wife now, "And you said this new camera would be BETTER?")

[MrBook2]

I hate to give you this advice (since your spouse *really* won't like this price tag) but I suggest the Nikon 18-200 VR DX lens. I just got one myself (after a long backorder but just in time for a vacation I just got back from) and it is fantastic. It is a great all purpose lens and gives you those extra couple of stops with the VR. The bad news is that it is about $750. The worse news is that it is backordered most places. But I think it is worth every penny.

--Aaron

[Cliff Photo]

For the type of shooting you'll be doing, look into a Nikon 24-120 VR. At least half the price of the 18-200 VR if the cost is a concern. You'll be giving up some focal length and a bit of sharpness for the difference in price though. A good all around lens nevertheless and better IMHO than the other lenses you've metioned thus far.

Cliff

[greenpea]

When taking family pictures, I like to get more candid shots, so I try not to use a flash. Because of this my favorite lens for family shots (and outdoors) is the Nikon 24mm 2.8. Although it doesn't give you the flexibility of a zoom lens, it’s fast enough for you to be able to take most of those family shots, indoors, hand held without a flash.

[Harryb]

A great lens for indoor shots and family shots is the 50mm 1.8. The best bargain in Nikon's line at under $100.