Keep the stocky 18-70?

[Van Isle]

I've bought the Nikkor 18-200 VR lens for my D70s. Is there any reason to keep the kit 18-70? It's maybe 1/3 EV faster at the longest, no faster over the wide angle. There's the backup theory, but I'd rather backup with a series of fast prime lenses, or faster zooms with a smaller range.

Thanks a bunch.

VI

[Seymore]

The 18-70 has always kept its value. So I would suggest you hold it for maybe 6 months.. Well, unless you really need the money. Once you know/feel you're out of the woods with the 18-200, then offload the stocky.

BTW, you know the 18-70 is one of the sharpest kit lenses Nikon did... right?

[ziggy53]

...

BTW, you know the 18-70 is one of the sharpest kit lenses Nikon did... right?

:agree My father has the Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 G IF-ED DX with his Nikon D70 and it makes a wonderful combination. The combination of great resolution and contrast make it a super general purpose lens.

If I had gone Nikon instead of Canon, and that was my original plan, the Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm, f/3.5-4.5 G, would have been one of my first lenses (if not the first) and would have remained in my stable regardless of any seeming duplicity.

I agree with Seymore's assessment that it would be best to use the new lens for a while to see if you miss the old lens. In particular, pay attention to the barrel distortion and vignetting of the new lens at 18mm and wide open. The old lens may be considerably better and reason alone to keep it.

[DoctorIt]

+3

The 18-70 is the best "kit" lens I've ever used. Worlds better than Canon's failed 17-85. I've owned them both. The 18-70 I just got recently, and wow, wish I'd had it all along!

It's worth some money, but not enough to buy yourself a really good prime. Jury's still out on the 18-200, so I'd advise holding on the 18-70 as well.

[Van Isle]

:thumb And that's why I play here. If the rain ever stops, I'll head out to find a brick wall some where and take a big series of shots with both lenses. If there's anything worth talking about, I'll post the findings.

Thanks a bunch.

VI