What f mount lens for my nikon d5000?

So, i'm looking for an upgrade from my standard nikon 18 - 55 mm lens. Thin is, i can't really justify spending over 250 on this, (So 250 max).

I suppose i just want a better quality lens, which takes sharper images etc. It would be ideal to have an auto focus option on it, but i'm really not fussed, if sacrificing auto focus means i can send more on a better lens, so be it. Preferably, i'd like it to be a zoom lens, around the 18 - 55mm mark.

I don't care if it's a modern or old lens, as long as it's better than my standard one. Any body got any recommendations? Thanks.

Added (1). £250 i meant to say.

*spend, not send

First off, all lenses which can fit onto a Nikon camera use the F mount. Even third party lenses like the Sigma or Tamron use the F mount.

Sounds like you should look at getting the Nikon 55-200mm lens. It is not a bad lens and fits your budget perfectly right at $250.

For around $110 less you can pick up the Nikon 50mm f1.8D. It is an older lens but it is a good lens.

For $220 you can upgrade to the Nikon 50mm f1.8G. This is a newer lens with the newest AFS motor inside so your D5000 will have auto focus.

One thing to remember about the D5000 is that it is the camera body does not have an internal AF motor. Older lenses, like the 50mm f1.8D will not be able to auto focus. To have AF, the lens you choose must have the Nikon AFS focus motor inside the lens or whatever the equivalent is for other lens makers.

B and H photo/video page for the 55-200mm: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ikkor.html

B and H photo/video page for the Nikon 50mm f1.8D; http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._50mm.html

B and H photo/video page for the Nikon 50mm f1.8G; http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._1_8G.html

If you want it to auto focus then it will have to be a relatively new lens as only AF-S lenses (or equivalent from other manufacturers) will auto focus.

If you want something really sharp then go for a prime lens like the 50mm f1.8 AF-S or the 35mm f1.8 AF-S DX lens if you want something wider. The 35mm is a good general purpose lens and the 50mm makes a great portrait lens on a DX body like the D5000.

If you want a significantly sharper zoom you aren't going to get it for £250. The 16-85mm VR is much better but costs more like £450. If you want a better zoom I would recommend saving for that.

I bought a 18-105mm lens from cameta Camera for $250.00 It was factory refurbished and I have used it for teo years (on two different cameras) with perfect results… Look on Amazon or Ebay for a deal!