Would Nikkor 55-200mm VR make a good upgrade lens for a Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm lens? - 1

Would Nikkor 55-200mm VR make a good upgrade lens for a Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm lens?

The lens size is right but there's other things to consider.

If you're going to upgrade I always recommend what we call a single solution lens… That a lens that
runs from 18-200.

I say that because when you're out shooting and you want a wide shot you use the 18 that you have.
Then you want a zoom shot you have to change lenses.

Be aware that every time you do that you're opening your camera to dust. If dust gets in and ends up on your sensor you've got spots in your photos.

The less you open your camera the less chance of that dust coming in so… The single solution.

Best of luck

While the 18-200 is a solution if you want an all-in-one travel lens, it is a superzoom (almost 12x), and like all superzooms, there are some optical issues you need to be aware of.

And the 55-200 VR ($300) is a lot less expensive than the 18-200mm ($800), so cost is also a consideration.

Here is a webpage comparing the Nikon 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and 18-200mm lenses.

http://www.althephoto.com/lenses/super-zooms.php

Upgrade? No.

It would make a good complement though to your 18-55mm lens. Those two lenses have different uses and in the long run you will discover that you still would be using your 18-55mm lens far more often than your 55-200mm lens.

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/lenses-so-many-of-them-there-is-no-best.html