Best walk-around lens for a Nikon DX camera?
I asked this question just the other day and got some great answers but i'm going to ask it in a little bit more of a broad term. I'm buying a Nikon d7100 and will be taking college photography lessons soon after. I'm not sure as to what specific lenses i will need so i'm just choosing myself. I have a budget of $800 And need the best lens for multiple situations. I can't decide between a prime or a zoom and with every lens i look up there's always someone giving a contradiction as to why another lens is better. I figure a walk-around lens is best for me since I may be taking photos in doors of pets and the next minute i could be taking sports pictures. I know there's probably not a real all in one lens solution since other lens will do specific ranges better but any recommendations for lens is highly appreciated.
I'd get two; Go used as well. A used Nikon 70-300mm vr and a used 18-70mm or a 50mm1.8 depending on what you think you'd use more
My best recommendation is the 18-200mm. It's not the sharpest lens in the box (compared to a prime or a fast zoom like the 70-200mm f2.8) but it's not too shabby & is nearer your buget than a faster lens would be.
I have one on a D300.
28-200mm
Changing lens take only a few second, for $800 I would consider these set-up, you will cover the same ground if not more than a 18-200mm do it all lens and you will be able to get yourself one or more fast lens for indoor or for when the ambient light is low or simply to get shallow depth of field for portrait or anything else.
Nikon 55-200mm vr. ($250) Sliding aperture lens good for outdoor use. This is not a great lens, optically the same if not better than the 18-200mm and it cost definitely less money.
Nikon 35mm f/1, 8 ($200) Fast lens good for indoor/outdoor use.
Nikon 50mm f/1, 8D ($125) Fast lens good for indoor/outdoor use.
Leave you room to buy yourself a decent tripod and a remote control.
---
Nikon 55-200mm vr ($250)
Nikon 35mm f/1, 8G ($200)
Nikon 50mm f/1, 8G ($220)
---
Nikon 55-200mm vr ($250)
Nikon 50mm f/1, 4G ($470) Fast lens good for indoor/outdoor use.
---
Nikon 70-300mm vr ($600) Sliding aperture lens good for outdoor use. This is probably the best zoom lens between the 55-200 and the 80-200mm f/2, 8D.
Nikon 50mm f/1, 8D ($125)