Nikon 18-200mm vs Nikon 18-300mm vs Tamron 18-270mm?
Hey--
So I'm going on a cruise to Alaska soon and thought it would be a good incentive to buy a new all in one lens around the 18-200/300 range (I have been looking for a while for a good all in one option). I posted a question similar to this about two other lenses but had some more come into the picture. Now I officially have these as my options. I added the Tamron because I'm on a budget (If I were to be honest I'm 14 and buy my lenses off money from odd jobs and allowance) and looking for a cheap option for an all in one lens. The two Nikon lenses are on the steep side ($500 on Amazon and $900 retail) so I would like to hear an answer that's similar to "Go for Tamron." However I want a good quality lens and I'm assuming that's the Nikon but I've heard other wise.
---Thanks for the help!
The fact that all three lenses have an 18mm low end suggests that you are looking for something to use with a Nikon DX 'crop sensor' camera. Make sure that the lens you choose will actually mate with the automation in your camera.
If this is to be your primary lens, then I think you will want the highest possible quality. That leads me to suggest throwing in the extra bucks for a Nikon lens. Tamron makes good lenses, but Nikon makes better. Sure, Nikon did make a few dogs, but the lenses you are looking at are good (and the dogs generally were a long time ago).
The other issue is focal length. All three lenses have a very wide zoom range. That might seem fine, but the problem is that at the longer end of the range, you are dealing with lenses that are very long. Even the 18-200mm lens is equivalent to a 300mm lens for a conventional film camera. At that focal length, hand holding is dicey. I sure that the 18-300 would be really neat to have, but it would also be a great temptation to try to hand-hold, and at that long end, that's asking for problems. So on balance, I think you would be happier more of the time with the shorter focal length lens.
There's no reason you couldn't buy used lenses, keep this in mind when on a budget rather than choosing an off-brand alternative based on cost alone. You will often find that it is better to find a way to absorb the cost of new equipment by investing in used equipment from a trusted source. Here's an example from KEH Camera, a widely used and trusted used equipment retailer: http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-DN07999082856J?r=FE listed is the first generation 18-200 VR for the cost of the Tamron but is a lot better in terms of quality. The difference between the first and second generation of this lens is of course price, but little else. The second generation adds a zoom lock and is made using a different manufacturing process. For the most part, they are the exact same lens. Again, absorb the cost of engineering by purchasing the older version for much less used. I would not recommend the 18-300 VR, though not because it is a bad lens but in terms of its cost, there's little difference between it and the 18-200 VR to justify the premium, they both essentially do the same thing. I would not consider the Tamron at any amount of savings. KEH Camera is one of only a few online retailers that offer a warranty on used equipment, which is a very good reason to do business with them. I've used them for years. I rarely buy new equipment, especially lenses, and I've been doing this for years.
What ever lense you choose, if you are new to subzero temperatures I hope you have considered the cold conditions of Alaska. Moving from the extreme cold to a warm room unprotected can ruin a camera. Read these tips to ensure your camera doesn't malfunction: http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/camera-equipment-tips-in-low-temperatures/