A good alternative to the Nikon 18-55mm 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G f/3.5-5.6 VR AF-S DX?

Question

I'm about to buy a Nikon D5000, but i really would like to cut costs where i can, does anyone know of a lens that matches the capabilities of the Nikon 18-55mm 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G f/3.5-5.6 VR AF-S DX lens but is a bit cheaper?

Answer 1

I still say that if you are on a deadline, buy the lens first that you would want in the future and then buy a cheap used Nikon body. (A used D40 is quite cheap and easily available).



A good alternative to Nikkor 18-55 VR is the lens without VR. The difference that VR makes at this focal length is minimal and the optical quality of the lens without VR is slightly better.



Speaking of optical quality, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens is also very good and quite inexpensive.

Answer 2

The 18-55mm zoom already is Nikon's bottom of the line option. And as Fhotoace said, you get a considerable discount on it when you buy it together with a D5000 body. At B&H, this lens costs $120 as part of a D5000 kit vs. $185 for the same lens sold separately.



That's just $120 for a pretty okay lens. You're not going to find anything better for that price...

* A used, non-VR version of Nikon's 18-55mm will set you back roughly $100. So for just $20 more you get VR (Vibration Reduction, i.e. image stabilization) and a warranty. That's a no-brainer.

* A used, cheapie Sigma/ Tamron/ Tokina zoom? Why bother. They're crap. These companies can and do make some good stuff, but not for under $100. In that price bracket they make stuff that squeaks when it focuses, takes forever to focus, provides worse image quality than shooting through a Coke bottle, and snaps in half when you look at it wrong.



If you absolutely, positively need to cut costs, look for a cheaper total package. In that case, forget about the D5000 and get a used Nikon D80/ D60/ ... (with a used 18-55mm non-VR lens.)



You hint at using the camera to provide a professional service, so let's put this in perspective:

* Loan whatever you're short and pay it back when your photography starts generating income. Consider it a business investment. You do want your gear to meet a minimum standard, right?

* The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 is what you really want. That's a $1260 lens. The lens that you currently consider too expensive costs 1/10th that price.



In conclusion, order the kit and be kind to ponies. Thanks for reading.

Answer 3

Buying a cheap lens for the D5000 makes about as much sense as putting a set of used tires on a new car. The lens is much more important than the camera body. Lenses are investments. Camera bodies are replaced every couple of years. Buy the D5000 with the 18-55mm kit lens.



Your initial question and the "Additional Details" make me wonder exactly what your skill level is, especially after reading your statement: "... I don't feel comfortable offering people a professional service when I don't have a professional camera ...".



There are no "professional cameras". There are professional photographers. A camera doesn't know anything about light and composition and f-stops and ISO and shutter speed. A professional photographer (or advanced amateur) has that knowledge and the skill required to use it. If you are thinking that buying the D5000 is going to magically transform you into a "professional photographer" who can begin charging people for your work you are sadly mistaken.



Buying a chemistry set does not make you a chemist.



Buying a set of carpenter's tools does not make you a carpenter.



Buying a set of mechanic's tools does not make you a mechanic.



Buying a DSLR does not make you a professional photographer.

Answer 4

a good alternative? I'd recommend the Nikon 18-55mm no vr.



With such a small lens I can't really imagine how you would need vr... I really don't understand vr in general. In my opinion vr is for people who want to take a landscape shot, but have to do it in an unfavorable location, like sitting in a canoe going down a river.



I have had experience with many Nikon lenses and by far the 18-55 is my favorite. It's a light and casual lens that I use about 80% of the time.

Answer 5

Im not really sure, but have you looked around Ebay? I got a Canon Rebel XTi a little over a year ago with 21 pieces for $150-200 less then I could buy the body alone in a store for alone. It was factory sealed in the box, with a Canon warranty.

Answer 6

Awesome answers given