Cheapest so far. Better built, better lens compare to kit lens 18-55
No VR but has steel ring. Which is good, if you change lenses so often like a boss! :)
Review from loudmouth Kenrockwell:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1870.htm
Or, my fav. review site :)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2004/1/28/nikon18-70dx
this was the kit lens (but better than your average kit lens) that came with my D70. served me well for years while i was using it.
I own one and it has been good, but I personnally struggle to see the value compared to the sigma f2.8 17-50mm OS for $560ish.
As these were kits lenses for the D70 there are probably a few decent copies floating around 2nd hand.
Nevertheless a reasonable kit lens. I usually use mine for paddock shots where mud and rain and headbuts from horses are all part of the fun.
Nice sharp lens, but limited use zoom. Definitely choose this for indoor use over my more versatile but softer 18-200mm and super light 18-55mm.
I wouldn't hit a guy over the head with this lens..
Just stick with a nice cheap prime, like the sigma 30mm or nifty 50. You'll be much happier with the photos, and will be able to use it at night!
The lenses serve two completely different purposes.
The Sigma 30mm f1.4 is nice and fast with good bokeh, but it's not as sharp as it's Nikon counterpart the Nikkor 35mm f1.8G. (Going to get the Nikon this weekend if there's stock myself)
The 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 already has an upper hand on the 18-55mm kit lens in that at its telephoto end it's pretty fast at f4.5 compared to f5.6 on the 18-55mm. It also reaches a greater focal length of 70mm making it more flexible for everyday use.
Not to mention that this is a DX lens so really it's a 27-105mm in 35mm film camera equivalency.
As for the "nifty-fifty" it's a good intro prime lens to make you practice composing your shots and getting used to your camera. It isn't a lens I'd recommend as an everyday lens as on a DX sensor it's more like a 75mm and that's pretty uncomfortable to use indoors. If you wanted a prime lens that just sits there on your DX sensor go for a 35mm giving you approximately 53mm and close to what your eyes see. If sharpness isn't too much of an issue and you prefer something faster with better bokeh for a similar price as the Nikon 35mm f1.8G go for the Sigma 30mm f1.4 giving you a film equivalency of about 45mm. Either way, they're both great lenses.
On what planet is the Sigma 30mm 1.4 a similar price to the Nikon 35mm 1.8?
My bad, turns out it isn't. I just read a crap load of reviews and what not and they seemed to mention that they were both similarly priced. I stand corrected. Only looked at the Sigma once used and that one was only slightly more than the Nikkor used…. Would've been a bargain if I knew the Sigma goes for $400ish new…
I have a (second hand) 18-70, and change between that, a 35 1.8 and nifty 50 depending on subject matter. This is more wife-friendly and versatile in situations with good lighting, while the primes shine elsewhere.
I'd grab one if I didn't already own one. Certainly better than the 18-55 which I've not used once since getting the 18-70.
I have all three and they are very different. 18mm is way wider than 30mm, so this works as a reasonable widish angle lens, and 70mm is not too bad a range. I find it reasonably sharp, no complaints, except there is something nicer about the f1.4 lenses even if they are not perfect.
I would call this lens a good workmanlike lens, good for a first low end walkaround lens, and good if you want to pair it with a 70-300mm vr lens to cover the most used focal lengths.
If you get into photography you will want something better but the next equivalent f2.8 is $560, and if you want nikon then $1000+.
I would much prefer a sigma 18-50 f/2.8
oldie but a VERY GREAT goodie!! will recommend!
Good general use lens. Low distortion, very useful wide angle and well built. Been using mine for 6 years.