I have been using my D60 with its Kit lens for some time now and have realized on all the occasions that I miss out on great pictures because of the lack of zoom on the stock lens.

I am planning on getting an 18-xxx mm zoom lens so I can permanantly use just one lens on my camera without having to swap. After some research I have narrowed it down to 3. Unfortunaely where I live, I cannot just go out and test these lenses and have to resort to reading reviews before I decide on something. Hence people who have used these lenses or have had experiences with these brands to shed some light and help me decide.

The lenses are -

a. Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200,, f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II - roughly over $750

b. Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HS - $520

c. Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro - $550

Sigma also has 18-200, and Tamron makes 18-200 and 18-250 as well. I just put in the ones with more zoom.

Is Nikkor the best way out?
Do I compromise on alot of things by picking an alternative brand? If yes, what exacly?

This is the first time I am doing any form of lens shopping and am looking forward for your suggestions. Thanks

 

ME personally the VR is a great additive. Iif the sigma or tamron have the VR option those would probably be the better bet due to cost. I don't think there is that much difference in the glass from the nikkor lenses to Sigma and Tamron. Just not name brand items

 

i have the nikon 18-200mm vr .. nice lens, but pricey. though it is very convenient if you go on vacation or somewhere you don't want to carry a bunch of other lenses.

 

I'm kinda in the same boat, trying to decide what telezoom I want. I've always been of the mentality that you should buy the fastest lens you can afford. However, I think with zooms, having IS or VR might be a little more important.

 

do you think the 'vibration reduction' offered by these third party manufacturers doesn't match the quality what nikkor has to offer? or is it that the camera body will not adjust properly to the vibration compensation offered by the lens?

the sigma 18-250mm has hybrid optical stabilization which I am assuming works a lot like the VR, but not sure to what extent.

it also states that the HSM (hyper sonic motor) helps it focus faster.

 

I would go with the Nikkor, personally. All three of those have some sort of VR... Sigma's is "OS", and Tamron's is "VC". Also, Sigma's HSM motor is the same as Nikon's AF-S. They just call their in-lens focus motors "HSM" to distinguish them from the AF versions.

The Nikkor is quite a good lens. If you can afford it, go for it. I doubt you'll see a huge difference between the options though.