What's a good general purpose lens for a D80?

[IBDiver]

I am in the process of going from an UW point & shoot camera to a Nikon D80. It would appear from the various posts that there is a wide array of lenses out there to choose from depending on what you're trying to do. Well, I'm just getting started here and am looking to take my point & shoot experience to the next level, get some experience, and then perhaps learn how to use specific lenses for specific purposes. Does that make sense? Anyway, what lens would be a good choice for getting this process started? Thanks.

 

[JackConnick]

I like the Sigma 17-70 Macro for a GP lens. It covers wide angle and goes to a "sort of" macro mode of 1:2.3 for large nudibranchs and the like. Very sharp and reasonably priced.

Beyond that I use a Nikon 60mm macro almost all the time for it's speed, sharpness and excellent macro or fish portrait range.

There isn't a one sized fits all lens though for DSLRs. That's kind of the idea of them.

Jack

 

[HowardE]

I'll second the Sigma 17-70. I used that on my D200 for a while until I got my 10-17. Many of the photos in my gallery are with the 17-70, and it is a great general purpose lens. It does nicely with macro, and decently with WA.

 

[cave_diver]

The Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX is a new lens available for Nikon as well. It has an f/2.8 aperture. I did have the lens only for a day and was not able to use it underwater; I was impressed with its optical qualities. You will find a good review here http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/11-16mm.htm. While the D80 is not mentioned, it should work on the camera, since it is working on the D70. Price is around $500+

 

[mcknight4]

For everyday shots I use a Nikon 28-80 zoom. I have used it UW with a +4 diopter and an Ikelite dome port and got good results. I also use a Sigma 15mm fisheye and a Nikon 60mm micro. I am very pleased with Ikelite equipment and service. Check the Ikelite website carefully to make sure you have the correct port for a given lens.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

General purpose lens for doing WHAT?

 

[SparticleBrane]

Nikon 50mm f/1.8
$115

Cheap, sharp, fast.

 

[Eskasi]

If used for UW and if new to DSLR underwater, I recommend the 60mm Macro...

 

[divingdds]

I've used different lenses over the last couple of years. My favorites are the Nikon 105 Micro VR for stunning macro shots (however, this will take practice using). The Nikon 60 mm Micro is also a favorite macro lens and small fish lens of mine. My current wide angle is the Tokina 10-17 mm. I'm starting to experiment with the Sigma 17-70 mm macro-zoom that others have posted. I have also used Nikon 18-70 mm kit lens and Nikon 12-24 mm lens, but currently have moth-balled them.

 

[scubafoto]

im user (on my D80)
a 12-24 of Tokina or a 60 mm macro in some ocasions a 105 mm macro (nikon) in dutch waters moostly with a +4 diopter.
to start get a wide angle lens, 12-24 ore the mentioned 11-16 and a 60 mm macro

for results see scubafoto.eu