The dreaded kit lens

[GroundEffect]

I've currently got a small bunch of lens for my D3200:

• Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G (a lens I use most of the time)
• Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens
• Tamron 70-300mm Di LD 'Macro'

I find myself using the 35mm most of the time but sometimes I want to be a bit more versatile in what I'm shooting but the kit lens is pretty mediocre. Is there anything out there that is a simple and cost-effective replacement for it? I still want telephoto but I really don't need the 70-300mm the Tamron has. I was thinking Nikkor AF-S 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR? Is there anything else out there for a similar price that is better quality? I only need from ~18mm to a max of 100mm.

[The Jolly Todger]

I'm not sure the 18-105 will be that much of a jump in quality.

Undoubtedly the best lens would be the 17-55 f2.8 but that is on the pricey side (circa £1k).

I've heard that the 16-85mm is a decent step up from the kit lens but have no experience of it.

[GroundEffect]

The Jolly Todger said:

I'm not sure the 18-105 will be that much of a jump in quality.

Undoubtedly the best lens would be the 17-55 f2.8 but that is on the pricey side (circa £1k).

I've heard that the 16-85mm is a decent step up from the kit lens but have no experience of it.

I've read a few reviews and threads on other forums and it seems to get rated better.

Basically what I'm doing is selling my 18-55 and 70-300 for a 18-105. I don't need 300mm and to cut down to 2 lenses total would be nice. Easier to carry it all about on holiday.

[The Jolly Todger]

Grays of Westminster have a used 18-200mm for £285 before haggling. Never used one but it sounds like it might be good if you're looking for convenience.

[Ev_]

I've been using the 18-105 for years. Its range is certainly very convenient for a walkabout lens, and for its price, the quality is fine. It has sweet spots, though, so when you want the sharpest results from it you have to seek them out. Or use your 35mm. I wouldn't imagine it'd be much different to your 18-55 quality-wise, though...

[GroundEffect]

It'll certainly be better quality than my Tamron which is a very blurry lens with a terribly slow auto-focus.

I managed to Part-X my kit lens and the Tamron against the 18-105mm. That'll do nicely for my holiday