Im heading to Japan in about three weeks and I am freaking out because my current lens setup just isnt cutting it for travel. I really need one solid lens that can handle landscapes and street stuff so I dont have to keep swapping glass in the middle of a crowd. I looked at the Sigma 18-35mm and everyone raves about the sharpness but I keep reading that it struggles with autofocus in low light and honestly Im terrified of missing shots while Im abroad. Then I saw people recommending the 18-200mm but the reviews are so split on quality... I have about 600 bucks to spend, does anyone have a better suggestion for a D7500?
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, the 18-35mm is a total pain for travel because the range is just too limiting when you are actually walking around. I had issues with mine constantly, especially when the light drops. You really want something that covers more ground without being a paperweight. Personally, I would grab the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM instead. It is way more versatile for street shots and it is surprisingly sharp for the price point. Unfortunately, you lose some reach compared to a superzoom, but the constant f/2.8 aperture makes a massive difference in those dim Japanese alleyways. It feels way more professional and you wont be missing focus like you would with those slower variable aperture lenses. For your budget, you could even pair it with a cheap prime if you really need that extra reach.
Honestly, skip the 18-200mm. I had one back in the day and the image quality was just not as good as expected, especially at the long end where it gets really soft. It's a bummer when you're traveling and your shots come back looking mushy. Since you are on a D7500 and only have 600 bucks, you are better off grabbing a solid prime or a reliable variable zoom. Here is what I would actually pack if I were you:
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR if you can find a used deal
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM for the constant aperture That Sigma is a classic. It's way cheaper than the 18-35mm and you wont have to deal with those annoying autofocus issues. Unfortunately, it doesnt have the same reach, but for street stuff, it does the trick perfectly.
Honestly, grab a decent superzoom and stop overthinking it. I dragged mine all over Tokyo and honestly? Best decision ever.
- Less gear to carry
- Zero missed shots
- Focus on enjoying travel Just go have fun.
