I want to upgrade from my Nikon D50 kit lens -- best choice?

The new Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras looks pretty good. I like the focal range of the zoom, but the specs don't indicate if there is a macro setting for close-up shots of spiders, flowers, the hearts of attorneys.

What is a "VR" lens?

I am one of those happy 18-200 VR users. Man, this is a wonderful lens and I would highly recommend it as a worthwhile upgrade. Okay, there is SOME distortion at the edges at extreme focal lengths, but it's very good for the money. If I am going to be extra critical, I use a 17-55 Nikon lens, but this is quite a step up from the kit lens.

I also use the 60 mm macro mentioned in another answer and you just couldn't ask for a better lens. Okay, the 105 VR macro might be nicer, but this is an amazing piece of glass.

I have taken a few very crisp close-ups with that 18-200 VR lens, even though it is not supposed to have macro capabilities. Here is a dragonfly taken from about 3 feet away at (probably) 200 mm using the VR setting. ("VR" means "Vibration Reduction," by the way.) It's too bad he's sitting on a CLOTHESLINE instead of a bush, but I think you'll agree it's a suitably sharp image - almost macro. http://members.aol.com/swf08302/dragonfl...

i would recommend the coolpix 7.5 kit.it has all the zoom options,including macro.

right... trade in the SLR for a coolpix - NOT!

try www.bhphotovideo.com for lenses.
As you browse, remember that if you're buying a non-DX lens,
multiply by 1.5 to get the equivalent focal length in digital.

The camera does have a macro mode. Turn the left wheel to the "Flower". That is macro mode. That should do the trick.


VR = Vibration Reduction

the new 18-135 is still not yet reviewed and even in stock as i know it. but it sounds pretty good. many people like the 18-200mm VR though. as for macro lens, get the nikkor 60mm micro lens. it is the best performing macro lens tested by a british photography magazine.

The 18-135mm should be okay for macro work. The closest focusing distance is 1.47'. It doesn't have VR though, which would be nice with f/5.6 at the long end. And eh... it's not available yet.
You can pre-order it at places like B&H though for $400, and for that price it looks like a great all-in-one lens - unlike the Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 for $320, and for practically half the price of the Nikon 18-200mm (with VR).
Other options in your price range are the Sigma and Tamron 18-200mm, both f/3.5-6.3, and both with a minimum focussing distance of 1.5', and Sigma has an 18-125mm for $280.
I'd expect the Nikon 18-135mm to beat all of these 3rd party lenses in terms of image quality and AF speed, but I haven't confirmed that.