Lens Recommendation for Nikon D7000

[Black Tea]

I have chose to get the D7000 for my brother in law in Ecuador.

I see the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens for $598.

Anyone have a suggestion for a better or as good Sigma or Tamron?

Would an 18-270 be better?

Thanks

[OWC Jamie]

I don't have the 18-200 but it is supposed to be a decent lens.
I do have the PZD Tamron 18-270 and that extra reach comes in handy every now and then. Warrantee is supposed to be a bit longer, iirc and it has been a nice walk around lens with half way decent IQ.
The 18-200 might have better IS - but might just be specs and hype too.

Really don't see a compelling reason to pay $150 more for the Nikkor over the Tamron for a zoom lens.

Find a RYF deal on the 7000 or just break open the bank ?

[Black Tea]

Used one is 629 and new one is 699 at Abes of Maine.

Used D300 is $429.

Might as well spend 250 more for new and better and video capabilities.

Not sure if the warranty will work in Ecuador.

[vision63]

Guys here seem to enjoy that Tamron. That would be a good recommend for me. I've got one of the D7000's. You're gonna love it. I usually keep a Tamron 17-50 2.8 on it. I don't zoom all that much with it.

[Catzilla]

I bought the 18-200 with my D7000 back in 9/11, I like it. Good all around lens for me.

[3d]

Hold on... your original gift budget was $600 for camera body and lens.
Now you are doubling the overall gift budget to $1200?

IMO it would be wise to stick with the $600 D90 and 35mm 1.8 lens for a complete newbie DSLR photographer. It's a more than capable camera/lens kit for half the price. But hey,, if you're feeling generous and you got the money to give away, a D7000 is definitely the better newer camera.

[Speedy]

I hope you have a secure way to make delivery. Factor in duty unless you are going and have a camera body that can fit the lens.

[Ombligo]

The Tamron 18-200 is a great buy at $200. Built well and sharp, AF is a bit slow but not objectionably slow unless your shooting fast breaking sports.

[Gareth]

Don't know when it'll start shipping in the US, but Tamron now has a 16-300mm for $629 (which means you should be able to find a good deal on an 18-270mm, sold my Canon version for $334 recently).

But did you ever post what your BIL's intended purpose is? Depending on that, it's possible a cheaper, shorter-range zoom and one fast prime might be a better lens set.