Lens for D80

[gregjopot]

I was wondering if I could get some help from the Nikon uses out there. I have a friend that is wanting a lens for her D80 (I use canon). This is the email she sent me -

"My camera is a Nikon D80. I have been
looking online but not sure about the numbers and mm and what-have-
yas. I want one that will be good for action shots and low light. I
took some pics in the coliseum the other day and I had it adjusted to
the proper settings but my lense is just a bit limited. I know they
are a bit pricey too but if you could let me know what to get that
would be great. Oh and it needs a good zoom as well."

She is photographing cutting horses. Nothing professional just for her own private use. She is probably needing a lens with a fast aperture and a good focal range so she can do family shots too.

Thanks!

gregjopot added 1 Minutes and 17 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Oh, and price probably wouldn't be that much of a factor for the right lens.

[MRCPix]

85 f/1.8 unless she wants a telephoto then I would suggest 70-200 f/2.8. I kinda depends on her budget.
does she prefer primes or zoomes?

[gregjopot]

Thanks Mike,

I'm thinking she is going to want a zoom.

[Rson]

If she isn't doing anything pro.....YOU CANNOT GO WRONG with the 18-200mm from Nikon.

It is the swiss army knife of lenses.

[gregjopot]

Thanks Rich. Does Nikon have an equivalent to the Canon L Series. What should I be looking for. The VR is image stabilization isn't it?

[Rson]

Yes VR is image stabilization.

There isn't a L monicer as with Canon.... There are designations for lenses such as DX which is made for the DX sensor size.

[tc95]

If she wanted to go a little faster than the 18-200mm she might try the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8...this will give her a little faster lens than the 18-200 for the low light...she was asking for...the 18-200 VR is a great lens....but if she wanted to spend a couple hundred more she can get the Tamron....

18-200 VR new 600 - 700
70-200 Tamron 800 - 900

The sigma version is very good too...and a little cheaper....and it has IS (Image Stabilization) you can pick these up for 650 - 800

Good luck....

[photonewb]

Nikon's 70-200/2.8VR is a superb lens and nobody can go wrong with having this lens in their bag. I love mine and can't honestly think of anyone who regrets purchasing this lens.