When buying a new dSLR, often times there will be deals for a general all purpose lens to be sold in a kit along with them. For instance, with the Nikon D80 I will be getting, you can choose just the body, an 18-55, or an 18-135. Do either of these two lenses have any business underwater? Should I just save the money and get the lens I really want, Nikkor 60mm, 10.5mm, 105mm?

Kit lenses usually make good topside lenses....but are generally weak underwater (IMHO).


Dave

I agree, in general, but the Nikon 18-70 AF-S kit lens is unusually good and quite useable underwater. And very useful around town. Thom Hogan has a useful terra review (www.bythom.com); he say's it's nearly as good as the 17-55 f2.8 except in low light situations (and much smaller and cheaper!).

Chris

the 18-70 has done me well. i don't really use it underwater but is a nice lens to use when i am in dirty, dusty, sandy areas and don't want to ruin a good lens. i would go ahead and get one of those lenses for that reason...

I also like my 18-70 both above and below water, however, more often than not I seem to be leaving it behind when I go diving in favor of my prime lenses. When I finially get a 12-24, I will likely only use the 18-70 topside. With this in mind, if I did it over again, i would probably spend a little more and go with a much more versital topside lens like the 17-200 instead. Just an opinion......

Take care,
John

I use the 18-70mm underwater and quite like it. But the 18-200 VR for topsides is very nice!