Looking for some advice on a zoom lens

[AMacA]

Hey folks,

I've had my Nikon D3000 for about 18 months now, and feel that the 18-55 kit lens supplied with it is limiting some of my shots. I've been looking at the Nikon 55-200 which gets good reviews on some sites on Google, does anyone have any experience of it, and are similar manufacturers like Sigma worth looking at? Budget of up to £200 to play with.

[andy-xr]

I bought that lens as an addition to my 18-55 on the D40. It did everything nicely, colours were a little on the yellow side for my liking, but decent enough lens for the price.

If you've got more to spend, have a look at the 70-300 with VR on it, much better lens

[mph999]

AMacA said:

Hey folks,

I've had my Nikon D3000 for about 18 months now, and feel that the 18-55 kit lens supplied with it is limiting some of my shots. I've been looking at the Nikon 55-200 which gets good reviews on some sites on Google, does anyone have any experience of it, and are similar manufacturers like Sigma worth looking at? Budget of up to £200 to play with.

The 70-300 is much better, I have this and get great shots.

My main lens is the 16-85 3.5-5.6G ED, it can do this :





.. but unfortunately is a bit more than your budget.


My 70-300 took this if I remember correctly,

http://www.allaboutlight.co.uk/gallery_211329.html...

The first two pics on this page were I think the same lens also.

Generally speaking, with lenses, you get what you pay for, not always but it's a fairly safe rule.

It really really really is worth holding back and saving up a bit more if you can.

Whenever you buy a lens, no matter which, take your camera along, take some pictures at
all focal lengths (if zoom) and then go home, look at them closely and make your decision. IF they look sharp on camera, ask them to reserve that exact lens if you think you will probably go for it. The next off the shelf may not be quite so good. I've seen quite large variations on many makes of lenses of the same model, Canon, Nikon, Sigma - generally the more you seem to spend, the more chance the lens is sharp.

I think the lens you mention is the one my sister has, to be honest, it's ok, probably better than the kit lens (ok, it is as it has VR), but I would really advise saving up a bit more.

Also, budget for a filter say - £20-30 , accidents do happen, a skylight will be fine. However, test the lens with no filter on, filters can soften the picture, in which case take it back and try another make - I had a fairly expensive filter on my 70-300, eveything came out soft - changed it for a cheaper one, all fine, pin sharp. I wish I'd kept it now, as it would be excellent for the soft portrait effect, hey ho ...

Martin

Edited by mph999 on Tuesday 2nd August 00:07

Edited by mph999 on Tuesday 2nd August 00:08

[mcflurry]

The 55-300 was £200 from Jacobs a couple of weeks ago
Using "man-maths" that's 100 more than a 55-200 for a similar price point

[Big Worm 1]

Currently looking at buying the Nikon D3100 and also looking at other lenses.

Is this one any good?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/66332...

[mcflurry]

Big Worm 1 said:

Currently looking at buying the Nikon D3100 and also looking at other lenses.

Is this one any good?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/66332...

Does it autofocus with the D3100 ?
(In the Nikon range you need the AF-S series to autofocus)

[james_tigerwoods]

I have a 55-200 VR which is a good lens, however, I now have an 18-70 which is far better than the 18-55 that came with my D40.

Consider the 55-300 as this seems to represent good value.

However, I now have a D3100 after my D40 broke so I can't comment properly just yet!

[AMacA]

Lots of good advice, thanks v. much!

Will have a look at the 55-300 and see how I get on. Budget could possibly stretch that far if it's worth it.

[Big Worm 1]

Would you trust buying one off ebay? This is half the price of what it costs in Jessops!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-AF-S-DX-VR-55-300m...

[james_tigerwoods]

Big Worm 1 said:

Would you trust buying one off ebay? This is half the price of what it costs in Jessops!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-AF-S-DX-VR-55-300m...

Which is bonkers when you can get in from Amazon for not much more than that - I know where I'd put my money...

[Big Worm 1]

I didn't realise they were so much cheaper on Amazon. I stand corrected. That's where i will be putting my money.