Nikon D50, what zoom lens?

[cottonfoo]

Evening all,

After spending most of the evening looking around for a zoom lens I realise I actually know nothing. I can't even seem to tell what will fit my D50 F-mount, unless I'm missing something fundamental - a lot of places assume one already knows without mentioning the mount type.

I'm after something with more zoom, don't mind some overlap with my existing kit 18-55, being what it is, but I'm limited by my £250 budget.

Any recommendations - or education on D50 lens compatibility?

Cheers!

[rustyspit]

Anything made by Nikon will fit, as will any autofocus lens made by Sigma, Tamron or Tokina that has a Nikon lens mount (the 3rd-party manufacturers generally make each lens with multiple lens mounts).

The choice of lens depends on what you are looking for - maximum zoom, maximum image quality, minimum weight?...

The Nikon 70-300VR has a great reputation if you can find a used one within your budget. If you want image stabilisation for less money, the Nikon 55-200VR is cheaper, lighter and smaller with a smaller zoom range.

I think the Nikon 70-300G or Sigma 70-300APO would be well-regarded bargain-basement options with a bit more reach.

Bear in mind that without image stabilisation you'll need either a lot of light or a tripod/monopod to get really sharp pictures from anything longer than about 200mm.

Edited by rustyspit on Monday 1st September 00:52

[Simpo Two]

I have a Nikon 70-300ED in the classifieds. Not VR but worked perfectly well before VR was invented, and half the price

[furtive]

You should be able to get a Nikon 70-300VR for your budget. Great lens for the price.

Example image from mine:

[cottonfoo]

Thanks for that, helps a lot!