What lens to get...

[squeebug]

I'm trying to figure out what lens to get next. I want to get a telephoto lens. The lens I have right now is a Nikon zoom wide angle/telephoto AF 28mm-80mm f/3.5-5.6G. I was looking at getting a Nikon Zoom telephoto AF 70mm-300mm f/4-5.6G. For those who don't know I have a Nikon D50 btw

[Photo]

The 70-300G lens is an alright lens but if you can afford it I would suggest the 70-300ED version. This one has Nikons top end ED glas and will yeild better photos. Better being sharper and more vibrant colors due to the coatings on the lens. If you are on a budget and still want nice glass, Nikon just released a 55-200 about the same time as the D50. This lens too had ED lens elements as well as AF-S technology. Basically a focusing motor in the lens to provide faster and quieter focusing. Justin will tell you the only telephoto lens worth purchasing is a 70-200 f/2.8, but lets face it not everyone can budget for a $1000 lens. For what it's worth I sell more 55-200 lenses to digital users that 70-300 lenses. I work at a camera store.

[squeebug]

A ED would be nice, but I don't have the cash for it so a G is for me. Is this the 55-200 that you were talking about? Zoom Normal-Telephoto 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX? Although this lens would be nice Nikon Zoom Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 G-AFS ED-IF VR

I could probably get the 55-200 since it's not to much more than the 70-300. Getting a ED over a G probably woudn't make much of a noticable difference to me.

[Photo]

Yes that is the 55-200 I was talking about. Also be aware that when buying an imported lens you will not get to benefit from the 5 year Nikon warranty that is on all USA lenses. All Nikon USA lenses come standard with a 1 year warranty and also a 4 year extended warranty that you have to register, FREE. For an extra $15-$20 it would be worth it. Also if you plan on doing any enlargements you will notice the difference of ED over G. Good luck on your decision.

[jdesigns]

Brian, I will tell you the only telephoto lens worth purchasing is a 80-200 f/2.8, but not everyone needs a $1000 lens.

If someday you need some "Pro" glass, I highly recommend the 80-200 f/2.8D ED-IF. Awesome lens, very sharp, great colors and contrast. I have used mine for nearly 8 years, and I bought it used. But if you don't need the extra speed, I don't recommend it. It's heavy and expensive!

I recently read an article in a photo magazine that tested the kit lenses vs the big expensive"Pro" lenses. Amazingly, the kit lenses did a great job overall.

ED glass
Developed by Nikon optical designers and Nikon glass specialists, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass used in selected telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses provides superior performance.
ED glass effectively minimizes chromatic aberration to a degree that is remarkable in telephoto lenses. Advances such as this, backed by a great amount of valuable data gathered through the long years of Nikon’s association with professional photographers, as well as through intensive R&D, ensure that Nikon continues to make lenses that meet or exceed market needs.

Photo has a lot of great advice, especially about the G or ED lenses. The ED glass does make a big difference when making bigger prints. I am lusting after the AF-S VR lenses, but I can not justify that kind of big money just yet.


So what kinds of subjects are you wanting to shoot with this next lens? My opinion, for what it may be worth, unless you really NEED the extra length to shoot something you can't get close to (ie, sports, dangerous animals, etc....) I would go for the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX lens. Keep in mind that the "Equivalent focal length in 35mm terms when used on a digital camera is 82.5-300mm."

Let us know what you decide, or if you have any other questions!

[squeebug]

All I would really want it for is just shooting things that are farther away that I can't get to. Such as animals at the zoo that are far back, the planes at the air show on last Sunday . Nothing major though. A 55-200 would probably be fine for what I want. I mostly just want to be able to shoot from a little farther away than I can now. And your right, I don't need/can't afford a $1000 lens

The next lens I'll want to get after the telephoto would be a nice wide angle, just not one that's $500.

Besides, there is always room for upgrade/expansion later down the road

[eurekablyth]

You definitely don't need to put down the extra cash to get the f/2.8 if you're planning on doing all your shooting outside in bright light. I love my 80-200mm f/2.8, but it's a beast to carry around. I normally only take it with me when I know it's going to be needed.

Keep an eye out on B&H Photo's used departments, because I got my 80-200mm from them used for less than $500 and it's in perfect condition. I always try to buy used from them (as long as the rating is good), and if I can't find it used/don't have the patience to wait I buy the lenses imported. I've never needed to use the warranty on any of my Nikon products so I'd rather save that extra money.