Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

I have the 18-135mm lense and while it served it's purpose, it's not enough zoom.

I had talked to a photographer and he kind of told me to stay away from the 18-200mm VR because in essence you cannot get the "best" from such low range to higher zoom range.

I LOVE the 70-300mm VR Nikon lens but $2500 is out of the budget. It's 2.8 f/s so it's my dream lens.

I realize I never shoot anyone under 50 most of the time.

DS is so active I can only get him from a longer range and zoom to "catch him". He will not let me make a portrait shot from a close range.

I was looking at the 55-200mm VR. It's cheap. It's the standard 3.5-5.6 f/s or about. It's a kit lens!

But is it better or worst than the 18-200mm VR?

Now they just came out with the 55-300mm VR. I read mixed opinions. Some say to skip the 55-200mm VR and go to the 55-300mm VR. It does have distortion at the full 300mm zoom range.

What lens would you get?

I hate changing lenses. I also do not shoot anything under 50mm. I do have my basic 18-55mm lens still. I could always a "nice" 18mm lens.



So I am looking for a telephoto lens WITH VR. I have the worst hand shake. I am looking for quality but not at $2K +

Then what you would recommend for a smaller range lens?

TIA

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

Great Q. I am interested, too!

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

Yes I am also interested!! I just got the Nikon D3000 for my birthday and want to invest in a good lens that isnt crazy expensive

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

You will get the most use out of the 18-200...

However you may find it a bit cumbersome. It's a heavy lens...

Let me ask you something...

Have you considered something other than a Nikon lens? It's sometimes difficult to get an accurate review on "other" lenses. People tend to be Nikon/Canon snobs when it comes to their lenses....

Go to Berger Brothers or to Cameta with your camera in hand. Try out a couple of the lenses. Take a picture of the box as a reference point so you know which lens you are testing out...Then, go home and upload the pics. Do your own review of the lenses that you are considering...

Additionally, what might be "distortion" to a a seasoned pro might not make any difference to you....

HTH...

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

I had the regular 18-55 lens and then bought this one...

AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR
55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED


Its a beautiful lens, but I often shoot under 50 and it was annoying to switch so I just invested in the 18-200 and I adore it. I never have to change again and for me the zoom is perfect. I just put the 55-200 on craigslist if you're interested

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

I have the 18-200 VR and love it, but yes, it is heavy and cumbersome to carry around. Not sure of pricing now, but when I got it 2 years ago, it was around $650-700.

My D50 also came with a 70-300 mm (NOT VR though) lens. It's a good lens, but I never get good shots at long range (i.e., 300 mm). It's not a super heavy lens, but I stick to my 18-200 and never use the 70-300 kit lens.

I have my eye on a new lens right now, but it's uber $ and I want to wait a bit since I haven't really been shooting that much since I am very busy. I had considered upgrading my camera last summer, but decided it wasn't worth it for me. I put my money into other things

Sophie, another thing to consider is to "rent" a lens you might be interested in. Try it for a few days to decide. I've had some fun trying different lenses and cameras from this site:

Borrow Lenses

Message edited 9/24/2010 10:14:58 AM.

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

I agree with Heather that 18-200mm is the most versatile. It's one of the ones I have & the main one I use.

I also have an old 70-300mm Nikkor, which has no VR & does autofocus. I love that one too but did always have to step back for the shots.

Would you consider a used lens?B&H's used department

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

VR is a requirement for me.

I have the 18-135mm (no VR) and after using it for 2 years, it's def. a need for a VR at 135mm.

I don't think the 18-200 is that much bigger than the 18-135. And yes, it's a big lens. But not as big as the 70-300mm VR f/2.8. It comes with a support but again, I can't affort the $2.5K lens.

I would not consider a 300mm lens without a VR. My hand shake is too bad.

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

Re: Nilon DSLR people. Let's talk telephoto lenses PLEASE!

I bought a cheap Quantaray 70-300 for like $150 from Ritz (which I'm not even sure if the one in carle place in BoatWorld, is still there?). The reviews said that the AF was slow and it was heavy but I figured "you get what you pay for" and I have to admit that it's pretty damn sweet! Def. worth more than what I paid. I thought I got a good deal!