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Monday, April 4, 2011

Thoughts on Buying a New Zoom Lens?

Hello fellow photographers!
I'm thinking about buying a new lens soon and I need some help!

I've decided to get a telezoom lens, but before I made my purchase I thought I would throw my picks around here on the old blog and see if any other photographers had any recommendations or suggestions.

Do you own a zoom lens?

If not, do you have one on your wish list??

These are the 3 I've been looking at:
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G (here on Amazon)
The 55-200mm has good reviews and has even been called one of Nikon's best budget lenses. Apparently the only drawback is it has a plastic lens mount. This is the cheapest of the 3 I'm listing and very light weight.


Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G (here on Amazon)
 The 55-300 has been stated to be great for wildlife photography, and let's face it, I love my nature shots! It's been reviewed to be the same as the 55-200mm but it has a metal lens mount and obvious extra zoom.


Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G (here on Amazon)
This one is a couple hundred dollars more than the first two, and frankly might be a bit out of my price range. The reviews state nice bokeh and fast auto focusing (occasional trouble at 300mm). Focus is silent.

So, what do you think?
Do you own any of these? 
Something different?? 
Any advice or suggestions would be great. 

I want to use this for traveling and wildlife bird photographs. I think I might use for some sports and portraits too. I wish I could play around with these before I make up my mind but that's where I'm hoping you can help me. Be my eyes! THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
xo's
Cat

**All photos were from the respective Amazon pages I linked with each lens.**

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5 comments:

  1. I'll tell you that I have an inexpensive 55-250mm Canon lens with a variable aperture much like the first one you show there. I rarely use it anymore because that variable aperture is really annoying. I think if you think this is something you're really going to use, I'd spend that little bit of extra money on the nicer of these lenses.

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  2. If I had to choose between all 3 of those I would choose the 2nd one,but really I would have searched for something with more versatility f stop wise. Example... I would save up for this guy... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124669-GREY/Nikon_1986_AF_Zoom_Nikkor_80_200mm_f_2_8D.html

    or this guy...http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/539396-REG/Tamron_AF001C_700_70_200mm_f_2_8_Di_LD.html

    Whatever you end up getting, I can't wait to see the pictures you take with it!

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  3. My photography instructor suggested http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-200mm-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0012GDOQS/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1EW16UW8ZEFXF&colid=25F8OIKADZC6J which is as good as the nikon equivalant but $1550 less expensive. There are really great reviews on it too.

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  4. I haven't a clue but thank you for sharing! Still using the original lens that came w/ my Nikon as I just bought it in late Nov. I'd love a new lens, but am short the cash at the moment plus have no clue where to start. I appreciate seeing your slimmed down list and reading the other comments. Looking forward to hearing what you think of the lens once you make a choice. :)

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  5. I have to save a bit more before I can buy a zoom lens. But, here's a thought- do you have access to used camera accessories? We're lucky to have a wonderful, long-time in business camera shop in Muncie that sells used cameras and equipment for them. That's how I was able to buy my Canon a few weeks ago. Hope someone is able to help your choice.

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