Considering a 70-300mm telephoto

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insomniac

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Hello,

I'm thinking of adding a telephoto to my kit. I'm leaning towards the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6. Are there any others that I should consider?

Thank you.
 
Depends a bit on budget! My current 70-300 VR is significantly better than my old non-VR version (optically as well as having VR) but is also more expensive. Not had or used any of the 3rd party options so can't comment on their performance.
 
Nod said:
Depends a bit on budget! My current 70-300 VR is significantly better than my old non-VR version (optically as well as having VR) but is also more expensive. Not had or used any of the 3rd party options so can't comment on their performance.
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Don't go with the Tamron 70-300. It might be cheaper, but it's a pig of a lens.
 
Hello all,

Good point, ideally i wouldn't like to spend more than £500. I think am developing a bit of an interest in night sky photography - star trails, the moon, etc. Which is what I think it's primary purpose is going to be.

Thank you.
 
spacester said:
Don't go with the Tamron 70-300. It might be cheaper, but it's a pig of a lens.
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To be clear on this, there is a cheap Tamron that is fairly poor but the Tamron VC version is excellent, arguably better than the Nikon though I still prefer the latter generally.

In my opinion those two are by far the best 300mm options at sensible money.
 
insomniac said:
Hello all,

Good point, ideally i wouldn't like to spend more than £500. I think am developing a bit of an interest in night sky photography - star trails, the moon, etc. Which is what I think it's primary purpose is going to be.

Thank you.
Click to expand...

You might find star trails are better with a wider lens but moon stuff should be okay at 300mm. With £500 to play with, you could also consider a used Sigma 150-500mm though it's an order of magnitude bigger and heavier than a typical 70-300 lens.
 
I took this on holiday ( after far far too many double vodkas ) with my 70-300mm VR, handheld. Can get some good shots but the sigma as mentioned above might be a better option for you..


kefalos moon by damianmkv, on Flickr
 
gad-westy said:
To be clear on this, there is a cheap Tamron that is fairly poor but the Tamron VC version is excellent, arguably better than the Nikon though I still prefer the latter generally.
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Yeah you are right - I am an ex-owner of the non-VC version. Gave it away - couldn't face selling it! Haven't played with the VC version, so couldn't comment.
 
I have the 70-300 VR and think it is a great lens for the cash. Coming for an 80-200 f2.8 it's light as a feather.
 
I've just given my non OS sigma 70-300 away; was good for helping me learn a bit as a newbie and I got the odd nice photo on a sunny day
 
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