Nikon 55-200mm f/4.-5.6 AFS DX VR Lens - advice

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dabollicks

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Ross
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Hi

After a bit of advice, am thinking about buying the above lens. I've got a D3100, would this lens work well with it?

I'm just starting out so after as much advise as possible.

Any other suggestions for lenses?

Cheers
Ross
 
To answer your question, the lens will work fine and full function as well. The lens is AF-S means it have a motor in the lens for focus so auto focus will work on your D3100. Older nikon lens with no AF-S on will require the body motor to auto focus, which bodies like D3xxx, D31xx, D5xxx, D51xx doesn't have.

I use to have that lens on my D5000 and it serve me great, good zoom range, light weight and pretty good performance for the cost.
 
As already stated, it'll work just fine on your D3100 :).

What's more, in decent light, I've found it to be a very capable lens (sharp pictures and no major distortion or excessive colour fringing). It's very light and portable too, for such a long focal length. Even the VR helps a little to steady the lens :thumbs:.

Considering how cheap they are these days (compared to other Nikon lenses), I'd say that it's a 'must have' lens for anyone not wanting to spend 'silly money' on a long zoom ;).

Here's a couple of examples of images from it, one taken in low light and one in daylight:

DSC_7460_1000.jpg


DSC_7618-2_1000.jpg
 
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Looks like I'll be purchasing one if these in the very near future then. Thanks guys
 
Another thumbs up here, I used mine to good effect at a wedding and a few air shows, then sold it to buy a 70-300 VR.

Sort of wish I'd kept the 55-200 because it's so much more portable! Think they go used for around £120ish, total bargain for that kind of money :)
 
As said, in good light it is sweet. In poor light and moving subjects, it is a little tough. I used it in Africa last May and some some awesome shots (I just blew up 3 of them to 30" on canvas, and that was with 6 MP). Most of the time we had great light. Yet when I shot Crufts with it last year, it was tough. Couldn't keep the shutter speed high enough given the aperture and ISO limitations (1600 on D40, f5.6 at the long end). There just wansn't enough light. If you are doing anything with moving subjects, add a flash too.

Thanks,
Rick
 
Links remove due to copyright issue. Sorry =.=
 
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I was just going to ask the same question. I have a D3100 as well.

My choice is between the 55-200mm or the 70-300mm. I know the D3100 has a crop sensor so that will make the 200mm more like 320mm? And the 300mm more like 480mm?

So will the 55-200mm be more then enough for just general photography and maybe a bit of motorsports? :shrug:

Thanks
 
CW90 said:
I was just going to ask the same question. I have a D3100 as well.

My choice is between the 55-200mm or the 70-300mm. I know the D3100 has a crop sensor so that will make the 200mm more like 320mm? And the 300mm more like 480mm?

So will the 55-200mm be more then enough for just general photography and maybe a bit of motorsports? :shrug:

Thanks
Click to expand...

The 55-200 is an absolute cracker lens - these pics taken on a D40. Lightning fast autofocus and great depth of image. Love it.

fos.jpg


paint.jpg
 
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I loved my D40 with the 55-200VR. I used it on Safari and while I was limited when there was poor light, in fair or good light it was awesome. I'm missing the 1/500 flash sync right now, though the D90 is definitely still an upgrade.

thanks
rick
 
I got on well with the 55-200 on my D5000 - even with moving objects (aircraft). It's SO much lighter than my 70-300VR too. It's a really handly lens to have and I wish I hadn't had to sell mine to fund the 70-300 purchase. Quite a few picks on my Flickr were taken on the 55-200.
 
I've just found this for £137 brand new. Thinking of getting it to go with my D3100, would it be OK for wildlife, birds etc. I cant work out how close I need to be to get a decent shot.
ta
 
silure130 said:
I've just found this for £137 brand new. Thinking of getting it to go with my D3100, would it be OK for wildlife, birds etc. I cant work out how close I need to be to get a decent shot.
ta
Click to expand...

wildlife - prob not

i used a 55-200 for birds - in the garden - last winter when they were hungry enough to come close for seeds and nuts

normally you would struggle at 200mm
 
silure130 said:
I've just found this for £137 brand new. Thinking of getting it to go with my D3100, would it be OK for wildlife, birds etc. I cant work out how close I need to be to get a decent shot.
ta
Click to expand...

there's one for sale on this forum ;)
 
The 55-200 vr is rarely of my D40x i think it is great:)
 
Think I'll get it anyway. I'd like to experiment with another lens other than my 18-55mm.
ta
 
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