Nikon Lens choice - What do you think?

PPalmer

PPalmer

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Paul
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Hi

I am looking to buy a new lens to go with my 18-55mm kint lens on my D5000.

I have 3 choices and was wanting get peoples views of the lenses

1. AF-S 70-300mm VR f4.5-5.6 G (£320 Second hand)

2. AF-S DX 55-300mm VR f4.5-5.6 G (£369 New)

3. AF-S DX 55-200mm VR f4.5-5.6 ( £240 New)

I have recently been using a borrowed version of #3 but on the very rare occasion it has been just a fraction short. Do I live with the shortness or stump up the extra cash.

If I do go for the 55-200 I would also be close to buy the AF-S 35mm f1.8.

So confused:thinking:
 
Well, seeming how you bought a DX format camera and not full frame, I suspect you're more concerned with just making great shots and having fun while you're at it. Not sure if the D5000 handles high ISOs as well as the D90, but if it does, I'd recommend going for the 70-300VR and bumping up the ISO for those long zoom shots in normal light conditions. Better yet, wait until the verdict comes out on the upcoming 24-300 VR. If it's favorable, you might want to splurge on that for a walkaround lens - though I'm not sure just how portable it'll be.

Of course, some type of 50 MM wide aperture lens to round out your choice along with a wide angle would be cool too.
 
I got my 55-200mm VR refurbished from ebay (came in a nikon factory box sealed by nikon themselves, looks mint) for £105.
But the 70-300mm is a nice price :)
But you could get a 35mm and a 55-200mm both second hand for less than a new 55-200mm new, then replace your 18-55 with an 18-70mm and we'll have identical kit bags ;)
 
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Option 1.

You've said that you've found 200 a fraction short which sort of rules out #3 and cashwise, the 70-300 will save you £50, albeit leaving you with a small gap between 55mm and 70mm.
 
Option 1, it is an absolute corker of a lens. As you saif you have found 200mm a bit short on occasions, why settle on something that is not ideal, when one of you other options will remedy it, of course its all IMHO.
 
I went for the 70-300 (when I had a d40 with the kit lens), stonking lens for me. I don't think you'll notice much of an issue on the gap between the 55 and 70 to be honest, especially if you are finding 200mm a bit short. I never did anyway.
 
I used to have a 70-300VR and thought it was an excellent lens, good IQ and nice to use, only sold it as I wanted the 70-200VR. I would go for 1.
 
I would go for the 70-300 as it's the second lens I bought and have no regrets.
 
No. 1, you will have no regrets the vr makes it an exceptional lens for the money. :thumbs:

Even though I have upgraded to the f4 300mm I kept my vr 300mm as it can be used without a tripod and still take brilliant pics hand held or with a bean bag.
 
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I have a D3000 which came with an 18-55 VR kit lens, much like the D5000 does. Been wanting to get a second lens for absolutely ages and most of that time the lens I wanted was the 55-200 VR. Wasn't sure what the IQ would be like, thought of it as just a longer zoom version of my kit lens. Ended up trying a 70-300 VR in the airport and immediately wanted one. The £400+ price tag put me off though.

Anyway, fast forward a couple of months and I have ended up buying up a second hand 55-200 VR off here which has proven to be a handy addition to my kit bag. The IQ doesn't seem much different at 55mm but when you zoom in to 200mm it does remain quite clear due to the VR and better quality glass.

Before I forget, a friend of mine was complaining when I fired off a couple of test shots with the 55-200 with VR switched on. He said it makes a really high pitched "EEEEEEEEEEE" noise but I can't hear anything :shrug: Anyone else noticed this or is he bionic?
 
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I would also suggest the 70-300mm VR, an excellent lens - great IQ and good usability with the VR. The next step up would be faster glass that costs £££'s.
 
I am by no means an expert, infact only had my kit for 3 weeks..

I bought the AF-S DX 55-200mm VR f4.5-5.6, used it for a day then decided to take it back and gulp at the extra cost and bought the AF-S 70-300mm VR f4.5-5.6 G.
I am so glad I did..
Great lens, and I dont even realy know what I'm doing yet

:)
 
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