Best telephoto for around $200?

[anubis404]

What is the best telephoto for nikon mount for around $200? Must go at least to 200mm, preferably 300.

Can be made by sigma or tamron.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

the nikon 55-200.

 

[BTilson]

The Nikon 55-200 with VR is a very good lens for the price, as far as I can tell. I have one and I am very happy with the results I get out of it.

 

[SrBiscuit]

is there another one other than the 55-200 for that price?

i have the 55-200 non VR, and it does fine for me.

can you sock away more money?

 

[Big Mike]

Have a look at the Sigma or Tamron 75-300mm lenses. They aren't spectacular, but with such a low budget, you aren't going to get much.

 

[anubis404]

What about an older lens? This does not have to have an AF motor in it.

 

[ANDS!]

Here is a comprehensive list of all Nikon lenses.

 

[TATTRAT]

I have a Quantaray 135-400 that I got for 125 off of Craigslist. I have been REALLY pleased with it, especially for the price.

 

[anubis404]

What about the Sigma 70-300? How is its IQ compared to the 55-200? Also, hows is the IQ on that lens, TATTRAT?

 

[TATTRAT]

It is really sharp throughout. Not the fastest glass in the world, but it holds its own. At 400, things are still sharp so I was happy, and like I said, really strong throughout, I was very surprised and pleased!

I am not sure the dude knew what he was sitting on, but for the price, it makes it that much sweeter

 

[anubis404]

Well, that's really nice. A 135-400 would be really nice, but my primary concern is IQ. My secondary concern is max focal length, and my thirdary(?) concern is how badass the lens looks, however that is my least concern. The 55-200 does not have a very long focal length, and does not look very badass. But from what people have been telling me it has very good IQ. I'll have to look.

Still no word on the Sigma 70-300?

 

[reg]

thirdary(?)

Tertiary.

 

[Chewbecca]

These were taken with my D60 and the 55-200mm
@200mm

@190mm

@200mm

@55mm

er...that's all I have on flickr for now.


Those are really heavily cropped, too.

 

[anubis404]

So, the 55-200 will provide better image quality than my Kit zoom (18-55)?

 

[boo9radley]

I have a Tamron 70-300 that is not bad. Not sure about the price but it was not expensive.