Nikon Zoom Lens

[Coldow91]

I am looking to get a zoom lens for my Nikon D40. I was looking at these

1)[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Nikon Zoom Normal-Telephoto 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Autofocus Lens[/FONT]
Cost: $230 and will autofocus with my D40
- Does anyone have experience with this lens? Should I go for it?
2) 60-300 F4-5.6 TOKINA SZ-X MACRO AIS

In this condition:

[FONT=Helvetica,Verdana,Arial][SIZE=-1]"Excellent Plus: 90-96% of the original condition. Shows moderate wear. May have slight marks on finish. Glass very clean."[/SIZE][/FONT]

Cost: $76 used; will have to manual focus, but allows for more zoom. And based on this chart

I guess my question is, is it worth giving the 60-300 a shot? (because it will get me closer/leave more money for a macro lens) Has anyone bought from Keh? Or does anyone have anyother suggestions for a zoom lens.

Thanks for the help.

 

[D40]

Look at the Nikon 70-300 if you want one that will be that long. I would say get a lens that will autofocus. You will probably find yourself wishing you had. I also own the D40 so I have the same problems This is my next purchase:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/435161-USA/Sigma_569306_70_200mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html

Many Sigma lenses work with the D40. The 55-200 is a great bargin but I think the 70-300 AF-S is a better lens if you can save a little more for it:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/449088-USA/Nikon_2161_70_300mm_f_4_5_6G_AF_S_VR.html

It is said to have better picture quality from 70-200 than the 55-200mm lens does and it is built better (metal mount vs Plastic on the 55-200).

 

[Coldow91]

Yeah I think that those two lenses are out of my range for now. As of now I am thinking I may try out the used one, and since it is pretty cheap I will have more money to go for another lens later on. But I still want to hear others opinions.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

just get something with AF-S or HSM in the name.

 

[Coldow91]

Are you saying that if you get a zomm/telephoto lens that you pretty much need autofocus? Do you have any suggestions? (is the lens I chose good?)

 

[Stranger]

I have the 55-200vr and i can say its a very good lens. I am looking to upgrade it though and get the 70-300vr. If 200 is as far as you need, it will serve you very well

 

[Coldow91]

Thanks Stranger!

Yeah that is the only thing that is keeping me from buying right now. I am not sure if 200 is enough. Do you have some pics with your lens that you can show me?

 

[NateS]

I just ordered the D40 and am saving for the AF-S 70-300. The 200 would probably be okay a lot of times, but I don't want to miss a great photo because I can't get in close enough. I figure I'll only purchase a zoom lens once (since I"m getting a good quality one), why not save an extra month and get the one that I know will meet all my needs. It sounds like the same philosophy might suit you as well.

 

[D40]

Not to mention it being better built

 

[Hill202]

If it helps, this was shot today with a D40 and the Nikon 70 -300 AF-s VR

The lighting was harsh but I really like the lens

 

[Coldow91]

Thanks I have not decided between the 55-200 or the 70-300 but it seems the later will pay off more in the end.

Another question I know AF-S auto focuses with the D40 is that it? because my friend is under the impression that AF-D will as well. (I don't usually believe him with this stuff that is why I am coming to you guys)

Edit: Actually I have done some research and from what I have found he is full of rubbish.

 

[Coldow91]

If it helps, this was shot today with a D40 and the Nikon 70 -300 AF-s VR

The lighting was harsh but I really like the lens

Thanks that helps a lot!

 

[Coldow91]

Thanks for all the help I think I am going to go with the 55-200 VR Af-s.

 

[Coldow91]

One last question, would it be stupid to get the same lens without the VR?

 

[NateS]

From the reviews I've read, the VR is definately worth the money and helps prevent blurry photos really well when zoomed in. Definately get the VR lens.