$150 to $200 off a lens!!

photonewbie23 · Sep 26, 2012

So i bought my d5100 from best buy and they are offering me the option of getting the following:

1. af-s dx 55-200mm vr telephoto lens for $150
2.af-s nikkor 55-300mm vr lens for $250
3.af-s 70-300mm vr telephoto lens for $389

Ive been looking online and I really cant find any that are much cheaper, and if they are its from amazon and used. . . are the following ok deals? Im looking for something that would help me shoot at distances around 20-30 feet, what would you recommend ? thanks for any input im pretty new at this.

Heitz · Sep 26, 2012

Ok, so the 55-300 is better quality than the 55-200. It's not just slightly longer but better build. The 70-300 is an fx lens; you have a dx camera, so it might be slightly overkill. If you are just starting out, I'd recommend the 55-300 as an intermediate.

orb9220 · Sep 26, 2012

Yep the 55-300vr is the better buy. But do love the smaller,lighter and more compact 55-200vr for walkabouts. But sports,wildlife,etc. then the 55-300vr is a better match.
.

photonewbie23 · Sep 26, 2012

thanks guys now im doing some research on both lens and I think im gonna go with the 55-300 since I do plan on shooting some wildlife pictures and some of my brothers soccer games.

SCraig · Sep 26, 2012

Check some lens tests and compare the 70-300 and 55-300. The 70-300 will win. It may be an FX lens but it works perfectly on a crop-sensor camera. I've had mine for several years, and if something happens to it I'll buy another one just like it.

whitecatcud · Sep 27, 2012

Of you're not going to go to full frames soon, it's fine to have a 55-300. However, if you're planning to upgrade to full frame in the future, 70-300 is IMO the best call for this situation.

photonewbie23 · Sep 27, 2012

Well now you guys got me wondering if I should go ahead and get the fx lens since I'm getting a descent discount for purchasing my 5100 from them.

SCraig · Sep 27, 2012

whitecatcud said:
Of you're not going to go to full frames soon, it's fine to have a 55-300. However, if you're planning to upgrade to full frame in the future, 70-300 is IMO the best call for this situation.

photonewbie23 said:
Well now you guys got me wondering if I should go ahead and get the fx lens since I'm getting a descent discount for purchasing my 5100 from them.

The fact that the 70-300 is just plain a better lens than the 55-300 is the telling factor to me. It has nothing whatsoever to do with whether it's a DX lens or an FX lens, it's just plain a better lens. As I said above, compare some of the lens reviews and see for yourself.

Alan92RTTT · Sep 27, 2012

Go with the 70-300.

WIth the 55-300 the focus ring is at the end and you have to flip a switch to get from auto focus to manual.
With the 70-300 the focus ring is near the body and you can manually focus with out turning off autofocus.

Its will focus faster on auto focus
Better imjages quality from everyting I have seen.

greybeard · Sep 27, 2012

I personally have the 55-200 and mine is razor sharp. With that said, the 70-300 is a better lens all around. The fact that it is FX makes it compatible with FF cameras too which may come in handy later on.

jhodges10 · Sep 27, 2012

I jut sold my 70-300 for $350 and it was 4 years old. Absolutely loved it and I miss it already. You should absolutely pull the trigger on that deal.you could use it for a while and if you decide you don't like it (that won't happen) you can basically get your money back assuming you don't trash it. You will love the 70-300.

SCraig · Sep 27, 2012

greybeard said:
I personally have the 55-200 and mine is razor sharp. With that said, the 70-300 is a better lens all around. The fact that it is FX makes it compatible with FF cameras too which may come in handy later on.

Just to clarify, I didn't intend to insinuate that there was anything wrong with the 55-300, just that in my opinion the 70-300 is a better lens. Both are excellent lenses, but the edge has to go to the 70-300.

photonewbie23 · Sep 28, 2012

well guys I went to best buy to get the 70-300 but i was misinformed on the deal... apparently you have to buy a d7000 or higher to get the 200 of that lens.....So i went ahead and got the 55-300 for $250 plus tax of course...So far I love it but Ive only used it for maybe 200 shots I didn't know on how much i was missing out since all I've been using is my 18-55 that came with my camera.