absolute beginner needs lens advice

[Netskimmer]

I finally broke down and bout a dslr camera yesterday. I moved from a Kodak easyshare to a Nikon 5100. I have no idea what I am doing at this point but I am learning. My problem is that the lens it came with (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR) doesn't seem to zoom all that much. I need a lens for taking pictures of my niece showing horses and the Jr fair. I need to be able to frame her up at distances of 40-60 yards away and while on a moving horse. Can enyone recommend a lens (preferibly under $300) for me?

 

[AUG19]

Astride a horse? 200-300mm at 40-60 yards is my guess.

 

[clanthar]

You need a long (telephoto) lens. It can be a zoom, but that will increase the cost. You're looking for something out in the 200/300mm range. You're also going to need a tripod and a ball head.

Good luck,
Joe

 

[Robin Usagani]

Why would the tripod help Joe?

 

[orb9220]

Yep have never used a tripod for 55-200vr,70-300vr and 80-200 f2.8 AF-D.

But yep look into the 55-200vr or 70-300vr or even the newer and cheaper 55-300vr lenses.
.

 

[Netskimmer]

She will be on horseback riding around an oval riding ring that is about 100yds wide. I usually set up with the camera mid-ring so she would be anywhere from about 5-60yds from me. The easyshare seemed to handle it fine but I don't think the lens this camera came with was meant to reach out that far.

P.S.
was looking at the 55-300vr didn't know if the 55-200 would get the job done.

 

[kundalini]

The 55-200mm is the next best marriage to your 18-55mm. It is a consumer grade lens, but is capable of sharp images, given enough light. Beware of the variable aperture though.

 

[Netskimmer]

Will a 200mm lens reach out far enough?

 

[jmsspratlin]

I am also looking for a better lenses that will allow me to take very fast shots at the upcoming AMA sportbike races. Any advice on a good lens to capture a moving object at 200+?

 

[AUG19]

How's the event typically lit? It's difficult b/c you have bought into a budget camera but need high performance.

 

[Netskimmer]

Budget camera? The thing cost nearly a grand and my 2 year old $250 point and shoot could do the job, just not as well as I wanted. Most of the event is in afternoon and early evening with plenty of light. Sometimes it goes into late evening or night but I'm not to worried about that. If it gets too dark I just pack up for the day.

 

[jmsspratlin]

Are you speaking to me AUG19 saying budget camera? Or the OP? Just curious.

 

[AUG19]

Confusing one poster with another.

 

[kundalini]

Budget camera? The thing cost nearly a grand and my 2 year old $250 point and shoot could do the job, ...........

Don't mean to piss in your cornflakes, but the D5100 is an entry level, consumer grade camera. That is not meant in any other way than fact. Has nothing to do with you pulling off amazing shots with it either, because it should be capable.

 

[AUG19]

OK, money no object you can opt for the fastest primes Nikon sell. Not knowing about your sport, if the event is floodlit rather than held on a sunny day, you're going to need a fast lens and high ISO. Your Nikon has great ISO capabilities so you want a fast lens. 4/300 D sells in Hong Kong for $1100, a guy in Germany is selling a 2.8/300 on ebay for about $2700. See what i mean - D5100 & kit lens = budget camera.

Tracking fast sports at distance in questionable light isn't a cheap occupation.