Another lens for D7000

[CapM]

We are enjoying our new D7000. I just got the 18-105 kit lens since we are coming from a point and shoot, and figured we could add more later. I know I would want more reach.

Anyhow, a new item just popped up on Craigslist: 55-200 VR for $130. Claims that it is NIB, guarantees not gray market. Since I am still new to DSLR, I thought I'd run it by you. Ken Rockwell gives it a good review.

Would this probably be a good one to add to the 18-105? Or should I wait and get something in the 300mm range later? Thanks.

 

[CapM]

The use for the longer reach would be a) shots of my son playing sports (flag football primarily) and karate, and b) some wildlife (birds, gators). Thanks...

 

[DVC Mike]

While the 55-200 VR is OK, I'd consider the 55-300 VR or (even better) the 70-300 VR.

 

[Light Artisan]

I tried the 55-300 VR and returned it, at 300mm it's very difficult to get an in focus shot (at least with the copy I had).

I'd save up and get something like the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM Macro or similar, unless you want to fork over the dough and stick with Nikon. The Sigma did me well until I could make it happen with the Nikon version with VR.

 

[Bram]

I love my 55-200mm VR lens, I love going to rugby games or football games and snapping my little brother. Love it! ofcourse when he started playing under the lights it was a different story I am now forced to look at the 80-200 2.8 which will NOT af on my camera or the 70-200 2.8 which will but is double the cost.

 

[Light Artisan]

I am now forced to look at the 80-200 2.8 which will NOT af on my camera or the 70-200 2.8 which will but is double the cost.

You can pick up a new Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 (non OS/VR) for less than a used Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 and it will serve you well, and it will autofocus on your camera.

http://www.adorama.com/SG70200DNKAF.html

 

[KmH]

For field sports 200 mm, or even 300 mm is a bit short on reach.

I would recommend the AF-S 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G VR. It's a FX lens, sharp, has good optics, and is one of Nikon's best lens values. Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED 2161 B&H

For wildlife and field sports the Sigma 50-500 or 150-500 is the way to go on a budget. Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens 738306 B&H

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens 737306 B&H

 

[Bram]

Yeah but for low light conditions the VR option is kind of a good thing. right?

 

[flea77]

VR has absolutely no value in sports, regardless of the light.

Allan

 

[Bram]

Really? I thought it helped out when panning, and also with motion blur. All I get with my VR lens when shooting under the lights is blurred background. Not the greatest and I know that has to do with shutter speed and the speed of the lens.

 

[redtippmann]

In sports, if you have a fast enough shutter speed to freeze motion you won't get camera shake... Unless you have Parkinson's. And VR only helps with camera shake and not motion blur.

Even though I hear the next version of nikons VR system will actually hold your subject still!

 

[KmH]

Really? I thought it helped out when panning, and also with motion blur. All I get with my VR lens when shooting under the lights is blurred background. Not the greatest and I know that has to do with shutter speed and the speed of the lens.

Bram....read this: Nikon VR explained

 

[CapM]

Thanks guys. I went ahead and bought the 55-200D VR at lunchtime. The guy was a kind of camera ho; bought this from Ritz and never even used it. For $125, I figure I'd get it. It seems like there is a pretty good market for used camera equipment, so I can always replace it with something better down the line. I realize that there is some overlap with my two lenses (18-105 & 55-200). Next up is maybe a 50mm 1.8. That would round out the set nicely for now.

 

[arcooke]

Next up is maybe a 50mm 1.8

Yes, yes and yes.

 

[Dao]

Thanks guys. I went ahead and bought the 55-200D VR at lunchtime. The guy was a kind of camera ho; bought this from Ritz and never even used it. For $125, I figure I'd get it. It seems like there is a pretty good market for used camera equipment, so I can always replace it with something better down the line. I realize that there is some overlap with my two lenses (18-105 & 55-200). Next up is maybe a 50mm 1.8. That would round out the set nicely for now.

The good thing is, if you keep the lens in good shape, you maybe able to sell it for $125 later on.