Any recommendations for a low cost 200ish mm f2.8 lens?

LifeIsOnTheWire · Jul 16, 2013

Hi everyone. I have a D3100, and I need a longer reach lens. I'm trying to watch ebay, and other used-item sites.

I don't mind buying an older 'D' lens, I don't mind manual focus.

It would be nice to get a zoom that goes to 200mm. But I don't mind if it is a prime lens. I would just like something relatively fast, that goes around 200mm.

I would really like something faster than f4 (otherwise I would just go buy a new 55-200 f4). f2.8 would be nice

I would like to keep it below $300.

Dinardy · Jul 16, 2013

Finding a lens at 200mm at 2.8 for under 300 might be tough... at least while scanning eBay I couldn't find a thing.

How about a 135mm AiS 2.8? those are around 150, It wont meter with your current body though.

ToddnTN · Jul 16, 2013

Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8 ED-IF is what I bought. I gave $299 for mine used in "E-" condition from Adorama. The name plate had a little of the gold worn off and there was one blemish on the bottom of the lens(not the glass), other than that it looks and performs as new.

Mike_E · Jul 16, 2013

Nikon Ed AF Zoom Nikkor 80 200mm F 2 8 Lens Please Read Description 0018208019854 | eBay

Derrel · Jul 16, 2013

I think ToddTN hits the mark dead-on with his suggestion of a use 180mmmm f/2.8 AF-D Nikkor prime, which will only manually focus on your current camera body, but which WILL meter with your camera.

djacobox372 · Jul 16, 2013

80-200mm push pull can be had for $300. Optically its superb.

KmH · Jul 16, 2013

Any AF lens will be manual focus for the OPs D3100. The D3100 has manual focusing aids. See page 144 of the D3100 users manual - Rangefinder.
Rangefinder is not available when using the Manual shooting mode or Live view, but in Manual shooting mode the in-focus indicator in the camera viewfinder will light when focus has been achieved at the selected AF point by manually turning the lens focus ring.

Only Nikon AF-S and AF-i Nikon lenses have an auto focus motor in the lens.

LifeIsOnTheWire · Jul 18, 2013

thanks for the replies guys.

that 180mm 2.8d sounds like a good option, but i found a review on youtube, it said that chromatic aberration is really bad at f2.8, and it is only good starting at f4.

it also says on a DX sensor, it is unusable above f8 due to lens diffraction.

can anyone comment on that?

ToddnTN · Jul 23, 2013

I have seen chromatic aberration at f2.8 in mine, I have not noticed the diffraction above f/8. The CA can be fixed in post.
honestly I do not think you are going to do any better at your price range.
i understand your point about buying the 55-200 f4, but it probably doesn't perform very well at f4 whereas the 180mm will.
I have not used the 55-200 so that is a guess on my part, someone else should probably comment on that