D90 LENS

bmusia · Dec 17, 2011

HELP PLEASE! I recently received a Nikon D90 for my birthday. I am very much a beginner.

Today I saw two lenses on sale 1: Nikon 55-200 $149 and 2: Nikon 55-300 $249 ...can anyone tell me which is better for the price?

SCraig · Dec 17, 2011

Not without knowing what your shooting preferences are. That's like asking a complete stranger what car you should buy.

Both are "Fair" lenses but not great lenses. If I had to pick between those two I'd go for the 55-300 for the additional reach.

bmusia · Dec 17, 2011

Sorry I am new to photography and just rec'd this D90 for my birthday. I am taking a class soon but found this site and thought someone could help me.

jake337 · Dec 17, 2011

I would check out KEH.com for used gear.

nikon autofocus fixed focal length lens"
Nikon Autofocus Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

nikon autofocus third party fixed lens:
Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

nikon autofocus zoom lens:
Nikon Autofocus Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

nikon autofocus third party zoom lens:
Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

You can also check the nikon/third party manual focus lens as well. Although most won't meter on your D90, some of the newer manual focus third party lens will.

You will find plenty in your price range.

SCraig · Dec 17, 2011

bmusia said:
Sorry I am new to photography and just rec'd this D90 for my birthday. I am taking a class soon but found this site and thought someone could help me.

The lenses you mentioned are both zoom lenses. One zooms from 55mm to 200mm and the other from 55mm to 300mm. They are like telescopes; the longer the focal length the more magnification so the 300mm lens has a bit more magnification than the 200mm lens. For wide angle photography, such as up close subjects, neither one is very well suited, but for birds or other objects at a moderate distance the 300mm lens would be better.

bmusia said:
.. As far as shooting...for now it will be mainly family, outdoors, my dogs....etc

Given that you would probably be better off with the 18mm-55mm zoom. It is an inexpensive lens and will let you decide which end of the lens spectrum you need to grow in. If you need more "Width" than the 18mm end provides then you need to look into wide angle lenses. If you need more "Reach" than the 55mm end gives then you need to look into the longer telephoto lenses.

SCraig · Dec 17, 2011

bmusia said:
.. As far as shooting...for now it will be mainly family, outdoors, my dogs....etc

Given that you would probably be better off with the 18mm-55mm zoom. It is an inexpensive lens and will let you decide which end of the lens spectrum you need to grow in. If you need more "Width" than the 18mm end provides then you need to look into wide angle lenses. If you need more "Reach" than the 55mm end gives then you need to look into the longer telephoto lenses.

bmusia · Dec 17, 2011

Thank you SCraig...that helps...I appreciate it so much!

Erinw417 · Dec 17, 2011

I have the 55-200 without VR and it's good however, to zoom it at all I need a tripod. I do find myself wishing for a bit more zooms at times, especially when I'm taking pictures of wildlife at a park or wherever. 200 is good but to me 300 would be better.

Proteus617 · Dec 17, 2011

You are not going to like this advice but...the best lens for a beginner is a nice 50mm. It will help you to learn to visualize and getting the hang of depth of field is MUCH easier than with a zoom. You also get more bang for your buck (superior image quality for less money). Zoom with your feet.

Kerbouchard · Dec 17, 2011

What lenses do you already have?

bmusia · Dec 17, 2011

The lens that came with my camera is 18-105 VR

Kerbouchard · Dec 17, 2011

And you just got it? I would probably hold off on another lens for now. If I were you, I would keep an eye on the buy/sell forum and pick up a used 70-300 VR or an SB600 for around the same money. Better bang for the buck and you won't be rushed into making a decision when you have literally just gotten a new camera.

Just my .02

KmH · Dec 17, 2011

bmusia said:
Sorry I am new to photography and just rec'd this D90 for my birthday. I am taking a class soon but found this site and thought someone could help me.

Somebody did! SCraig.