Deciding on a new lens.

[reissigree]

I would like to buy a new lens for my Nikon D3100 with better zoom. Which lens would you suggest? Thanks!

 

[pen]

Define better.

Also what do you have now?

Sent from my iPhone using PhotoForum

 

[reissigree]

I have the 18-55mm one that came with it. Hmmm.. I guess I'd like to be able to shoot across my yard and capture.. say a squirrel.. crisp and clear. I'd spen $200-$350 on it.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

For less than 200 I started out with a used 55-200. It shot clear.

 

[Snakeguy101]

70-300 is good too but you would have to manually focus unless you drop around $600 on the AF-S version.

 

[reissigree]

70-300 is good too but you would have to manually focus unless you drop around $600 on the AF-S version.

Thanks so much for that info! i definitely would want the auto focus

 

[Erinw417]

I have the 55-200 that came with my Nikon D3000 and I really like it. I have gotten some very crisp shots with it.

 

[reissigree]

Okay, so I've narrowed it down to two.
This one for $170 http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-f4-5-6G-AF-S-Nikkor/dp/B0009HN57Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top Without VR
Or this for for $250 http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200m...X0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#productPromotions With VR

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Okay, so I've narrowed it down to two.
This one for $170 http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-f4-5-6G-AF-S-Nikkor/dp/B0009HN57Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top Without VR
Or this for for $250 Amazon.com: Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo With VR

Thats outrageous pricing. If you want mine for $150 i'll pay shipping and paypal, PM me. Its the same one I took the above pics with, its VR, and its in excellent condition. I don't use it since buying a 70-200 f2.8

 

[reissigree]

I really appreciate the offer, but the only thing I buy used is cars haha. This is going to be my Christmas present to myself. I was mainly wondering if anyone had a recommendation about the VR. Thanks

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I really appreciate the offer, but the only thing I buy used is cars haha. This is going to be my Christmas present to myself. I was mainly wondering if anyone had a recommendation about the VR. Thanks

No worries, just thought I'd offer. I kept the VR on except when I used a tripod. You'll especially will find it useful when shooting towards the longer end of the focal range.

 

[Netskimmer]

VR isn't absolutely necessary, people have been taking great pics for quite some time before it came along. VR is a very helpful tool though, how helpful depends on what you will be photographing. If you won't be using a tripod and/or will be shooting in low light it will be more useful, especially at longer focal lengths.

 

[Erithacus]

I have an 18-55mm and I am also looking for a longer tele zoom. I have been asking around and I was advised by seniors to get a 55-300 instead of a 55-200. The extra focal length will come in handy when we happen to shoot wildlife. Both lenses are as good. So I will be getting 55-300 soon. 70-300 is a better lens but it cost twice as much. With the extra money saved, I can buy a macro lens later.

 

[Netskimmer]

I have the 55-300, I would like a faster lens but they are very pricey. I think it's a good lens for the money, though I haven't used the others listed so I can't compare them.

 

[KmH]

To shot squirrels on the other side of the yard (50 feet away) I had to use 500 mm.