First Time Posting - Looking for Advice on Lenses

[Super Simple]

Hello All,

I'm a complete beginner but I'm finding limitations in my one lens, a Nikkor AF-S 18~105 mm. (Or limitations in my abilities.) I have a Nikon D5000.

I'd like to get a larger zoom (telephoto) lens, but don't want to spend a huge amount. (I'm just starting after all.)

So I'm looking into Sigma lenses, but open to anything.

I'd like to spend under $500.

I've found that used lenses on ebay.com.au go for too close to the retail price, so I'm not interested in used lenses unless I actually get them at a reasonable price. (Less than 50% retail because it's a gamble -- am I being unrealistic?)

Anyways, would anyone care to give me any broad recommendations for what I should look at? I'm a beginner, so I'd like to aim in that range. I can buy more expensive lenses later once I improve my photography skills.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Vinny]

For a longer zoom and around $500 look at the Nikon 70-300 VR. Not that you have to stay with Nikon but IMO it is a great lens for the price. Not surde how the 55 - 200 would stack up as a sharp lens. With your camera body you need to stay with a lens that has a focusing motor in it for auto focus to work; look for a lens that has one - AF-S is what Nikon uses, not sure what other manufacturers use. BTW, I have problems with my 18-105 ... and I'm not sure which it is either! LOL!!!

Best advice I was given here was to take the camera body to the store with a memory card and take a few photos, bring the photos home to view them and see if you like what you see.

 

[Super Simple]

For a longer zoom and around $500 look at the Nikon 70-300 VR. Not that you have to stay with Nikon but IMO it is a great lens for the price. Not surde how the 55 - 200 would stack up as a sharp lens. With your camera body you need to stay with a lens that has a focusing motor in it for auto focus to work; look for a lens that has one - AF-S is what Nikon uses, not sure what other manufacturers use. BTW, I have problems with my 18-105 ... and I'm not sure which it is either! LOL!!!

Best advice I was given here was to take the camera body to the store with a memory card and take a few photos, bring the photos home to view them and see if you like what you see.

Hello Vinny,

Thanks for the help. I've had a few people mention the 70~300 VR as an excellent lens. Confirmation is good!

I'm still trying to look at other manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron just to keep an open mind. However, I really do like getting people's opinions and not just marketing hype.

I don't have any problems at all with my 18~105, but then again, if I had problems I'm such a beginner that I wouldn't know!

Cheers,

Ryan

 

[Vinny]

Here's a link to a US source: B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders

Just remember for auto focus to work you need a in-lens motor.

 

[Super Simple]

Here's a link to a US source: B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders

Just remember for auto focus to work you need a in-lens motor.

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.