nikon 70-300 lens

[mrshaleyberg]

Is this a pretty decent lens? I was looking at buying one off ebay since I have a gift card I need to use.

 

[benlonghair]

Don't get the non-VR one. I've heard nothing but bad reviews on it.

On the other hand, the 70-300 VR is a great lens. 90% of the time that's what is on my camera. Takes some awesome pics.

 

[KmH]

Which 70-300? Nikon has made several versions in that zoom range.

I can say the el-cheapo non VR versions AF Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4-5.6G from Nikon are not worth buying, but the current VR version is one of Nikon's best lens values. AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED from Nikon

 

[mrshaleyberg]

Can you get a VR one that's NOT a AF-S?

 

[KmH]

No. And, why would you want to do that? AF-S generally focuses much faster, and more accurately, than an equivelent AF lens.

If your perception is the AF-S focus motor adds significantly to the cost, you would be wrong. Most of the cost differences are in build quality and optics.

 

[mrshaleyberg]

What would be better to get? The teacher of my photography class advised me to get a 17-55mm (tamron) rather than a 70-300 (tamron or nikon). I just want another lens that isn't solely for portraits, because I would like to take pictures of other stuff too. I would LOVE to get a macro lens, but I really don't see myself taking a bunch of macro's even though I love it. And I know the tamron 70-300 has a macro setting..I don't know what lens to get. It's hard to decide. I'm not wanting to spend TOO much money, but I want a decent lens. Maybe I should just save up and get some REALLY good glass like a Nikon 70-200 or something, and for now just buy a SB-600 like I had planned.

 

[KmH]

The Tamron 70-300 with the 1:2 macro capability is for APS-C size sensored cameras (Tamron DI designation) and projects an image circle smaller than the D700's full size sensor.

 

[mrshaleyberg]

Well that's lame. I guess I'll just go with my plans to save for a nice lens rather than cheap lenses, and I'll just get my SB-600 for now. Thanks for the help!

 

[Josh220]

What would be better to get? The teacher of my photography class advised me to get a 17-55mm (tamron) rather than a 70-300 (tamron or nikon).

Tamron doesn't make a 17-55, and you don't want to get Nikon's 17-55 for a D700.

I recommend saving for either the Nikon 24-70 2.8 or the Nikon 16-35 if you want something cheaper. Depends if you want an ultra wide zoom or a mid ranged zoom. Both lenses are amongst the best ever made. The optics on both are superb.

 

[mrshaleyberg]

What would be better to get? The teacher of my photography class advised me to get a 17-55mm (tamron) rather than a 70-300 (tamron or nikon).

Tamron doesn't make a 17-55, and you don't want to get Nikon's 17-55 for a D700.

I recommend saving for either the Nikon 24-70 2.8 or the Nikon 16-35 if you want something cheaper. Depends if you want an ultra wide zoom or a mid ranged zoom. Both lenses are amongst the best ever made. The optics on both are superb.

I meant 17-50..My bad. I'll look into those. Thanks!