Question regarding NIKON DX AF-S 55-200 F4-5.6 G ED

CaptainNapalm · Dec 28, 2012

I can currently get the Nikon DX AF-S 55-200 F4-5.6 G ED zoom lens for $129 brand new in a local camera store having a 50% sale off on it for the next couple of days. This same lens is selling on amazon for 249.00 and my cousin bought it for 230 in a shop a few months back so the price seems very attractive to me. I currently own the Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm standard kit lens that came with it. Other than that I don't have any other lenses and am looking on expanding my collection. I am really getting into photography lately and enjoy all kinds of photography including nature, landscape, people, travel, and just everyday stuff. I am debating whether to get this lens as my next lens or wait a few months longer, save some money and get a better quality zoom instead, one perhaps in the 300-600 price point when I can afford it. What do you guys think? Seems like a steal at this price though and this lens is getting great reviews online. Buy or not to buy?

480sparky · Dec 28, 2012

Is it just the price that attracts you, or is there something the lens can actually do for you?

CaptainNapalm · Dec 28, 2012

480sparky said:
Is it just the price that attracts you, or is there something the lens can actually do for you?

I enjoy my 18-55 lens, I figure the 55-200 range will be a good continuation in range and give me some more zoom when needed. So yes I find this kind of zoom suit my purposes. Just not sure if it's worth buying or invest in a more expensive zoom lens when i can afford it. I want my pics to look great and I'm starting to really get into photography.

480sparky · Dec 28, 2012

That's really a kit lens.... so if you can afford better lenses, I'd say that would be a better investment. Camera bodies come and go, but good glass is forever.

CaptainNapalm · Dec 28, 2012

480sparky said:
That's really a kit lens.... so if you can afford better lenses, I'd say that would be a better investment. Camera bodies come and go, but good glass is forever.

Yeah I agree with you. I think I'll piggy bank the 130 I would have spent on this lens an start saving towards something better. Cheers

jrizal · Dec 28, 2012

Though it is a kit lens it doesn't mean it's a lemon. Add the 50% it is a steal. And since lenses do not depreciate much in value, you can actually sell it at cost after using it for a while and deciding to get a better lens. Your other options generally (but not limited to these) would be the 55-300mm at $399, the 70-300mm VRII at $589 or the the f4/f2 70-200mm at $1400/@2400 respectively. I have that same lens and I've taken some good pictures with it. Given its price, I'd still say go for it as you can't get a better lens for the money.

shefjr · Dec 29, 2012

It's really all about how far you want to go with your photography. If you as you say are "really getting into photography" then the next question for you would be how much are you willing to spend on glass? As stated above there are different valued lenses and generally with that comes quality which both obviously correlate to some extent.

So from my personal experience, I regret wasting money on glass that I now look at as lacking. I should have saved my money and paid the top dollar one time. That said, I also didn't know I wanted better glass because at the time I didn't fully grasp all that there is to know about great glass.

Just my opinion of course. I like to give my experiences so that maybe you or someone else might find something in there that strikes a chord.