Telephoto zoom lens. What to get?

[Joshua_Lee]

Hey guys,

Some of you may have read my earlier post about my recent purchase of the tamron 28-75. Now that I have this lens I am selling my kit 18-105. The question is which telephoto zoom do I get to cover the range? I have been looking at the Nikon AF VR 70-300mm, Tamron 70-300mm, Sigma etc.. What are your thoughts on these or any others that you have experience with? Doesn't necessarily have to be these, could be a 200mm lens. Your thoughts please!

Oh I will be using it mainly for outdoor stuff and some events. I would like to stay in the $400 to 500 range or lower if possible. I wish I could afford the 70-200mm lenses but I can't.

Thanks,

 

[sobolik]

Your very first post second entry lists the Tamron 28-75mm as being owned by you. So I have no clue what you mean by "Some of you may have read my earlier post about my recent purchase of the tamron 28-75"

I also have no clue why anyone would ever want to sell a Nikon 18-105 and keep a Tamron 28-75mm instead. Especially when you have a Nikon D90

 

[KmH]

You can pick up used Nikon AF 80-200 mm f/2.8 push-pull zoom lenses for $450 - $600.

Nikon Autofocus 80-200 F2.8 D MACRO ED (77) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800748367-USE/Nikon_1985_Zoom_Telephoto_80_200mm_f_2_8.html

 

[molested_cow]

No matter which lens you end up getting, get a decent tripod(plus remote trigger).

BTW, my 70~300 is yesterday's technology. VR is important for telephoto. It's, however, a good entry-level telephoto lens and affordable too. I bought it $300 brand new back then.
If it's a lens that you are investing in, get a good one. I myself don't think about trading lens. So if you can, get the F2.8 70~200mm. Otherwise, the VR 70~300 is a good one if you spend the extra money on a decent tripod like I mentioned.

 

[RjL]

No matter which lens you end up getting, get a decent tripod(plus remote trigger).

BTW, my 70~300 is yesterday's technology. VR is important for telephoto. It's, however, a good entry-level telephoto lens and affordable too. I bought it $300 brand new back then.
If it's a lens that you are investing in, get a good one. I myself don't think about trading lens. So if you can, get the F2.8 70~200mm. Otherwise, the VR 70~300 is a good one if you spend the extra money on a decent tripod like I mentioned.

^^^ Ditto. Keep both lenses and add a third Tele.

RjL

 

[Dao]

You may also take a look at the new Tamron 70-300mm VC USD lens.

Nikonians lens review
Nikonians News & Blogs: Interviews, Talkshows, News and More

If you buy it this year (only few days left), there is a $50 rebate ($100 if buy it with a camera kit). I read a lot of reviews about that lens and it really great. I am really think about selling my Canon 70-300mm IS lens (pretty sure) as well as my 70-200mm f/4L (most likely) and keep the Tamron after I finish comparing them.

 

[Joshua_Lee]

Your very first post second entry lists the Tamron 28-75mm as being owned by you. So I have no clue what you mean by "Some of you may have read my earlier post about my recent purchase of the tamron 28-75"

I also have no clue why anyone would ever want to sell a Nikon 18-105 and keep a Tamron 28-75mm instead. Especially when you have a Nikon D90

Well I put it in my signature because I do own it now. As for the EARLIER post comment, I was more so speaking to the ones who gave me advice on the Tamron 28-75 post. It was just a reference because I know how detailed I need to be on this forum to get my point across. It was not meant to cause you confusion. For that I am sorry.

I got the 28-75 because it is a sharper/better overall IQ lens than the 18-105, and has low light capability.

Thanks everyone for the advice on the lenses! Maybe I will try and save up to get the better lens.

 

[Destin]

You can get a used sigma 70-200 2.8 for $500-550. Just watch ebay for a while, they are out there all the time.

I got mine new for $799 and I love it. Would I like to have the Nikon version? Well DUH! But the budget was $800. And it's the best money I've spent on camera gear yet.