totally lost on what my next purchase "should" be for a lens... help?

[sweber_09]

So first- hi This is totally my first post, although Ive lurked the site a few weeks. And forgive me if its a newb, annoying question....

I have a d60, with the kit lens (18-55). I would really like something with a longer range, without having to sell my firstborn for it (and since I have a first born, and student loans, Im perpetually broke :meh: ).

Regardless, my fingers are itching for a new lens..... and I want to buy. I know with the d60, the lens has to be af-s (or something with a motor in it anyway), but Im not exactly sure after that what I want. I dont do a lot of nature stuff where I would want one incredibly long, but Im thinking 55-200 would be a good, average lens to work with..... scared to drop any dough for any lens though until someone says "yes, you want these specs" and "yes, this will work the with d60".

Any thoughts to share? Thanks!!

 

[PhotoWrangler]

scared to drop any dough for any lens though until someone says "yes, you want these specs" and "yes, this will work the with d60".

Any thoughts to share? Thanks!!

What is your current lens NOT doing that you would like it to do, or do better for you?

 

[ulrichsd]

I think you are thinking of the 55-200mm lens, I think its about $100 and is the common pair with your kit lens (same filters). The 70-200 runs over $2k.

 

[sweber_09]

And my newb self shows through hardcore....
Any way, I just feel.... limited. And I feel like frequently, I get frustrated with post, because I try to crop out things around the edges that I couldnt zoom in close enough to avoid while taking the picture.

 

[PhotoWrangler]

The 70-200 runs over $2k.

Not if he goes third party - Sigma or Tamaron. Those are in the $650 to $800 range.

 

[sweber_09]

Youre absolutely right, Im sorry, I mistyped. I know its sort of the common pair with the kid lens, but just because its the normal next step, mostly what Ive heard is based on price- easier to buy a 100 dollar lens for your fits lens than a 500 dollar one. You feel likeit really is the logical next step?

 

[benhasajeep74 72]

I suggest you look into a 55-200g dx VR lens. They are about $250-300 new. But, they can be purchased as a remanufactured lens for about half that deppending on how you buy it (ebay auction). Even though its considered a KIT lens, it still performs fairly well. Obviously its not as good as the $2,000 70-200 but, for the price it performs very well. A remanufactured lens will look and operate as new. Deppending on where you get it from. Will come with either a Nikon 90 day warranty or a 1 year third party warranty. I have 2 refurbished lenses from Cameta Camera on Ebay. It what I carry with me when I travel for work. I keep that gear as inexpensive as I can to minimize my loss if something happens. I am not out much that way.

Adorama currently lists a 55-200g dx VR for $142 remanufactured open box. www.adorama.com

Also nothing wrong with used either. www.keh.com is very reputable for used equipment.

 

[sweber_09]

I suggest you look into a 55-200g dx VR lens. They are about $250-300 new. But, they can be purchased as a remanufactured lens for about half that deppending on how you buy it (ebay auction). Even though its considered a KIT lens, it still performs fairly well. Obviously its not as good as the $2,000 70-200 but, for the price it performs very well. A remanufactured lens will look and operate as new. Deppending on where you get it from. Will come with either a Nikon 90 day warranty or a 1 year third party warranty. I have 2 refurbished lenses from Cameta Camera on Ebay. It what I carry with me when I travel for work. I keep that gear as inexpensive as I can to minimize my loss if something happens. I am not out much that way.

Adorama currently lists a 55-200g dx VR for $142 remanufactured open box. www.adorama.com

Also nothing wrong with used either. www.keh.com is very reputable for used equipment.

I definitely have no problem with used or remanufactured if you really think theyre reputable- I was leaning that was personally anyway, fro mbudget restrictions, but that was part of my concern, that they would be trashed. If its worked for you, than thank you, and thanks for the links

 

[benhasajeep74 72]

I suggest you look into a 55-200g dx VR lens. They are about $250-300 new. But, they can be purchased as a remanufactured lens for about half that deppending on how you buy it (ebay auction). Even though its considered a KIT lens, it still performs fairly well. Obviously its not as good as the $2,000 70-200 but, for the price it performs very well. A remanufactured lens will look and operate as new. Deppending on where you get it from. Will come with either a Nikon 90 day warranty or a 1 year third party warranty. I have 2 refurbished lenses from Cameta Camera on Ebay. It what I carry with me when I travel for work. I keep that gear as inexpensive as I can to minimize my loss if something happens. I am not out much that way.

Adorama currently lists a 55-200g dx VR for $142 remanufactured open box. www.adorama.com

Also nothing wrong with used either. www.keh.com is very reputable for used equipment.

I definitely have no problem with used or remanufactured if you really think theyre reputable- I was leaning that was personally anyway, fro mbudget restrictions, but that was part of my concern, that they would be trashed. If its worked for you, than thank you, and thanks for the links

I would not hesitate to buy from Keh. They are known to rate low (things will looks better than expected). Adorama I trust completely as well. B+H Photo also. There is a reason these 3 companies are so dominant. They have taken the high road in customer service. And they get repeat business because of it.