Which lens ??? Tamron v Nikon

[GPRocket]

Hi everyone, firstly great site with lots of useful info. Have always taken shots but never organized myself with a quality camera until I seen the SLR potential. So started with the Nikon D3100 twin lens 18-55 and 55-200mm VR kit. Was great, sold off both lenses for a Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Tele/Maco Lens and a 50mm 1.8 prime. Since then I have upgraded and stuck with the Nikon to a D7000 twin lens 18-55mm and 55-300mm kit. My plan is to sell off the 3100 with one of the 300mm lenses and keep the 18-55mm Nikon, 50mm 1.8 Nikon Prime & 'one' of the 300's.... But I'm not sure on which as I've heard mixed reviews on both. I like the added extra depth with the extra focal on the 55-300 than 70-300 but the Tamron has the added benefit of Macro switch over too, which I've never had to use but it may come in handy. Does anyone have any good info or feedback on these to help me decide which 300 I should keep with the 7000?Thank you in advance also.

 

[Patrice]

You are the one in the best position to judge. Look at the output from both lenses and decide which you like best. There is not much difference between 55 mm and 70 mm, a step or two at most. There is no real good reason why you need to have every possible millimetre of focal length covered. For example, a top quality combo for your D7000 could be made up of a Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8, a Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR(1) and a fast prime. Sigma seem to have a decent 50 mm f/1.4.

I've not used either of the two xx-300mm tele zooms you are referring to but usually the Nikkors resell a bit faster than third party and retain a little bit more of their value over time. However, don't expect either of your Nikkor's to become collector pieces.

 

[coastalconn]

The nikon 55-300 is a bit sharper lens and has more contrast then the Tamron and also has VR, if you are talking about the 70-300 DI LD (i've had both). The Tamron 70-300 VC is another step better then either. The Tamron "macro" is not a true macro lens as it only goes to 1:2 Magnification. It can be handy if you have nothing else for close focusing. If you really want to get into macro, nothing beats a true dedicated macro lens for sharpness and magnification.