zoom lens?

Brodie · Jul 16, 2009

hi, I own a Nikon D60 and have been looking at zoom lenses...i realize that the only ones that the autofocus will work with are the AF-S lenses but other than that im trying to figure out what kind of focal length i will need in a lens to be able to take nice clear photos of race cars, aircraft and the occasional sports event....money isnt a huge issue but i really dont want to spend money on a lens that cost more than my camera right now.

thanks

tirediron · Jul 16, 2009

Brodie said:
hi, I own a Nikon D60 and have been looking at zoom lenses...i realize that the only ones that the autofocus will work with are the AF-S lenses but other than that im trying to figure out what kind of focal length i will need in a lens to be able to take nice clear photos of race cars, aircraft and the occasional sports event....money isnt a huge issue but i really dont want to spend money on a lens that cost more than my camera right now.

thanks

Good luck with that. The only real choice you have is the AF-S 70-300 f4/5.6 VRII ($600); it has the focal length you need, but is really too slow for serious sports photography.

benlonghair · Jul 16, 2009

bodies come and go, good glass is forever

My 70-300 cost more than my D60. The only thing you really want to look at is the chance that you may upgrade to a full frame (FX) camera from a crop (DX). (IE a D300 to a D700 or D3). If you're considering upgrading to a full frame, don't spend your money on DX lenses. Other than that, spend money on glass not bodies.

For instance the Nikon 600mm f/4. There's no SLR body in the world that out prices that lens.

And to confirm what Tirediron said, the 70-300 is too slow for anything other than full daylight photography.

KmH · Jul 16, 2009

Actually for the uses you listed I'd say 500 mm is what you need and 600 mm would be better.

I use the Sigma 150-500 mm f/5-6.3 for most of my outdoor, daylight sports work (field sports, motor racing.). I do use a second body with a Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR mounted on it for when the action gets close to me.

Unless you have multiple bodies you'll always have more money tied up in glass than in your camera.