Recommendation for telephoto

Home · Register · Search · Software · Hosting · Software · Join Upload & Sell

FM Forum Rules
Nikon SLRs, primes, and zooms lenses reviews

FM Forums \| Nikon-mount SLRs \| Join Upload & Sell
end

GC5
Online
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #1 · Recommendation for telephoto

I've always been a Canon shooter, but I recently picked up a D7000, 24-120 (the variable aperture one), and a SB800 off of ebay, and a Sigma 30 and Tamron 60mm 2.0 macro off of B/S. Essentially this will be my travel kit - replacing a 60d. (I am keeping my Canon full frame and L lenses.) This is a bit random and I've done some of the searching/review reading, but am finding the options a bit dizzying as I am just not as familiar with the Nikon system.

I'd love to get an older 2.8 lens if there are any that are good and cheap, but would also consider any of the 200-300mm length zooms if they are reasonably compact and sharp. In a nutshell, what's the best, affordable telephoto Nikon offerings?

As an aside, I was originally planning on getting a 50 1.8(g), but love macro and thought the Tamron 2.0 might kill 2 birds with one stone. Anyone have any experience/comparison with those?

Oct 03, 2012 at 07:33 PM

Frank_Maiello
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · Recommendation for telephoto

After travelling with the 70-200 f/2.8 VRI on a few occasions, I brought the Nikon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 VR on my last trip. It's oviously not in the same class of lens, but it weighs far less and doesn't have much to apologize for under the 200mm mark. Given how much more convenient it is to carry around all day, I also tend to use it more than I would the 70-200.

Methoni Castle and the Bourtzi, The Peloponnese
Nikon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 VR (D700)
200mm f/8 1/160s
processed via Capture NX2, Color Efex 3

Edited on Oct 04, 2012 at 05:27 PM · View previous versions

Oct 03, 2012 at 08:08 PM

BenV
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #3 · Recommendation for telephoto

70-300 VR gets my vote, its cheap ($340ish used) and has great quality. Make sure to get the VR version. Very important.

Oct 03, 2012 at 08:26 PM

RoyC
Online
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · Recommendation for telephoto

The 70-300 VR is highly thought of by many street shooters.

Oct 03, 2012 at 08:32 PM

GC5
Online
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #5 · Recommendation for telephoto

How does it compare with the Tamron version? They look pretty similar...

Oct 03, 2012 at 09:00 PM

Frank_Maiello
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · Recommendation for telephoto

I gather from the banter that they're comparable.

In addition, if you want a faster lens, there's the perpetually recommended 105 f/2.5 AI or AIS manual focus lens (used only) that does some things better than my 70-200 f/2.8 VRI.

And hey, if we're talking lenses for travel, I've found that the 14-24 f/2.8 is my favorite. It's not for everyone, but if there are reasons to shoot Nikon at the moment, that lens one of them.

Oct 03, 2012 at 11:51 PM

jrmyrnsm
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · Recommendation for telephoto

From Nikon I think the 70-300 VR is a great choice. I had one for a while and was very happy with it, I sold it when I got my 70-200 2.8 which is wonderful but in a different class...

You mentioned older 2.8 zooms, I had a Nikon 80-200 F2.8 AFD(the two ring version) and it was an awesome lens. Quality was just as good as my 70-200 VR just didnt have the VR which I needed...

On a third party note, I've always been intrigued by the Tokina 50-135 2.8... Not quite the same reach but a very useful range and relatively compact lens too...

Oct 04, 2012 at 02:33 AM

fpimentel
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · Recommendation for telephoto

Some people have mentioned the 70-300mm VR and other have referred to the 70-200mm VR f/2.8. Another option would be the 28-300mm VR that is more expensive than the 70-300mm but less than the 70-200mm. I do have the three lenses and you can get good results with any of them. This is a photo of people hiking a mountain at Acadia National Park (Maine). I used the 28-300mm for the shot.

Acadia National Park, Maine (USA)
NIKON D800 300 mm f/5.6 1/500 sec 140 ISO 0.0 EV

Edited on Oct 04, 2012 at 03:50 AM · View previous versions

Oct 04, 2012 at 02:53 AM

D Strass
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #9 · Recommendation for telephoto

As mentioned, if you can find a Tokina 50-135, grab it! The only lens I miss from when I shot DX.

Oct 04, 2012 at 03:12 AM

end
FM Forums \| Nikon-mount SLRs \| Join Upload & Sell end