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08/08/2011 10:23:14 PM · #1 |
I am looking for a new lens for my Nikon D40. I am a novice photographer. I currently have the 18-55 VR, 55-200 VR, and the 35 1.8. I have plans to go to an airshow in a couple weeks and to go shot eagles in December. I also hope to go take butterfly pictures next weekend. Is my 55-200 good enough or would I get better results from the Nikkor 70-300 VR or would a Sigma or Tamron get my good results for less money? I don't have a lot to spend, so maybe the 55-200 is good, but if I could get better lens, I thought maybe I would try. I also looked at the Tamron or Sigma 70-200 2.8s and wondered if for a little more than the Nikkor 70-300, but are they worth it?
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08/08/2011 10:36:20 PM · #2 |
I have the Canon mount version of the Tamron 70-300 VC. Very pleased with it. Most reviews rate it nearly as good or slightly better than the Canon equivalent. Tamron has been offering a $50 rebate that brings the cost down to $400. Here's some of what I have shot with it:
      
With an extension tube added:
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08/08/2011 10:46:22 PM · #3 |
If I had to only keep one lens, it would be my 70-200mm f2.8 VRII. It is a-mazing. I have it insured so I am not scared to take it everywhere, so so so so... worth the investment.
www.shutterrev.com all the seaworld, HOLF Track day, LaJolla Cove, Palomar Mtn... and more sections were shot with the 70-200. Its razor sharp and very fast.
Message edited by author 2011-08-08 22:48:15. |
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08/09/2011 07:04:00 AM · #4 |
| if you are going to be outside in good light would a teleconverter be an option? how about renting a lens? |
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08/09/2011 07:17:42 AM · #5 |
| The 55-200 is more than likely going to be a bit short for air shows and eagle shots. Shooting butterflies, on the other hand, is a totally different scenario that would be better suited to a different lens. Would you like a long tele, like the 70-300 or are you looking to do more close up/macro photography? The 70-200 is great in that they are a constant 2.8 aperture, so you can shoot handheld in lower light conditions due to a faster shutter. It should also be a good deal sharper than your 55-200 (even if you're going with the Sigma 70-200). Keep in mind it is substantially bigger and heavier than the 70-300, and will likely feel even moreso because of the relatively small size of the D40. |
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08/09/2011 07:43:12 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
The 55-200 is more than likely going to be a bit short for air shows and eagle shots. Shooting butterflies, on the other hand, is a totally different scenario that would be better suited to a different lens. Would you like a long tele, like the 70-300 or are you looking to do more close up/macro photography? The 70-200 is great in that they are a constant 2.8 aperture, so you can shoot handheld in lower light conditions due to a faster shutter. It should also be a good deal sharper than your 55-200 (even if you're going with the Sigma 70-200). Keep in mind it is substantially bigger and heavier than the 70-300, and will likely feel even moreso because of the relatively small size of the D40. |
I have the 70-200mm vrII and it's a great lens. I just wanted to add that with the APS-C body you will have the equivalent focal length of 300mm because of the 1.5 crop factor. So, it does make a nice telephoto. Add a tele-converter and you extend the reach even more (however it's at a cost). Just some food for thought. |
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08/09/2011 06:10:31 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by ShutterRev:
If I had to only keep one lens, it would be my 70-200mm f2.8 VRII. It is a-mazing. I have it insured so I am not scared to take it everywhere, so so so so... worth the investment.
www.shutterrev.com all the seaworld, HOLF Track day, LaJolla Cove, Palomar Mtn... and more sections were shot with the 70-200. Its razor sharp and very fast. |
This is also my best and favorite lens. Brilliant, fast, sharp. This is my favorite for shooting air shows. On a bright day, I set up at around ISO 400, f/6.3 and the shutter varies between 1/4000 and 1/5000 of a second. Everything turns out perfectly focused, and as sharp as i like. If I want to blur propellers, something I sometimes forget to do, I drop the ISO to 200, bump the aperture to around f/11 and shoot at about 1/160 of a second. With VR, the planes stay sharp if I pan accurately and the props turn out nicely blurred.
Wonderful lens.
It's expensive, so maybe trying renting one first to see if you think t's worth the price.
Message edited by author 2011-08-09 18:11:38. |
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08/09/2011 06:32:36 PM · #8 |
55-300 VR2. Killer for birds and butterflies. It focuses to about 4.5 ft up close at 300mm, VR2 works great. It's not a 2.8, but it is very quick focusing on the D7000, and the other technical parameters are excellent. I also have the AF 180 f2.8, and the photos compare favorably, plus the zoom has the improved VR. The extra 15mm on the wide end allow a lot of quick shots that would be missed with the 70-300. It's my lens of choice while I am on the move in open areas.
It seems pretty rugged as well. I fell while going up a set of steps over a grand prix race track and smacked a scrape on the lens shade, but it keeps on shooting. just as before.
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08/19/2011 09:12:35 AM · #9 |
Thanks for all the suggestions. I went ahead and got the 70-300 and used it the other day walking around the Zoo. I got some real good shots. Someday I hope to get the 70-300/2.8, but the 4 times more cost right now doesn't work.
Someday I also hope to enter the challenges. It has been a long time. I like doing it, but feel I need to get better at my post editing to really compete. I always either over did it or not enough. I have recently acquired Lightroom 3 and am soley shooting in Raw format and find that in the short time of doing this, my photos have improved.
Again, thanks and good shooting!!! |
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