Lenses that go up to 300mm: What is the best lense that goes up to 300mm that isn't too expensive? It would be for Nikon. I would like to not spend more than $300. Also, what is...

USMCphotographer Loc: Colorado

What is the best lense that goes up to 300mm that isn't too expensive? It would be for Nikon. I would like to not spend more than $300.
Also, what is normally a better lense, Tamron or Sigma? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

RLKurth Loc: I'm from NY, but live in north Florida

You can get, as I have the Nikon 70-300mm AF ED lens off of eBay for under $130. It will work with all but a few of the newer Nikon bodies (ones that require AF-S lenses) Here's a link to the eBay ad ... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-ED-AF-Nikkor-70-300mm-F-4-5-6-D-AF-Lens-/281097830265?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4172bc7f79

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

the best lens that's cheap? many "kit" lenses go 70-300mm.and some older lenses that will work on modren cameras. ie minolta maxxum to sony alpha.

TREBOR77 Loc: Winchester Kentucky

USMCphotographer wrote:

What is the best lense that goes up to 300mm that isn't too expensive? It would be for Nikon. I would like to not spend more than $300.
Also, what is normally a better lense, Tamron or Sigma? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

good luck on finding a 300mm lens of any kind for $300.00 or less.......maybe on the used market but be careful at that price......It is very doubtfull of finding a good lens like that for that price

Martin Loc: Long Island NY

Nikon has a 55 to 300 4.5 lense, I purchased it 3 months ago and it is excellant...

BLeete

USMCphotographer wrote:

What is the best lense that goes up to 300mm that isn't too expensive? It would be for Nikon. I would like to not spend more than $300.
Also, what is normally a better lense, Tamron or Sigma? Any advice would be great. Thanks.

In the past with a Canon crop camera, I used the Tamron 28-300 lens and loved it. I just looked at it and see that it is a little more than your $300. I wouldn't go any less than that as I don't think you'd be satisfied with the quality of your photographs. As for Tamron vs Sigma, the only Sigma I ever tried had a lot of noise and vibration while focusing. However, two of my friends have a Sigma and the picture quality is good for the price they paid for the lenses.

USMCphotographer Loc: Colorado

Thank you for the link, RLKurth. You said that's the one you have? Is it decent?

USMCphotographer Loc: Colorado

Trebor77, thank you for your input. You are right, I'll probably just have to bite the bullet and spend the few extra pretty pennies. Do you have any recommendations for a good lense for Nikon?

USMCphotographer Loc: Colorado

Thank you, Martin, would you happen to know the model or name of this lense?

USMCphotographer Loc: Colorado

Thank you BLeete, I know of a place close by that rents out lenses, I'll try to rent a sigma and I'll see for myself. And you're right about the $300, the money is worth a good lense. It would be an investment for me, I'm trying to persue photography though I am still but an amature, and with no photography education in school. I just don't want to buy anything super expensive and out of my league because I'm still fairly new at DSLR's. What do you think? Should I buy an advansed lense right off the bat and learn with that or should I start with a cheaper lense and work my way up?

USMCphotographer Loc: Colorado

RLKurth wrote:

You can get, as I have the Nikon 70-300mm AF ED lens off of eBay for under $130. It will work with all but a few of the newer Nikon bodies (ones that require AF-S lenses) Here's a link to the eBay ad ... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-ED-AF-Nikkor-70-300mm-F-4-5-6-D-AF-Lens-/281097830265?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4172bc7f79

What kind of Nikon do you use, RLKurth? If you don't mind me asking...

BLeete

USMCphotographer wrote:

Thank you BLeete, I know of a place close by that ... (show quote)

I highly recommend you spend your money on a good lens. You'll never be sorry. You can update your camera later as you want, but once you have a good lens, you can keep it forever. Make sure it is image stabilized and I wouldn't get one without a USM. Even as an amateur, I wanted clear, sharp photographs. Knowing your lens is not part of any problem, lets you concentrate on learning your camera and the basics of photography.

If you buy a lens for a crop camera, you cannot put it on a full-frame camera should you purchase one in the future. If you purchase a multi-aperture lens, such as 3.5-5.6, note that as you zoom (while shooting on manual), your aperture is going to change on you and you will have to re-meter. I personally like to purchase 2.8 lenses but they are very expensive. But I've NEVER regretted it. Ate beans for a few months but it was worth it. :-)

stevetl Loc: Muskegon, MI / Central Florida

The Nikon store has a 70-300 VR lens Refurbished in stock for $299.96. I bought one for my D3100 and have had good look with it.

Martin Loc: Long Island NY

I paid 254.00 for a 55 to 300

Martin Loc: Long Island NY

and it was a Nikon................