jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I really like the D300. Their are a number of YouTube videos on that camera. 8fps not bad. If your wanting to take pictures of wildlife or birds in flight: Nikon 200-500 or Tamron 160-600 or the older version.

Here is a video on the D300 and Nikon 70-300mm:

https://youtu.be/LYl70M_FXJQ

kbarnes42 Loc: North Carolina

A 200mm would equate to a 300mm shooting with the 300s which is a dx format. Getting a VR lens would assist in stabilization. I have purchased several pre-owned lenses with wonderful results. Only deal with reputable dealers. I use KEH.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I bought the new Tamron 18-400 and so far so good. Not used but not to expensive. Traded in a Nikon 18-200 which helped offset the cost of the new one.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

You can find some very good deals on older lenses fx lenses. I purchased a sigma 170-500mm for under 400 Dollars on Amazon. It was in like new shape and shoots excellent, sharp photos. There are a lot of deals on older lenses. I also purchased a Nikon 70-300mm FX lens for 85$. It came in like new condition from usephotopro.com.

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I would say that dealers sell on e-bay, as well. I would look at their inventory and their overall e-bay approval rating. Otherwise, you may be passing up some very good value and opportunities.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

both price and weight

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

All 70-200mm lenses I'm aware of are FX. I don't think anyone makes on that's DX. So that question is automatically answered.

Before you buy an f/2.8 lens, handle one in person. They are much larger and heavier than f/4 variants, which might do all you actually need. Especially with VR, the larger aperture may be unnecessary.
I think Nikon offers an f/4 with VR.... check it out before you sink more money into an f/2.8. (Personally I use Canon gear, including both their 70-200/2.8 and 70-200/4 lenses. The Canon 70-200/4 is about 2/3 the size and weight of the f/2.8 lens... Plus it was $700 or $800 less expensive. A few years ago I bought the f/4 lens as a backup for the f/2.8, because I use 70-200 A LOT and didn't want to be without one at a critical moment. But I actually find I use the f/4 lens more often. It's just more manageable... especially when I'm using a second camera with another large telephoto lens on it.)

Most... maybe all... 70-200s I'm aware of utilize ED elements and are pro-grade build quality. In fact, Nikon has just upgraded their top-of-the-line 70-200mm f/2.8 "FL" lens to include a fluorite element. That's even better than ED or UD or whatever because it helps make for the best possible image quality from telephotos, particularly resistant to chromatic aberration. The problem is that naturally occurring fluorite is rarely found large enough for lens elements... plus it's difficult to work with and shape as needed for the optical purposes. For these reasons, it tends to add a lot to the cost of those Nikkors using it. (FYI: Canon has been using fluorite in many of their telephotos for decades.... and pioneered both growing their own artificial FL crystals and methods of working with it.)

Internal focusing and internal zooming found in most or all 70-200s also means they don't change size and balance when you change the settings... and this design is typically more easily sealed for dust/weather resistance. However, IF and IZ lenses start out bigger and heavier than lenses where the front barrel is allowed extend and retract for zooming, focusing or both. IF and IZ design also adds to cost.

I also don't know of any current 70-200s that have variable aperture... I think most or all only offer either f/2.8 or f/4 constant max aperture. This also contributes to them being larger and heavier than the variable aperture designs. With modern DSLRs a variable aperture lens isn't that big a deal. Yes, by the time you are zoomed to 200mm or 300mm you'll likely be at f/5.6... And if you set the max aperture at the short end, then zoom to the long end, the aperture will change. But if you set f/5.6 instead (or whatever the lens' smallest max aperture might be), it will remain at that setting throughout. In the past, variable aperture lenses were particularly a problem with flash and studio lighting. It was a real pain to have the lens aperture change when you zoomed, after you had a perfect exposure figured out. But modern systems that meter and fairly automatically control flash Through The Lens overcome this issue for the large part.

Check for refurbished lenses at the biggest dealers and on the manufacturer's own website. That can be a good way to save a few $. The largest and most reliable sources of used gear are KEH.com in Smyrna, GA and the used equipment departments at Adorama and B&H Photo in NYC. I think in most cases all these sources offer a 90 day warranty on used/refurbished Nikon lenses.

Have fun shopping!

Motorbones Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

I've bought three used lenses off of eBay. All 3 worked very well with no problems. The best thing to do with that is to make sure the seller has at least 300 or more feedbacks with a near perfect positive rating of over 95.5% (the higher, the better). Read any negative feedbacks to see what the problem was from any other buyers. There's a way to ask the seller questions if you have any, but always be sure to read the the listing very carefully. Some will hide bad news in with a lot of mumbo-jumbo. Check to see if the lens/camera is an import or US version. If unsure, ask the seller. You can also get the serial number from the seller and call the manufacturer (such as Nikon) and have them run it to see where it came from. Finally, make sure you figure shipping charges in with what you're paying before buying. Sometimes something will look really affordable, buit will have a jacked up shipping charge to go with it. If shipping charges are not specified (and this rarely happens), again ask the seller.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

I never buy dx lens even though I shot dx most of the time even though I had dx long be for I had full frame.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

My favorite lens. I was shocked to hear they discontinued it. I'm guessing that as FF is getting more and more common, they are going to cater to those that moved from DX to FX. Sad, there are plenty of us DX users that love quality as well.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

If you want sharp get prime lenses.

repleo Loc: Boston

I thought Nikon had changed their policy, but quote from Nikon's page: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/gray-market.page
"Nikon Inc. USA and Nikon Authorized Dealers won’t provide technical support, repair or warranty service on Gray Market products. "
I can understand not providing warranty repairs for gray market items, but to refuse to do even paid repairs reeks of monopoly. I can't understand how so many Nikon owners tolerate this position. I'll never buy Nikon anything.

drmjp429 Loc: CT

Thank you imagemeister for your comments.
First that Sigma 50-150 you mentioned-- how old is that lens and can it compare to much more recent and improved Sigma lenses?
On the issue of f2.8 vs f4--you say f4 is easier to manage-can you clarify why that is the case? It's my impression that getting more light as an option is always better so why not go for 2.8 ( other than the cost factor) ????
Appreciate your comments.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Original was released in 08 - read user reviews here - http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Sigma-50-150mm-F2.8-II-APO--EX-DC-HSM_review440.html - you can tell by used prices that it is well respected even today.

Managing has to do with size/weight and cost - all of which are mostly doubled with the 2.8 versions.

..

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Right. What if a Nikon user chooses move to the US? Should they be expected to sell all of their equipment and buy new after the move just so they will know they can get repair work done?