SusanW Loc: Huntington, Indiana

I'm new to this newsletter and rather new to digital photography. I've been reading the newsletter for several months and totally enjoy it and have learned a lot. I don't know my camera very well yet, I've taken a beginners photography class and did learn a lot about my camera, biggest problem is time right now -- between working 2 jobs this time of year, taking care of elderly parents and a huge house remodel project, my camera hasn't been taken out of the bag since Christmas. But Spring is here and now it's practice, practice, practice and putting some of you suggestions to good use!

I am looking for some advice on lens choice for an upcoming vacation to Alaska. We are going the last week of June and first week of July. I own a Nikon D3000 and a 18-55 and 55-200 mm lenses. My husband (who by the way was the one that bought me the camera and lenses, insisting I needed to move up from a point and shoot!) thinks I need more lens choice for wide angle and close up on our upcoming vacation. As I said, my knowledge is very limited and I would like the opinion and suggestions of all you experts out there. Thanks!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Your current lens range is actually quite good for your camera. The 55-300mm DX VR might be a good replacement for the 55-200mm if you needed the extra reach. Anything much wider than the 18-55mm will cost quite a bit, and actually yield very little. If you need CLOSE shoys, I would suggest a true Macro lens.
Have a great trip!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I answered your first post.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I have Nikon's 10-24mm wide angle that I like. Nikon also has a 12-24mm. If by close up you mean macro, I can't help you there.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

As did I.

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Be careful if you decide to add a wide angle lens. If your prospective purchase is an FX lens, it will have an effective focal length on your camera that is 1.5 times it's specified size (Nikon). That is, a 16 mm FX lens on your camera will play like a 24mm lens so you won't get the wide angle you expected.

If your not sure whether your intended purchase is FX or DX, ask!

You want a DX AF-S lens. That -S means the auto focus mechanism is in the lens where your camera expects it to be. An FX lens presumes that the AF mechanism is already in the camera body so it will not have any AF in the lens. So an FX lens will work on your camera but wll not auto focus.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I would stick with what you have, unless you are desperate to get rid of money. The 18-55mm is a good all-around lens. The 55-200mm has enough reach, but hand-holding should not be a problem. Going wider than 18mm will be very expensive. To make it simple, you could get the Nikon 18-200mm lens, which has its own focusing motor. You could use that one lens for the whole trip.

Another consideration: How much lens changing will you want to do? You'll need a camera bag with two additional lenses, and you'll have to stop and swap lenses, risking dirt on the sensor and dropping the lens.

Whatever you decide to do, just enjoy the trip. Don't let your concerns about lenses and photos ruin the experience. Every time I have gotten home from a trip, I wish I had taken more pictures.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Not quite right Pat, the AF-S lenses come in both DX AND FX series glass. I have 3 FX Nikon lenses and they are all AF-S, the S simply connotates the Silent Wave Motor is in the lens. (Older AF-I lenses will also AF on it, but they are rare and the S motor replaced the I motor after only a short time.)True, the OP does need the AF-S to AF on their body. If a Nikon lens does not say DX right on it, then it is an FX lens.

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

Take the 2 lenses you have and trade them in on a Tamron 18-270 zoom and you'll have everything you have now plus an extra 70mms. You'll never have to be taking lenses on and off thus reducing the chance of getting dust, hair etc. inside your camera or lens. I have this lens and it never leaves my Nikon D3100 body. I for one would also rent a Sigma 150-500mm zoom for a once in a lifetime trip if you have the cash.......

SusanW Loc: Huntington, Indiana

Thanks everyone for the great information, I really appreciate it. I felt what I had was adequate, but I do get frustrated when I have to stop and change lenses and I always have that fear of dropping one. I've been thinking about the suggestion of renting a lens or purchasing a new lens. I did some reading last night and came across a review of a Tamera 28 to 300 that did perk up my interest. This is a once in a lifetime trip for us and I want to be able to enjoy myself and take great pictures.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I would suggest you get the image stabilization feature in whatever lens you purchase.

I have the Nikon 18-200 lens and use it on a regular basis.

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

Yes definitely get whatever lens you're getting with an image stabilizer or vibration reduction because the body of the D3000 does not have one in it. Happy shopping......

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Are your lenses the versions with image stabilization?