Dropped my lens-Need to replace: After I dropped it it won't auto focus. It was a 55-300mm Nikon. Nothing fancy but did a decent job. Anyone have or know anything about this lens from...

Tedge Loc: NC

After I dropped it it won't auto focus. It was a 55-300mm Nikon. Nothing fancy but did a decent job. Anyone have or know anything about this lens from Tamron? Going on a trip in a month and would really miss a telephoto lens.
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-A17NII/dp/B0012UUP02

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Tedge wrote:

After I dropped it it won't auto focus. It was a 55-300mm Nikon. Nothing fancy but did a decent job. Anyone have or know anything about this lens from Tamron? Going on a trip in a month and would really miss a telephoto lens.
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-A17NII/dp/B0012UUP02

I don't know what your budget is, but the new Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary, would be a nice addition to your stable. You might want to check it out. Just sayin'

MarkD Loc: NYC

It doesn't have VC (stabilization). A lens with an equivalent focal length up to 450mm should be stabilized unless you're taking a tripod everywhere you go with it.

Keh.com has refurbished Nikon 55-300 VR's for $239 and others for as little as $192 in Ex with caps or $182 w/o caps.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Tedge wrote:

After I dropped it it won't auto focus. It was a 55-300mm Nikon. Nothing fancy but did a decent job. Anyone have or know anything about this lens from Tamron? Going on a trip in a month and would really miss a telephoto lens.
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-A17NII/dp/B0012UUP02

The Nikon 55-300mm VR lens is frankly a much sharper lens than the Tamron you are looking at. The Nikon sells for $239 - $249 refurbished, depending on where you buy it.
If truly interested in the Tamrons, you should look at their 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD model, its a very nice lens and only $100 more than the Nikon 55-300mm VR new.

Tedge Loc: NC

Indi wrote:

I don't know what your budget is, but the new Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary, would be a nice addition to your stable. You might want to check it out. Just sayin'

Thanks Indi, if my budget was higher there's lots of choices. But I do like that one!

Tedge Loc: NC

MarkD wrote:

It doesn't have VC (stabilization). A lens with an equivalent focal length up to 450mm should be stabilized unless you're taking a tripod everywhere you go with it.

Keh.com has refurbished Nikon 55-300 VR's for $239 and others for as little as $192 in Ex with caps or $182 w/o caps.

That's what I broke, but was just looking around and found the Tamron and thought I would see what other's thought. Thanks!

Tedge Loc: NC

MT Shooter wrote:

The Nikon 55-300mm VR lens is frankly a much sharper lens than the Tamron you are looking at. The Nikon sells for $239 - $249 refurbished, depending on where you buy it.
If truly interested in the Tamrons, you should look at their 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD model, its a very nice lens and only $100 more than the Nikon 55-300mm VR new.

I liked that lens but was hoping to get something a little faster focusing. Have been talking to a guy about a Nikon 70-300mm for $315. Read that it is faster.

MarkD Loc: NYC

Tedge wrote:

I liked that lens but was hoping to get something a little faster focusing. Have been talking to a guy about a Nikon 70-300mm for $315. Read that it is faster.

The Nikon 70-300 VR does focus faster than the 55-300 VR. They can also be found refurbished or lightly used at a good price. I just checked keh.com, the best for used gear IMO. They have Nikon 70-300 VR's for $299 in Ex to $379 in LN-. I've bought a lot from them and I've found that even an Ex lens or camera is in great condition.

Tedge Loc: NC

[quote=MarkD]The Nikon 70-300 VR does focus faster than the 55-300 VR. They can also be found refurbished or lightly used at a good price. I just checked keh.com, the best for used gear IMO. They have Nikon 70-300 VR's for $299 in Ex to $379 in LN-. I've bought a lot from them and I've found that even an Ex lens or camera is in great condition.[/quote

Does the $315 sound good for the 70-300mm? I can actually put my hands on it and try it out first. Just bought my D7100 and wasn't expecting to have to buy a lens right now.

shakr524 Loc: Springville NY

I have the Tamron 70-300 SPVC and love it. Bought it from a shop in Canada for $319.00 w/ free shipping.

Tedge Loc: NC

shakr524 wrote:

I have the Tamron 70-300 SPVC and love it. Bought it from a shop in Canada for $319.00 w/ free shipping.

I really wasn't ready to buy another lens, but when you're careless, that's what happens.

MarkD Loc: NYC

[quote=Tedge][quote=MarkD]The Nikon 70-300 VR does focus faster than the 55-300 VR. They can also be found refurbished or lightly used at a good price. I just checked keh.com, the best for used gear IMO. They have Nikon 70-300 VR's for $299 in Ex to $379 in LN-. I've bought a lot from them and I've found that even an Ex lens or camera is in great condition.[/quote

Does the $315 sound good for the 70-300mm? I can actually put my hands on it and try it out first. Just bought my D7100 and wasn't expecting to have to buy a lens right now.[/quote]

I would get one of the ones at keh.com. They are very reliable and they give a 6 month (I think) warranty plus they have a good return policy. Who is selling the one for $315?

Tedge Loc: NC

I like the idea of being able to use this and and check it out before purchase, but couldn't return it. A local guy has it.

MarkD Loc: NYC

Do what you're most comfortable doing. I wouldn't buy a lens without a return privilege and especially without a warranty.

Tedge Loc: NC

MarkD wrote:

Do what you're most comfortable doing. I wouldn't buy a lens without a return privilege and especially without a warranty.

I used my 55-300 about 90% of the time. I am now using a 18-200 Sigma that I picked up a while back. It would be taking a chance since I don't really know the guy. I'm trying to get him to a price that would make it worth the risk.