BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I have a refurbished Nikon D7100 on order. I went to the 7XXX series to facilitate AF in all lenses. I will be familiarizing myself with the camera using my old reliable AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, but I will need to purchase lens(es) to take pictures of my greadchildren's T-ball, junior fast-pitch softball and other smaller field games up to high school soccer and even rugby. While I prefer prime lenses, I am not foolish enough to think I can shoot with them at all times. Most kit lenses yield poor IQ (especially the way I shoot). I would appreciate suggestions on (and this is flexible) 18 to 105, 200 or 300 lenses, preferably with IS, IF, preferable a fairly fast aperture, and, of course AF (preferably with manual focus override). Please note that I will be on-the-move and currently have no need of anything longer than a 300mm. Full frame lenses are acceptable, as I am saving for A D750. Nikon or GOOD after-market lenses will both be considered. One touch or two touch lenses are acceptable (I haven't seen any P-P AF lenses, but am used to the feel). My budget is roughly $500 +/- $250, but even that is flexible. I would also appreciate comments on battery holders/grips.

I will continue to use my Sony A6000 until I have time to familiarize myself with the Nikon, although using the smaller camera is causing my arthritic hands to cramp.

Thank you for your assistance.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Maybe consider the Nikon 18-140. While it doesn't have the 300mm reach for those outfield shots...it more than makes up for it with IQ. I purchased that kit 7100/18-140 specifically for that lens.

twowindsbear

Since you seem to REALLY want a D750, save up more money and buy THAT camera rather than the 7XXX.

Tjcoates Loc: Johnson City, TN

I have been using a 7100 for over a year now and have been very pleased with the Nikon 70-300. Good IQ, reach and the weight is reasonable. I have attached an image from a football game last fall for you to evaluate.

(Download)

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

+1

The 18-140mm has become my walkaround lens. Great IQ, minimal barrel distortion, and the size makes it not too bulky to carry.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

After you settle on some choices, read comparisons.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Fred I couldn't agree more...that lens is practically welded to one of my D5100 for work.

Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

A Sigma 18-250 lens is my choice for all outdoor usage on my D7000. It works very well for birding and anything else I have done with it for the last couple years and the cost was right. My wife uses a Tamron 18-270 on her D90 and it also does everything we want and even had a better price (rebate) than the Sigma. I carry the Nikon 50 1.8 just to have a second lens for some reason. I rarely use it as the Sigma is also a Macro.

pixbyjnjphotos Loc: Apache Junction,AZ

I upgraded from a D80 with a Tamron 17-50 mm lens to the D7100 with the 18-140mm lens. I am very satisfied with the new combo. I shoot antique tractor shows, flowers, and even a small outdoor wedding. The 18-140 lens performs extremely well. I think you would be very happy with the 18-140 lens on the D7100. I have taken a very small portion of photos and expanded to 8x10 during post processing and they are still very sharp. Have a GREAT DAY!

Rob Almeda Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

I agree completely. Just get the D750 when your budget is ok.

John Lawrence

I have a Nikon D7100 and use a Nikon 18-300 3.5-6.3 lens to cover our grandchildren's outdoor sporting events. I'm very happy with the results. I use my Nikon 35mm 1.8 lens for photographing our grandchildren indoors.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I'm new to Nikon, just recently acquired a D7200 body and have been researching lenses for a while now. I've spoken with a few sales reps at camera stores and based on their word and what I've read, the original 18-400 kit lens that comes with the 7100 is a really nice lens for around $450-500 retail. I've also read good things about my personal focal length choice, the 28-300. I have one of them (28-300) for my Canon bodies and although the Canon one is a tad bit pricier that the Nikon one, its a really versatile focal length. You won't get super sharp images but they will be sharp enough and they will be good. The 18-300 is also a good choice but from my research, the 28-300 is the way I'd go. There are several Sigma Art series lenses that will fit your search parameters. All the Sigma Art series lenses are good, probably some of the best lenses you can get for the money. You said you're not interested in anything over 300mm but I'll just mention this, the Sigma 150-600C is currently on sale and you're not going to find a better super zoom for around $900.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Check refurbished deals on Nikon lenses at Nikon USA. I would add at least one prime lens to your collection. A Nikon 35mm or 85mm. No one complains about their 28-300mm or 24-70mm lenses. The 24-70mm is on my not-affordable list right now. A sharp lens it is.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

I always got good use out of my 18-300DX lens. The wide range covered most needs and it was quite sharp at most focal lengths.

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

My d7100 came with the 18-140 and I was not disapointed. I purchased a Sigma 18-250 for my wife's d5100, she hates changing lenses. I borrow it whenever I can, it works well throughout it's range.