Nikon DX telephoto zoom recommendations
Oct 3, 2018 02:08:56 #
I’m starting to consider my next lens acquisition and looking for recommendations from the UHH hive mind.
DX mount only. I don’t want the added weight and expense of FX.
I’d like to have a max reach of at least 300 mm, longer is even better.
Prefer speed to zoom range. My Nikon 18-70 is my walk around and a tele zoom starting at about 100mm would be ideal.
I’m happy with Nikon, Sigma, and Tokina brands. Would also consider some Tamrons.
VR is a requirement.
Don’t need the latest and greatest models. I’m happy buying used.
Ideas, anyone? 1,2,3, Go!
Andy
DX mount only. I don’t want the added weight and expense of FX.
I’d like to have a max reach of at least 300 mm, longer is even better.
Prefer speed to zoom range. My Nikon 18-70 is my walk around and a tele zoom starting at about 100mm would be ideal.
I’m happy with Nikon, Sigma, and Tokina brands. Would also consider some Tamrons.
VR is a requirement.
Don’t need the latest and greatest models. I’m happy buying used.
Ideas, anyone? 1,2,3, Go!
Andy
Oct 3, 2018 19:21:46 #
Looking at sigma 100-400 f 5.6 and 70-200 f 2.8 if I want more speed and less reach. Tampon 70-300 seemsxtoo cheap to be true.
Nikon 55-300 is a bit speedy but might be the best of all.
Anyone use and recommend or did-recommend any of these.
Nikon 55-300 is a bit speedy but might be the best of all.
Anyone use and recommend or did-recommend any of these.
Oct 3, 2018 19:28:20 #
Oct 3, 2018 21:17:55 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
AndyH wrote:
IâÃÂÃÂm starting to consider my next lens a... (show quote)
Depends on your subject(s). I have been getting some very good results with Tamron's 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DX used on both a D7200 and D500. Very flexible, light and compact (at 18mm, but is pretty long at 400mm) and I use it for more casual shots like vacation memories including landscapes, architecture and portraits. Its not blazingly fast, so I usually put a normal prime f1.4 or f1.8 in my pocket for indoor, low light situations. For wildlife especially birding, I went with a Tamron 150-600mm F/5-6.3 FX and have been getting excellent results with this lens once calibrated. Zoo shots from 18-400mm, last shot 150-600mm.
Oct 3, 2018 21:44:11 #
Thanks for the mini review!
At this point I’m leaning toward the shorter Tamron. My shorter end is pretty well covered with a Nikon 18-70 and Sigma 10-20. If I’m trying to shoot wildlife (rarely) or my grandkids’ sports (more often) I’d like to be able to pull out something sharper and/or faster and longer than the original Nikon kit telephoto zoom. I’m really interested in the quality of the VR. Tamron seems to get decent reviews on its system.
Andy
At this point I’m leaning toward the shorter Tamron. My shorter end is pretty well covered with a Nikon 18-70 and Sigma 10-20. If I’m trying to shoot wildlife (rarely) or my grandkids’ sports (more often) I’d like to be able to pull out something sharper and/or faster and longer than the original Nikon kit telephoto zoom. I’m really interested in the quality of the VR. Tamron seems to get decent reviews on its system.
Andy
Oct 3, 2018 23:42:22 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
AndyH wrote:
Thanks for the mini review!
At this point Iâm leaning toward the shorter Tamron. My shorter end is pretty well covered with a Nikon 18-70 and Sigma 10-20. If Iâm trying to shoot wildlife (rarely) or my grandkidsâ sports (more often) Iâd like to be able to pull out something sharper and/or faster and longer than the original Nikon kit telephoto zoom. Iâm really interested in the quality of the VR. Tamron seems to get decent reviews on its system.
Andy
At this point Iâm leaning toward the shorter Tamron. My shorter end is pretty well covered with a Nikon 18-70 and Sigma 10-20. If Iâm trying to shoot wildlife (rarely) or my grandkidsâ sports (more often) Iâd like to be able to pull out something sharper and/or faster and longer than the original Nikon kit telephoto zoom. Iâm really interested in the quality of the VR. Tamron seems to get decent reviews on its system.
Andy
I have been impressed by Tamron's VR technology. For example, using the D7200 and Tamron 150-600mm handheld for birding. Getting ready to take the shot seeing the slight camera / lens movement in the viewfinder, but when I push the shutter down 1/2 way, it gets rock solid through the shot. I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to get with the Tamron 18-400mm as I bought it for a family vacation immediately after coming out, but I am getting very good results and the reviews have been very good. Here's one from PC Magazine: https://www.pcmag.com/review/358561/tamron-18-400mm-f-3-5-6-3-di-ii-vc-hld?source=autosuggest , where it gets an Excellent rating and the Editor's Choice.
Oct 4, 2018 00:21:15 #
Great to know. My wife loves her Sigma 18-300, but I’m looyfor something a little smaller and lighter. The shorter zoom seems like a great bargain, too.
Your shots are impressive!
Andy
Your shots are impressive!
Andy
Oct 4, 2018 00:43:37 #
AndyH wrote:
I’m starting to consider my next lens acquisition ... (show quote)
I purchased a Nikon D5100 kit from Costco in 2013. It included a 18-55mm lens, and a 50-300mm lens along with some other stuff. Both of those lenses have been very good to me, but I didn't like to keep changing lenses, so I purchased a Nicor 18- 140mm lens that quickly became my walk around lens. Now, if I'm shooting birds, or high school sports, I will use the 50-100 lens, a few times I will use the 18-55mm lens, but the majority of times I will use the 18-140mm lens. Note-they are all DX lenses.
Bottom line is it all depends on you and what you shoot. There are times that I would like a longer reach than the 50-300mm lens offers and maybe in the future I will get something with a longer reach. BUT, right now those three lenses work well for me, they may not be the highest quality lenses available but they are certainly adequate for me. There are also a few times that I would like something wider than a DX 18mm lens but I have learned to use 18mm and creatively use it to get a wider angle (stitch together several images). It works for me.
Oct 4, 2018 01:21:57 #
LarryFB wrote:
I purchased a Nikon D5100 kit from Costco in 2013.... (show quote)
Thank you for your advice, Larry. Have you used any of the lenses I’ve narrowed it down to?
Andy
Oct 4, 2018 06:35:56 #
AndyH wrote:
I’m starting to consider my next lens acquisition ... (show quote)
Andy, the only lens I can think of that answers most of your criteria - price, DX -only, speed and VR, and decent image quality would be the 70-300 AF-P DX
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-70-300mm-dx-vr-af-p
But, the Sigma or Tamron 100-400 F5.6 is not considered a fast lens, the 18-400 is a jack of all trades, that does not excel in any way, the 70-200 F2.8 is both fast, crisp heavy - and expensive. Only the 18-400 is a DX lens, I am totally confused by your conflicting criteria -
So Andy, try to "focus" or prioritize your criteria.
If it were me, I would likely get a 300mm F4. It is an outstandingly good lens - but it is FX, like most longer lenses, and at F4, it is reasonably fast - but the better part, is that it is light. (for a 300). My second choice would be the 70-300 AF-P. It gives away some image quality, but it is light, small, and offers the convenience of a zoom.
Oct 4, 2018 06:50:09 #
I have a 55-300 in pristine condition that I’m selling if you’re interested. I upgraded to a 70-200.
Oct 4, 2018 07:08:07 #
saikatsen
Loc: Kolkata, India
Why don't you look for Tamaron 70-210 f/4, its a nice one at $700 or Nikkor AF-P 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 E VR, both are latest and doing great. I am intending to acquire the Tamaron's f/4 soon.
Keep Shooting,
Saikat
Keep Shooting,
Saikat
Oct 4, 2018 07:32:17 #
A 70-300mm tampon? Ooh, I'll bet that hurts!
AndyH wrote:
Looking at sigma 100-400 f 5.6 and 70-200 f 2.8 if I want more speed and less reach. Tampon 70-300 seemsxtoo cheap to be true.
Nikon 55-300 is a bit speedy but might be the best of all.
Anyone use and recommend or did-recommend any of these.
Nikon 55-300 is a bit speedy but might be the best of all.
Anyone use and recommend or did-recommend any of these.
Oct 4, 2018 07:34:35 #
Hi Andy. It appears that you know what characteristics you want in your next lens purchase. I wonder whether you have considered all options.
First, except for weight (they are generally heavier) and price (they are more expensive), an FX lens will typically outperform a DX lens on a DX camera. If image quality is of prime importance, you may want to consider one of the FX options. Depending on your camera, the FX lens will give an apparent greater magnification on a DX camera. (1.5 times for Nikon)
I have both DX and FX cameras. My FX glass produces WAAAY better images than any of my DX lenses. Just something for you to consider.
First, except for weight (they are generally heavier) and price (they are more expensive), an FX lens will typically outperform a DX lens on a DX camera. If image quality is of prime importance, you may want to consider one of the FX options. Depending on your camera, the FX lens will give an apparent greater magnification on a DX camera. (1.5 times for Nikon)
I have both DX and FX cameras. My FX glass produces WAAAY better images than any of my DX lenses. Just something for you to consider.
Oct 4, 2018 07:44:51 #
AndyH wrote:
I’m starting to consider my next lens acquisition ... (show quote)
Look at the Tamron 18-400. I use it on my D500
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