Which Nikon lens 70-300mm or 28-300mm: I currently own and regularly use the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR Lens on my D7000, however there are times when I could do with a greater range...

Pete156 Loc: Swindon, UK

I currently own and regularly use the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR Lens on my D7000, however there are times when I could do with a greater range, which results in me having to switch to my 16-85mm Nikon lens.
As a result I've been looking at the Nikon AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens. I appreciate that this lens is more expensive, however ignoring the cost for the moment, if I switch am I likely to lose/gain quality or is the quality of both these lenses about the same. Any opinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
I shoot most things and of course both these lenses are FX lenses, so I wouldn't lose out if I decided to upgrade to an FX body at a later date.

Thanks, Peter

rebel hiker Loc: Sanford, FLorida & Banner Elk, North Carolina

I use the 28-300 on my D800 constantly. I'm a hiker in the mountains and cannot carry a big load of lenses and accessories; so, single camera, single lens, one water bottle. The quality is excellent for my purposes which is to put photos on the hiking club website. Common sense tells me the quality of a wider range of coverage will result in some degrading of the quality. My guess is that you won't see any difference unless you print hugh pictures, or crop excessively. Maybe someone knows of a comparison.

marty wild Loc: England

Think you stuck in a rut! What is the point of covering the focal length again when you have the lens too cover it. Consider carrying a second body I have a dual spider belt and love it. I carry two bodies, with easy. It's comfortable with my 24 to 70 F2.8 one one side and my 70 to 200 F2.8 0n the other. When I have my all weather prove jacket on they are almost out of view. from robbers (lol)

Pete156 Loc: Swindon, UK

The thought of buying a second body had crossed my mind, however having walked around with a friends second camera as a trial I decided it was a bit cumbersome and just more weight, which I wasn't keen on.
I know the quality of the 70-300mm lens and do print images up to A3 size, which seems absolutely fine. My concern was whether the 28-300mm lens was perhaps not as sharp.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

If we're trying to make a comparison between two lenses I would Google both then do side by side comparisons. Google "Nikon 70-300 vs. 28-300". I just tried it and the first review was from DP and there are others listed as well. Reading these should give you a pretty good feel of the differences. ;)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Pete156 wrote:

The thought of buying a second body had crossed my mind, however having walked around with a friends second camera as a trial I decided it was a bit cumbersome and just more weight, which I wasn't keen on.

It all depends how you're carrying them. I use the Op/Tech double sling. Tele on the right, and W/A on the left.

http://optechusa.com/double-sling.html

sjrw Loc: Gunnislake, Cornwall, UK

I use the tamron 18-270 PZD lens as an everyday if I think Iay need range. Otherwise it's the nikon 17-55. But the tamron works for me and gives good results.

Pete156 Loc: Swindon, UK

Okay, thanks. I think perhaps a bit more research is needed.

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

Take a look at this site for the lenses you are considering.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Looking-for-a-super-zoom-for-travel-and-holidays-Consider-the-Tamron-18-270-Canon-and-Nikon-part-1

country Loc: back woods

marty wild wrote:

Think you stuck in a rut! What is the point of covering the focal length again when you have the lens too cover it. Consider carrying a second body I have a dual spider belt and love it. I carry two bodies, with easy. It's comfortable with my 24 to 70 F2.8 one one side and my 70 to 200 F2.8 0n the other. When I have my all weather prove jacket on they are almost out of view. from robbers (lol)

I too was going to suggest that... you can get a second d7000 for less than that lens cost...