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Beginner Zoom Lens for D5200?
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May 12, 2014 21:13:56   #
AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Hello all,
I've actually tried to search for this (leaving out the 5200) part and didn't have any success. (or didn't read enough!)
I've read here how important glass is, but how important is it for a beginner? My price range at this point (tops) is the Nikon 70 to 300mm. (aprox $550) I believe there is a cheaper lens to 200mm I think for (aprox $250). This is always going to be a hobby for me, but I still want to learn, and take the best possible pictures I can. I hope at some point in time to move to maybe the current or next D7xxx version. I'm hoping someone here has been at this point. Part (or most) of me believes to forget about the zoom lens, and just learn. The other part wants a zoom lens, but not at the cost (for my limited ability) at quality. All and any advice welcome!
Thank You,
Andy

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May 12, 2014 21:26:52   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
Th 18-200 f/3.5 zoom is a great lens and you shouldn't overlook it. It is one of my favorite lenses. Good luck.
AndyCE wrote:
Hello all,
I've actually tried to search for this (leaving out the 5200) part and didn't have any success. (or didn't read enough!)
I've read here how important glass is, but how important is it for a beginner? My price range at this point (tops) is the Nikon 70 to 300mm. (aprox $550) I believe there is a cheaper lens to 200mm I think for (aprox $250). This is always going to be a hobby for me, but I still want to learn, and take the best possible pictures I can. I hope at some point in time to move to maybe the current or next D7xxx version. I'm hoping someone here has been at this point. Part (or most) of me believes to forget about the zoom lens, and just learn. The other part wants a zoom lens, but not at the cost (for my limited ability) at quality. All and any advice welcome!
Thank You,
Andy
Hello all, br I've actually tried to search for th... (show quote)

Reply
May 12, 2014 22:00:13   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
The Nikon DX 55-300mm VR can be had for about $200 less than the 70-300mm lens, its almost as good.

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May 13, 2014 06:25:19   #
wingnut1956 Loc: chicago
 
Check out the Tamron 18-270 lens. I know some of the reviews say it's just so - so but I think it's a great lens for the money. At the store I got it from one of the girls that works there has sold a ton of pics she took with that lens. They told me to try it and promised me i would like it and they were right. I paid 449.00 for it but saw it at B&H a week or so ago for 349.00

Reply
May 13, 2014 06:44:39   #
tor24tor Loc: Caldwell, NJ
 
Don't overlook the option of used/refurbished lenses (from reputable dealers). All my equipment has been used or refurbished' you just have to put some time in to it and you may find some good values.

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May 13, 2014 07:44:13   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
Get the broadest range you can afford. That will give you the best tool to explore different venues to develop and narrow(?) your interest.

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May 13, 2014 08:17:22   #
HJNelson Loc: Durham, Maine
 
I love the 55-300. Always on my D5300.

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May 13, 2014 09:58:53   #
ggttc Loc: TN
 
I bought the 55-300 vr refurbished for $219...its a very capable lens.

Reply
May 13, 2014 10:54:11   #
MtnMan Loc: ID
 
AndyCE wrote:
Hello all,
I've actually tried to search for this (leaving out the 5200) part and didn't have any success. (or didn't read enough!)
I've read here how important glass is, but how important is it for a beginner? My price range at this point (tops) is the Nikon 70 to 300mm. (aprox $550) I believe there is a cheaper lens to 200mm I think for (aprox $250). This is always going to be a hobby for me, but I still want to learn, and take the best possible pictures I can. I hope at some point in time to move to maybe the current or next D7xxx version. I'm hoping someone here has been at this point. Part (or most) of me believes to forget about the zoom lens, and just learn. The other part wants a zoom lens, but not at the cost (for my limited ability) at quality. All and any advice welcome!
Thank You,
Andy
Hello all, br I've actually tried to search for th... (show quote)


Just to note that a D7xxx yields the same photo quality as a D5xxx. They have the same or nearly the same sensor and programming. They just operate differently and the D 7xxx is more rugged. But also much heavier and lacks the D5xxx articulated screen.

I am in a minority here but think the D5xxx a far better camera than the D7xxx.

Reply
May 13, 2014 11:34:21   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
AndyCE wrote:
Hello all,
I've actually tried to search for this (leaving out the 5200) part and didn't have any success. (or didn't read enough!)
I've read here how important glass is, but how important is it for a beginner? My price range at this point (tops) is the Nikon 70 to 300mm. (aprox $550) I believe there is a cheaper lens to 200mm I think for (aprox $250). This is always going to be a hobby for me, but I still want to learn, and take the best possible pictures I can. I hope at some point in time to move to maybe the current or next D7xxx version. I'm hoping someone here has been at this point. Part (or most) of me believes to forget about the zoom lens, and just learn. The other part wants a zoom lens, but not at the cost (for my limited ability) at quality. All and any advice welcome!
Thank You,
Andy
Hello all, br I've actually tried to search for th... (show quote)

Among these consumer lenses, the differences in image quality are pretty small. The 55-200mm, $250 with VR (vibration reduction = image stabilization) or $160 without. I like having VR for longer lenses. The 55-300mm VR is about $400. I think any of the three would serve you well.

I think getting one of these telephoto zooms is a good idea. While you do want to learn, you also want to have fun. If you have the opportunity for cool shots but can't really get it because you don't have a telephoto isn't fun.

Reply
May 13, 2014 11:42:10   #
AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
amehta wrote:
Among these consumer lenses, the differences in image quality are pretty small. The 55-200mm, $250 with VR (vibration reduction = image stabilization) or $160 without. I like having VR for longer lenses. The 55-300mm VR is about $400. I think any of the three would serve you well.

I think getting one of these telephoto zooms is a good idea. While you do want to learn, you also want to have fun. If you have the opportunity for cool shots but can't really get it because you don't have a telephoto isn't fun.
Among these consumer lenses, the differences in im... (show quote)


Thanks to all for the advice so far, but this does make sense, I do want to have fun, and can do that while I learn!
Still not sure which I'll get yet, but do keep forgetting about refurbished option, will look into that as well!
Thanks again,
Andy

Reply
 
 
May 13, 2014 11:42:45   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
MtnMan wrote:
I am in a minority here but think the D5xxx a far better camera than the D7xxx.

The D5x00 has features which makes it a better camera for you, nobody can argue that. :-)

Reply
May 13, 2014 11:43:10   #
Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI
 
I have both the 7xxx and a 5xxx, and the 7xxx is far superior:
A 39 point auto focus instead of 11, no articulated screen so it is made weather resistant, dual SD card slots, silent wave focus motor in the camera, dual wheels on the camera, fine tune focusing of each of your lenses. The only time I use the 5xxx is for candid street photography. On my 7xxx I have an 18-200 VR ll. Perfect set up.
Duane


MtnMan wrote:
Just to note that a D7xxx yields the same photo quality as a D5xxx. They have the same or nearly the same sensor and programming. They just operate differently and the D 7xxx is more rugged. But also much heavier and lacks the D5xxx articulated screen.

I am in a minority here but think the D5xxx a far better camera than the D7xxx.

Reply
May 13, 2014 13:41:18   #
Ray32506 Loc: Pensacola, FL
 
Hello Andy. I too have just purchased the D5200 after having it highly recommended by a professional photographer. Personally, I think you'd be better equipped for most photo shoots with a lens in the 18-105/140mm range if you are getting just one lens. Of course, you probably purchased a 18-55mm lens that came bundled with your camera body, but this limits your photo choices. The 18-105/140mm lens will provide you with the optimum portrait settings of 85-105mm and also allow you to do landscapes which are usually done with a wide angle lens. I hope this helps!

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May 13, 2014 18:14:09   #
coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn
 
I'll have to second the Tamron 18-270mm. Will be well within your price range and seldom leaves my camera. I agree that it is a lens that is very under rated. Best bang for the buck out there!!!

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