Which Nikon Lens? I just bought a Nikon d7100 body and now need a lens. Narrowed down between the 70-300 Nikon, 55-300 Nikon, 70-300 Tamron. Anyone using this combo? Need to do...

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

I just bought a Nikon d7100 body and now need a lens. Narrowed down between the 70-300 Nikon, 55-300 Nikon, 70-300 Tamron. Anyone using this combo? Need to do something today. Thanks in advance for you quick response. Want to know about value and clarity of photos etc. etc. Also this is not my primary equipment just something I added to my arsenal. Gas attack cured! (for now)

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

A 18-200mm would give the option of wide view with a reach. Is 300, that important?

ollie Loc: Ogdensburg, NY

I used the 70-300 Nikon lens on my D7000 for years until my GAS attack and upgraded to D7100 with 80 - 400 Nikon lens. Both are excellent and I was very satisfied with the results with the 70 - 300 but the added focal length of the 80 - 400 opened up all sorts of opportunities. The 70 - 300 is very light weight and compact. You'll love it

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

I have the Nikon 70-300 that I bought 4 or 5 years ago and I like it very much. I bought it when I had a Nikon D40x and have used it in a D3100, D5100 and my D7100. I also have a Sigma 18-250 which I recently purchased and it has become my favorite "walk around" lens. It works well on the D7100.

OviedoPhotos

What is the intended use? Is this a walking around lens?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Donkas1946 wrote:

I just bought a Nikon d7100 body and now need a lens. Narrowed down between the 70-300 Nikon, 55-300 Nikon, 70-300 Tamron. Anyone using this combo? Need to do something today. Thanks in advance for you quick response. Want to know about value and clarity of photos etc. etc. Also this is not my primary equipment just something I added to my arsenal. Gas attack cured! (for now)

Of those three I would recommend the Nikon 70-300mm, but only the VR version.
I would also recommend that you consider the 18-300mm lenses from Nikon and Sigma, especially the Sigma, they are all extremely nice lenses and offer a whole world of flexibility.
Good luck.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

My 70-300 VR is my most used of the 9 nikkor lenses I posses. It is light, sharp, and mostly eliminates the need for a tripod.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

No not a walking around lens, I have just been accustomed to shooting at distance and like wildlife but I have a lot of Canon stuff for that. Just added this to the arsenal so don't want to go crazy with lenses etc. I was leaning toward the 70-300 VR (around $550.00 In think) but I also saw a 55-300 is that right or am I confusing this with a tamron. While on the subject why not the tamron seems to have good reviews and a good price. But if the Nikon is that good then I usually like to keep the matching equipment as in theory it should work better (I also forgot to mention that I do have access to the 18-55 and 55-200 kit lens for the d7100. Hope this doesn't confuse the issue even more. Thanks again!.

OviedoPhotos wrote:

What is the intended use? Is this a walking around lens?

MarkD Loc: NYC

I had the Nikon 70-300 VR and traded it for the Nikon 55-300 VR because it is smaller and lighter. They are similar in image quality, but the 70-300 VR focuses a little faster and it's somewhat more ruggedly built. Unless the weight is an issue, I recommend the 70-300 VR.

I have no experience with the Tamron 70-300 VC, but I have only heard good things about it from reliable sources.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

Thank you all for your in put. I decided on th 70-300 but was also able to pick up an 18-105 to fill the gap. Thanks again looks like it is going to fill the bill.

MarkD wrote:

I had the Nikon 70-300 VR and traded it for the Nikon 55-300 VR because it is smaller and lighter. They are similar in image quality, but the 70-300 VR focuses a little faster and it's somewhat more ruggedly built. Unless the weight is an issue, I recommend the 70-300 VR.

I have no experience with the Tamron 70-300 VC, but I have only heard good things about it from reliable sources.

bwilliams

I sold my 70-300mm and got the 55-300mm the 70mm was too long for a great deal of things I was shooting.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

bwilliams wrote:

I sold my 70-300mm and got the 55-300mm the 70mm was too long for a great deal of things I was shooting.

different strokes for sure . I never shoot any thing below the 300mm setting
on mine . and that's about right for small birds blue jay , flickers , etc from
10 to fifteen feet away with a DX camera , much further away . and you won't fill the frame , with out a lot of cropping .