Nikon lens suggestions

sdways01sdways01 Registered Users Posts: 151 Major grins
edited March 6, 2012 in Accessories
I shoot a Nikon D80 and currently have a 18-135mm kit lens that came with the camera and a 24mm f/2.8D lens. I love being able to use my kits lens for many different situations, but I want something that will allow me to zoom in more. I like most things outdoors and have been hiking a lot lately and always bring my camera. I wish that I could get a closer shot of animals I see, or objects off in the distance. It would be great if I could leave the lens on almost all the time and be able to still take the shots along the trail where the items are close.

I am currently borrowing a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens from a family member and love how much I can zoom in. But, it is kind of heavy to bring on long hikes up large mountains and doesn't zoom out far enough for close up items. I am willing to spend up into the $1000-$1500 range for an nice lens. I am also going on a honeymoon soon to Dominica in the Carribbean and would expect to use it there plenty as well.

If you want any more info, just ask. Let me know what kind of lenses you think might work good for my situation.
http://www.adamclarkmedia.com

"If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event...what kind of film would you use?" - Anonymous

Comments

  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    If the 80-200 doesnot zoom enuff...that doesn't leave alot of room...there are various 55-300 / 70-300 all with variable apertures, unlike the 80-200 constant aperture... there is the heavy 50-500 by sigma, I love mine and it goes where I go...walking or hiking ... yep it is heavy, however when I need reach for wildlife ... I have it. Lok for used lenses at reputable dealers like: BH, Adorama, KEH and even Ebay...lots of reputable dealers on Ebay that do not have other retail websites...
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • sdways01sdways01 Registered Users Posts: 151 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    Art Scott wrote: »
    If the 80-200 doesnot zoom enuff...that doesn't leave alot of room...there are various 55-300 / 70-300 all with variable apertures, unlike the 80-200 constant aperture... there is the heavy 50-500 by sigma, I love mine and it goes where I go...walking or hiking ... yep it is heavy, however when I need reach for wildlife ... I have it. Lok for used lenses at reputable dealers like: BH, Adorama, KEH and even Ebay...lots of reputable dealers on Ebay that do not have other retail websites...

    I do love the zoom of the 80-200, but it is just a lens I am borrowing. I might buy one after I use it some more though. I'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestions other than that one as well.
    http://www.adamclarkmedia.com

    "If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event...what kind of film would you use?" - Anonymous
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    Really depends on your shooting needs...what do you really want to shoot ... Also a 70-200 f2.8 from Sigma can save you money and also allow you to get much closer to your subject (like a flower or small bird and such...as most Sigma Lenses are also close focusing (might be titled as Macro....but a true macro lens is a 1:1 reproduction ratio at nearest focusing distance) and most Macro titled lens are a 1:2 or 1:3 and some even 1:4 reproduction ratio ... so my suggestions would be to buy used an 80-200 or 70-200 f2.8 and if the constant aperture is not a big deal to you then one of the 70-300 as they are much lighter give good images and has an extra 100mm... I have used Sigma Lenses for over 30 yrs now...just recently let go most of them to go with Nikon and I soon will be back into Sigma almost 100%...I have found no quality difference in my images...but I did see a significant difference in cost with the Nikon...


    EDIT:
    here is a great buy on a 70-300 http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1739189#post1739189
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • sdways01sdways01 Registered Users Posts: 151 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    Art Scott wrote: »
    Really depends on your shooting needs...what do you really want to shoot ...

    I expect I would use this lens mostly for animals and outdoor landscapes. I would have it with me hiking, whether it be simple walking near home or in the White Mtns of NH with views that go on for miles going up the 4000+ ft mountains.
    http://www.adamclarkmedia.com

    "If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event...what kind of film would you use?" - Anonymous
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    How important is the constant aperture of the borrowed 80-200 as opposed the variable aperture of the 70-300 ... you will still need to carry 2 lenses or learn to shoot and stitch landscapes together... no one lens is totally perfect for landscapes and wildlife ... you probably won't find a better lens for the price of the 70-300 linked to above ... at $125 I do not think it can be out done...
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • ZerodogZerodog Registered Users Posts: 1,480 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    A cool option for close up work with an 80-200 or anything else with a 77mm filter thread is a Canon 500d closeup lens. It screws on and you got yourself a wicked macro lens for pretty cheap. I have a macro lens and opt for this set up for travel. It might sound cheesy but this item is a serious little piece of glass.
  • sdways01sdways01 Registered Users Posts: 151 Major grins
    edited February 23, 2012
    Art Scott wrote: »
    How important is the constant aperture of the borrowed 80-200 as opposed the variable aperture of the 70-300 ... you will still need to carry 2 lenses or learn to shoot and stitch landscapes together... no one lens is totally perfect for landscapes and wildlife ... you probably won't find a better lens for the price of the 70-300 linked to above ... at $125 I do not think it can be out done...

    The fixed aperature is certainly nice, but I am pretty used to not having it. If the lens is heavy enough or zooms out far enough, I would expect to be bringing my monopod or tripod anyways. So the variable aperature would not be as big of a deal.
    http://www.adamclarkmedia.com

    "If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event...what kind of film would you use?" - Anonymous
  • M38A1M38A1 Registered Users Posts: 1,317 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2012
    How about the Nikon 18-200VR? Often referred to as the "Vacation Lens" since it covers a very wide range in one package. Light, compact and decent output for the money.

    .
  • PupatorPupator Registered Users Posts: 2,322 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2012
    If you don't need the f/2.8 - the Nikon 70-300 VR is an excellent telephoto zoom.
  • CarpyCarpy Registered Users Posts: 40 Big grins
    edited March 6, 2012
    I have owned the 70-300 nikkor non VR and found it to be a great lens. It is not overly heavy or bulky and I have taken many shots of sport (rugby) with great results and taken it with me up on many hikes up Welsh mountains. As I get older I have now sold it and purchased to VR11 version. This is a physically bigger and heavier lens but I have found the VR invaluable as I get a bit shakier !!!
    As was said earlier you get the extra 100mm focal length over the 18-200 (losing a bit on the wide end), but multiply that by your crop factor and it is more like 150mm extra.
    This is now used with my D80 and my D7000 and I am always pleased with the result. Is the VR version worth the extra money..........for me YES

    I also use a sigma 28-200, it's an old one from my days of film body's but it is compact and delivers good consistent performance

    Carpy
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