What are you Nikon folks recommendations? 70-300 at about $550, or the 18-300 for a lot more? At the moment, I only have the 18-55 "kit" lens. Is relative weight an issue?
I am new at this digital photography obsession, and loving every moment.
Thanks for any suggestions/recommendations/comparisons. Should I look at Sigma or Tamron for a better financial deal?
I have the Tamron70-300 for D5100 and tbh I am not impressed ~ I hardly use it, but then I do have the one without image stabilization and have shaky hands ... so it could just be me :-) I also find it very heavy when handheld ~ I use the 55-200 and the 15-55 kit lens for most of my photos
I have a 24-70 and that is my go to lens for everything. I love it but it is a heavy piece of glass and takes some getting used to. I have longer lenses and rarely have the opportunity or need for them. Are you doing sports photography?
I have a 55-300 Nikon Lens and a 18-55 that came with my camera last year around this time. Purchased the whole shebang for under 1000.00 including the body... But I rarely use my 18-55. I love the 55-300 and I have the same camera as you do... I have a 40mm prime that I am learning too.. but the 55-300 is my go to guy.
I have the Nikon D5100 and then a 50 mm prime and an "all purpose" 18-200 mm. I have thought I would want the 18-300, but my 18-200 is so much heavier than the prime, I hardly ever put it on my camera these days (plus, I like the low f stop on the 50 mm). What sorts of pictures do you like to take? I have heard a lot of good things about the 70-200 (goes down to f 2.8 I think), especially from those who take family portraits/weddings.
what kind of photos are you planning on using this for. Any super zoom such as a 18-300 is -not- going to be a great lens, you will be able to take ok pictures with it, but it will never take wonderful sharp images. I would check reviews online for more information on these lenses, but I would decide what you want to take pictures of with your new lens and then buy a lens that would be good for that. Lenses are tricky, most camera shops with let you attach different lenses onto your camera and take a few pictures to see how it works. One of the biggest expenses in a lens is the largest aperture and if that aperture is constant through out the range of the zoom. My only advice is to buy a very reputable lens that fits with the type of photography that you do, a well build lens with outlast your DSLR many times over so something else to consider is if you plan on ever upgrading to a full frame body. If you plan on upgrading to a full frame body you might what to buy a lens that will work on a full frame Nikon so you don't have to buy lenses again. Lots to think about. I shot a Nikon D5100 also and have the 18 to 55 and 55 to 200, both "VR" both lenses are OK but overall not very impressive. I love my D5100 and mostly shot with a Very old Super Takamar 50mm M42 mount lens with a Nikon adapter. I really would highly recommend going to a independent camera shop that sells Nikon and tryout some lenses, some places will even let you rent!
I have a D 5100. I hardly ever use the kit lens, not sharp enough. I bought the 16-200 as a walk around lens that was terrific until my eye for sharpness improved.
@sunshinephoto5
Hi. Sports yes, especially the local HS football, soccer and baseball. Planes too. I love to hang out close to airports, especially regional and local airports and shoot the planes coming in. I have good relationship with the local NTSB, since I called ahead.
@jsorensenart
Yes, I see your argument. But at the moment I am not prepared to buy a whole lot of primary lenses. Yes, I am glad I bought the 5100 rather than the 3100 or 3200. A super nice camera.
I have the Tamron 70-300 and use it a lot...I used it for todays photo, and many more in my project. I like it, don't find it too heavy. It's also a macro, that was used for yesterdays shot.
I got my D5100 a few months ago after many years with a D40. I have no aspirations to to be a commercial photographer...I just like taking photos!!
I bought the Nikon D5100 with the 18-55 and 55-300 lens. I almost always use my 55-300 lens; it is also my go-to lens. I don't know about the comparison to other lenses though.
Same here as @tthompsonca and @cheribug Bought my D5100 with the 18-55 and 55-300 because I knew in advance that the 55-200 wouldn't do the trick for me. The 55-300 is almost glued to the camera LOL but I've got a few more (prime) lenses on my wishlist ;-)
I cut my photography teeth on the Nikon 55-300. It will take pleasing shots all day long; it's light and for the money, sharp and clear. However, it is a zoom lens, and a zoom will never render the kind of superb images a prime will give you. From the 55-300, I graduated to the wonderful Nikon 300mm f/4. With that, which I could also use with a teleconverter (you can't put a teleconverter on the 55-300), I learned just what beautiful photos were supposed to look like! However, it's an investment: the 300 f/4 is about $1300. That said, once I saw the photos that came out of my camera, I thought it was the best money I ever spent. I hope some/all of this is helpful - good luck to you!
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Hi. Sports yes, especially the local HS football, soccer and baseball. Planes too. I love to hang out close to airports, especially regional and local airports and shoot the planes coming in. I have good relationship with the local NTSB, since I called ahead.
Yes, I see your argument. But at the moment I am not prepared to buy a whole lot of primary lenses. Yes, I am glad I bought the 5100 rather than the 3100 or 3200. A super nice camera.
Thanks for your assessment of the Tamron lens.
I got my D5100 a few months ago after many years with a D40. I have no aspirations to to be a commercial photographer...I just like taking photos!!
Cheryl, thank you. I am thinking that I will be just like you. But a little more research to do.
Cheers,
Frank.
Thanks for your your evaluation, Alison. This is just what I a m looking for.
Cheers.
Frank.
Everything! Sports, especially High School. And aircraft, landing and taking off. Thanks for taking the time to ask.