Hey all, I recently acquired a Nikon D3000 with the stock 18-55mm and the 10.5mm fisheye lens. I am looking for a telephoto lens that wont break the bank to round out my lens options and need some help on which one I should choose and which companies are considered better than the others. I am looking preferably for a 70-300 but can settle for a 55-200. Total cost should be <$500 although I will spend more if it can be warranted. Any Suggestions?
I had the sigma 70-300 which cost about £170. I used it with a Canon eos350d. It was brilliant for the price, however if you try a faster lense you'll never use the sigma again.
Well I am currently looking at the Tamron A005 70-300 f/4-f/5.6 although if I can find a used f/2.8 200mm in the price range i would jump on that. I find most of my shots are not taken in bright light but more muted conditions (Overcast/Rainy) and every now and then low light/night time.
if you've got a top budget of $500 have a look at the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC (apparently it current has a rebate offer in the states, no idea how that works for you lot across the pond). or the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (might be just over budget). I don't use Optical stabilisation on my 50mm and less range but at 100 to 300mm its a very useful feature. I tried both as they were about the same price over here when i was buying and preferred the feel of the Tamron in its positon of its zoom ring but it was a personal call, you can see some of my shots with it here
Well I think this has decided it for me, and with a $100 rebate off of $449 (total price of ~360 after shipping and rebate) I don't see why I wouldn't buy this lens Cheers!
