85mm+, low light lens for <£220

Fozzybear

Fozzybear

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I'm still pondering whether to keep my recently purchased Nikon D300 & need some guidance on a possible lens purchase.

It's basically as in the thread title. I ideally want something 85mm+ that is good in low light for £220 or less. A big ask, I know. :)

Main use would be for horse racing so focus speed would need to be relatively quick. A Nikon 85mm f1.8 D & Tamron 90mm (non VC) are on my shortlist. I did consider a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 but I can see that lack of reach will be an issue. I also considered a Tamron 70-300 VC but I'll have problems with it and the D300 in low light.

I do realise the Tamron 90mm is a macro lens so some thoughts on it's focus speed (infinity) would be appreciated.

Fire away.
 
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Sigma 50-150 f2.8.

Ha, just seen your budget. Sorry.

How about the well regarded Tamron 28-75 f2.8? Not that much short of what you want but gives you a bit of flexibility. The Nik 85's are quite good.
 
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Thanks. Yeah, I'm limited by budget unfortunately. In an ideal world I'd be getting a 70-200 f4,

What's the focus speed of the Tamron 28-75 like?
 
Fozzybear said:
I'm still pondering whether to keep my recently purchased Nikon D300 & need some guidance on a possible lens purchase.

It's basically as in the thread title. I ideally want something 85mm+ that is good in low light for £220 or less. A big ask, I know. :)

Main use would be for horse racing so focus speed would need to be relatively quick. A Nikon 85mm f1.8 D & Tamron 90mm (non VC) are on my shortlist. I did consider a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 but I can see that lack of reach will be an issue. I also considered a Tamron 70-300 VC but I'll have problems with it and the D300 in low light.

I do realise the Tamron 90mm is a macro lens so some thoughts on it's focus speed (infinity) would be appreciated.

Fire away.
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Horse racing? For that you'd be fine with most mid speed tele's as you'd be outside and light should be ok even on overcast days. A 70-200mm would be fine, or any 100mm prime.

Or did you mean indoor arena events, such as jumping or dressage, they are very different and you'd need fast lenses AND a very good high ISO body! :)

Edit - I've just seen that you're not opposed to a 70-200 f/4. How about a used Sigma 70-200 f/2.8? One of the mk1 versions 2nd hand may be an option if you can squeeze only a bit more dosh?
 
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odd jim said:
Horse racing? For that you'd be fine with most mid speed tele's as you'd be outside and light should be ok even on overcast days. A 70-200mm would be fine, or any 100mm prime.

Or did you mean indoor arena events, such as jumping or dressage, they are very different and you'd need fast lenses AND a very good high ISO body! :)

Edit - I've just seen that you're not opposed to a 70-200 f/4. How about a used Sigma 70-200 f/2.8? One of the mk1 versions 2nd hand may be an option if you can squeeze only a bit more dosh?
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I'm on a strict budget unfortunately. I just want something something for use in low light (just in case) that gives above average image quality. I can't risk using something like a f4-5.6 lens due to the D300's high ISO limitations.
 
Just picked up a Nikon 85mm 1.8D for £185 and I'm very happy with the image quality and the quality of the lens. Not really able to comment on the speed of focus as only just started using it. If you think it would give you enough reach I would say it should be a serious consideration.
 
If you're on a strict budget, are you looking at the usual 2nd hand outlets, rather than buying new?
 
dan_yell said:
If you're on a strict budget, are you looking at the usual 2nd hand outlets, rather than buying new?
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Yes, I'm looking everywhere - used, import, new.

I might just grab a 50mm f1.8 G. It's not ideal but I'll no doubt have a bit of fun with it whilst I save for a 70-200 f4.
 
Fozzybear said:
Thanks. Yeah, I'm limited by budget unfortunately. In an ideal world I'd be getting a 70-200 f4,

What's the focus speed of the Tamron 28-75 like?
Click to expand...

I had the lens on my D7000 and loved it. As been mentioned, some prefer the older version without the built in motor (BIM) but I was more than pleased with my BIM version. Theres a few on ebay within your budget so maybe worth a look. Theres even brand new ones for £214.00, the first from link.

Linky > http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=tamron+28-75+nikon&_frs=1
 
Fozzybear said:
Yes, I'm looking everywhere - used, import, new.

I might just grab a 50mm f1.8 G. It's not ideal but I'll no doubt have a bit of fun with it whilst I save for a 70-200 f4.
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Are you aware of the older f/4 tele zoom? The 70-210 f/4 AF-D?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NIKON-AF-...DE-IN-JAPAN-/391215504465?hash=item5b1642dc51

Japanese made, ultra sharp even at f/4. I have one and bought a second one because I love it so much. Quite a distinctive lens - it does flare a bit from point sources and it has swirly bokeh (two aspects which I personally love for artistic purposes), but as I say, it is sharp and focusses fast on a D300. It's my go-to tele zoom on my D300 and D700. You don't need VR for moving subjects, and this is built like a tank which will last forever, unlike the modern plastic fantastic 70-200 f/4.

Both mine cost around £100.
 
Thanks for the further suggestions.

I wonder if it's worth posting on the wanted forum to see if anyone has a Nikon 70-210 F4 that they're willing to sell? I'm not keen on the 2 on Ebay as they appear to have a bit of damage around the lens mount.
 
Beg, borrow or steal a 85mm f/1.8G, save and wait if you have to.
 
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