a new lens to compliment the kit lens - new starter content

george g

george g

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Having just got hold of a Nikon d3100 with the kit 18-55mm lens I am looking for a lens that will go a little further. I have also inherited a couple of older manual lenses including a Nikkor prime 50mm, and a couple of tamron lenses (28mm and a 35-135 macro) these will be all good for practice and fun but I want an AF lens that will compliment my kit lens.

I have seen a couple and these are:-

Nikon 55-200 lens
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-55-200MM-4-5-6-AF-S-Black/dp/B000O161X0

Or

Tamron 70-300 with macro.
http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_telephoto/a005.html

Both have vibration reduction and auto focus but im lost in the world of f numbers and crop ratio of the camera. The Nikon would keep my kit uniform with zoom distances and have the full range, but the tamron would further the distance I could zoom to, or an I asking too much for a 300mm lens with the cost?

Not looking to win any award with the images from them either...

Any thoughts on the best option?
 
The 55-200 is a very nice (and cheap) zoom lens and works lovely on the d3100. Make sure you get the VR version as there is an earlier non-vr version out there.

Here's my favourite shot from when I owned the lens on my d3100.


DSC_4376.jpg by
Zarch1972, on Flickr
 
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Milkfloat said:
You also have the Nikon 55-300 and 70-300 to consider too.
Click to expand...

That is very true, but the 300 is a touch out of my price range. The max I could do with spending is 130 really... Hence the two listed. I was about to buy the Nikkor but then spotted the tamron...
 
You are wrong about the tamron it has no stabilisation and its pants. They do do a VC version but its out of your budget. Go with the nikon 55-200.
 
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OK thank you guys. Consensus seems to like the Nikkor so think I will get that one.
 
Another vote for the Nikon 55-200 here.
Just got a used one for £50 off ebay, even had a genuine Nikon lens hood.
 
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