New lens for my d3100 query

[monkeytennis]

Hey all, been looking at getting a new lens for my d3100 (currently only have the kit 18-55) and have a few querys. I have been looking at the
Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 Nikon+Motor as it seems to fill the larger zoom and the macro features, but does the macro work that well or does it compromise the whole lens? The other option would be
Nikon 55-200MM F/4-5.6 AF-S VR DX I guess. Would either of these be a suitable walk around lens (sorry all abit new to all of this!). If I went with the nikon I have been looking at getting a macro filter, such as
Opteka 52mm 10x HD² Professional Macro and possibly a wide angle lens as well to try them out. What are your views on these len's? Cheers, Ed

 

[Dale_tem]

I have the Nikon 55-300mm lens and have had some great shots with it (see the animals on my Flickr account). My mum has the Tamron 70-300mm, but I prefer mine in everyway.

The Tamron has a Macro switch which allows you to focus closer than 1.4m, but you can't use the full range of the zoom this close. The Nikon 55-300 can't focus under 1.4m, but you can zoom in to 300mm at 1.4mm. I took photos with both lenses, Tamron in Macro mode and mine zoomed in at 300mm and there was no difference in size.

The 55-300mm uses 58mm filters.

I use my 55-300mm as my main walkaround lens as I'm normally focussing objects further away. It is limited to 1.4m minimum focus distance, so I nearly always have my 18-55mm with me to take a photo of the kids without being 2m away.

I've got the Macro tubes that allow you to focus closer than you would normally be able to and I was able to get the spider photo (first try) using the tubes and my 18-55mm lens. You can get cheap Macro tubes that require manual focusing for around £10 or for around £70 you can get ones with Electrical connections to retain the autofocus

I've also picked up the Sigma 10-20mm Ultra wide angle lens and love it and is already my favourite lens. (Check out my London shots)

 

[monkeytennis]

When I said wide angle lens I meant just a screw in add on as such! But stunning pics! I think the Nikon lens is the one to go for from that! And I shall just get a macro filter thingy! Maybe.....