Nikon 70-300 or alternative

C

Chappers.

Messages
169
Name
Scott
Edit My Images
Yes
Apologies if similar has been posted before but I'm thinking of investing in a Nikon 70-300 lens. I did initially think of getting the cheaper 55-300 but I'm led to believe the the 70-300 gives better images. I'm used to the long zoom on a bridging camera so being limited to 105mm on my kit lens is taking some getting used to.

Would anyone recommend this lens or are there any other decent alternatives out there? Budget is a concern with an absolute max of about £400. It will be used for a bit of everything so a reasonable all rounder will be fine.
 
I have the 70-300 VR and it's a belter, especially for its price (I paid around £250 second hand)

I don't know whether reach is all important, but the 80-200 2.8 (twin ring version) goes for around £400 second hand. You could always add a 1.4 TC to get equal reach...

Just my 2p's worth ;)
 
I bought one recently after reading good reviews. It's a fine lens. Most of the bird shots on my Flickr have been taken with it.
 
chappers,

Try to handle them before you buy. I was thinking about the 70-300, but it is a big lens. I'm still not decided between the 70-300, 80-200+TC and the 300 prime. The 300 prime AF-d seems the best option right now.

Thanks
Rick
 
Only had the 70-300 VR for a week but really impressed with it was thinking about the 55-300 but decided to pay the extra.

Some examples below:

5535778240_5d3f7f72f8_z.jpg


5522782414_b67ba1ece2_z.jpg


5522238131_e7ce7ee365_z.jpg
 
I love my 70-300 VR - would only ever considerswapping for an 80-200 2.8.

Sent from my iPhone 4 using TP Forums
 
Very good lens for the dosh - one of the "cheaper" lenses that Nikon got spot on. Quick AF and decently sharp throughout the range. It also takes a Kenko 1.4x tc but you do need decent light.

Most of the birds in my Flickr have been taken with this lens and this picture was taken with the lens and tc combo last year;



Deer on the Water by Don't like to be Bored, on Flickr

In my research it seemed that a large amount of peoplpe who bought the sigma/ tamron versions ended up upgrading to this. That is not to say that the Sigma/ Tamron ones are bad but that this is, in my opinion, streets ahead in IQ.

HTH

Nick
 
Thanks for the replies. I would rather pay a little bit more now for the Nikon rather than have to upgrade to it at a later stage.

It just looks like I just need to try and persuade the wife to release some funds. (Either that or I'll get her to okay a 35mm prime lens & then buy this one as well without her knowing :thumbs: )
 
Tractor Boy said:
Very good lens for the dosh - one of the "cheaper" lenses that Nikon got spot on. Quick AF and decently sharp throughout the range. It also takes a Kenko 1.4x tc but you do need decent light.

Most of the birds in my Flickr have been taken with this lens and this picture was taken with the lens and tc combo last year;



Deer on the Water by Don't like to be Bored, on Flickr

In my research it seemed that a large amount of peoplpe who bought the sigma/ tamron versions ended up upgrading to this. That is not to say that the Sigma/ Tamron ones are bad but that this is, in my opinion, streets ahead in IQ.

HTH

Nick
Click to expand...
nick,does the 70-300 vr work ok with the tc,i thought i read some where that nikon says it wont?
 
reedwarbler said:
nick,does the 70-300 vr work ok with the tc,i thought i read some where that nikon says it wont?
Click to expand...

Nikon may say that but it certainly works with the Kenko 1.4x tc :thumbs:. IIRC that is the only one it works with though. I still retains all functions and VR but does not report the focal length in the exif data.

Nick
 
cheers for the info nick,i have been looking at the 70-300 vr,but have been thinking should i go for something longer? but now i no it will work with a tc i think i will be going for it,thanks a lot:)
 
So now we all know what lens we are going to buy next, and suggestions on places to get it from? :lol:
 
ah ah fleebay,another question which of these lenses could be handheld? 80-200 f2.8 and the 300 f4, both with convertor,also would both of these lenses be better than the 70-300vr,for wildlife
 
Last edited:
have now seen a lot of images from the 70-300 and really like what i have seen
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top