Need help choosing a new zoom lens

[DelawareJim]

I'm looking at getting a new zoom for Christmas and I'm torn between the Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX or the Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II. They also make a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S, but I had sticker shock when I saw the price.

I currently have a Nikon D80 body, an 18-55mm and a 55-200mm and find I'm switching lenses a lot and want a little bit further range as well. It'll be used almost exclusively for field work shooting plants, wildlife, and such.

For those who use zooms a lot which do you think would be most practical.

Thanks.
Cheers.
Jim

[gore42]

Hi Jim,

For what it's worth, the more that you increase the zoom range, the worse your image quality is ultimately going to be. I have a Nikkor 18-200 and an 18-135, and the image quality of the cheaper 18-135 is noticeably better, especially when it comes to chromatic aberration and border softness.

When I'm doing photojournalism or event photography and know that I'll need high image quality but don't want to switch between lenses, I've found that the only good option is to carry two camera bodies... one with a wider angle zoom and one with a telephoto, the exact lenses depending on the job.

But if that's not practical, the 55-300 will probably give you better image quality, and obviously a nice telephoto reach

- Matthew Gore

Light and Matter

[DelawareJim]

Thanks for the reply and the link Matt.

After posting the same message on a couple of other boards, and getting a much bigger response btw, I think my basic problem is I'm reaching that point in my photographic development where I'm starting to look at things and think like a more advanced hobbiest but still wanting to spend like a beginner. So the real questions I need to sort out are, how serious do I want to get and am I willing to spend the money?

Cheers.
Jim

[BikerDoc5968]

Hi Jim... I currently am using the Nikon D-90 and purchased it with Nikkor 18~55 and 55~300 lenses. I must say my "eye" is not that critical and enjoy using both lenses and feel my pictures are more than adequate for me. For what it's worth, not that this matters but I also only use my camera in manual mode cuz that's just how I learned back in my Nikon F days. These lenses also were great because I had skylite filters and others that fit the 67mm thread. I like the size of the lenses. Since you are covered for the lower end, I'd go with the 55~300 and since it is a DX lens you're going to get some "extra" distance also. Happy shooting and enjoy your new holiday gifts!

[Connie Star]

Hi Jim,
I use Canons, but the same principles apply. Like Matthew Gore said, the more you try to do with any one lens, the more you have to compromise in image quality, weight and money.
I use two zooms, the 18-55mm that came with the camera, and a 75-300mm. I also have two prime macro lenses, a 50mm and a 100mm. It might look like I'm leaving a gap, but I can crop and with the high megapixels of modern cameras it doesn't matter.
I like to shoot birds, and I usually leave the longer zoom on the camera when I'm hiking or birding. Granted, I've been at this for 40+ years so my investment is a little more spread out.
Isn't this fun?

[DelawareJim]

Hi Connie;

Thanks for the input. My wife and I do a fair amount of hiking and birding too so I'm glad for your comments. While I was browsing the Nikon site, I saw they also have an 80-400mm that's looking pretty nice too, so my next lens maybe my Christmas/birthday gift.

The camera shift over time is interesting. Back in the film days I had a Canon while all the serious photographers had Nikons. Now in the digital era I have a Nikon and all the serious photographers seem to have Canons. Go figure.

Cheers.
Jim

[tropterrarium]

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

Thanks for the reply and the link Matt.

After posting the same message on a couple of other boards, and getting a much bigger response btw, I think my basic problem is I'm reaching that point in my photographic development where I'm starting to look at things and think like a more advanced hobbiest but still wanting to spend like a beginner. So the real questions I need to sort out are, how serious do I want to get and am I willing to spend the money?

Cheers.
Jim

Do you think you will get more serious with your hobby? If so, start considering primes. The image quality is superior to any zoom. You can see it in the data-sheets even for top quality fix-focal and zoom lenses (e.g., Zeiss data sheets). Even Zeiss cannot make a zoom that rivals their primes, not even in the sweet spot of the zoom, and it goes downwards from there.

Second, the various zooms have significant overlap in focal ranges. So once you accumulate more than two zooms, you could just as well use well-spaced fix focal lenses to cover the same range. Additionally, you'll get better quality images, and more lightweight or faster lenses.

Last but not least, do you have a decent tripod with head? If not consider getting one. Fortunately, a tripod does not get obsolete, so it is worth-while to invest in a good one. Just used my Gitzo CF with Linhof Profi II today. Bought it about 15 years ago, been several times around the globe, and still works like a charm. The tripod forces me to compose more deliberately, and reduces camera movements, so results in sharp images.

[RobS]

Agreed primes >>>>> zoom.

My favorit lens is my macro 105mm 2.8 Sigma EX. I don't know for Nikkon but in general the Sigma EX series gives very good value for money.

[BikerDoc5968]

I use the Sigma 105mm macro on a Nikon D90. I have been using it for about 2 yrs and really like it for the kind of pics I take of the chids. Since I am not that critical for most of my "me too" shots, I do like the two zoom lenses I have for my Nikon: Nikkor 18 ~ 105mm DX VR and Nikkor 70 ~ 300mm ED VR. I know there is considerable overlap but when I purchased the D-90 these were part of the deal and I like them both. The 18~150mm is great for "people" shots and "head and shoulder" shots.

[Duane McDowell]

I'm using Canon lenses also. My "main" lens is a 70-200 f2.8 "L" series with image stabilization. I use it for people, flowers, birds, etc... It doesn't have much reach, so I use a 2x extender with it for birds.