DSLRUsers.com

Hi all,

Wondering if the more experienced guys/gals can help me out with a question..

I have been thinking of getting another lens (currently have the kit 18-70). I have been looking at getting something with a good zoom, mainly for the getting in closer with subjects that are a bit out of the current lens range.

Been checking both the bargin section on here and ebay. I`m not exactly sure at what the diference is with lenses, apart from the obvious, but have been thinking about a 70- 300 , or simular. The prices seem to vary from around the $200 mark to $2000. I dont understand the vast difference in price, except to say I dont know the main difference in lenses I look at.

Apologies for seeming a bit vague, but wondering if anyone would be able to recommend a good next lens that I would be able to get without breaking the bank.

I had a look at maxewlls site, but couldnt find any prices.

Thanks guys for any replies

Hi Trevor
basically, you have the budget lenses, the mid-range and the pro lenses - all which make up the gamut of $200 - $3000+

Budget Lenses:
- such as the Nikon 70-300G (or ED) Lens, Sigma 70-300 APO II or Tamron equivalent.
- these lenses are generally considered to be of a lower build quality, with often cheaper glass components and are referred to as a "slow lens" (usually with an f-range of f4 - f5.6 or 6.3). This means that at 70mm, for example, the biggest aperture the lens can go to is f4...which is OK if you have enough light, but when you require faster shutter speeds, this is where the downfall arises with these lenses.....and at 300mm, starting at f5.6 (or 6.3) can sometimes put you behind the 8ball before you begin.

However, you can still get VERY good photos from these lenses....you just have to work within their limitations.

Mid-range lenses:
- this might be something like the Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 or equivalent.
- With this type of lens, f2.8 is available across the entire zoom range, from 80mm to 200mm, giving you more options with faster shutter speeds in lower light levels. Already, you can see the advantages (however, the price of these lenses starts to head towards the $1000 mark)

Pro Lenses:
- there are many about, but the most popular is definitely the 70-200 VR f2.8 lens.
- this lens is 2nd to none and also has VR (Vibration Reduction), which basically stabilises the image when shooting handheld. This, in addition to the constant f2.8, gives you even further options when selecting shutter speeds in lower light levels. This lens, at present is just over $3000 AUD.

Hopefully, this explains the situation a little better for you. If you are just starting out in photography, I'd suggest a good budget lens, such as the ones mentioned above, to get you started. By the time you master this type of lens, you'll be ready to outlay more money on one of the more expensive lenses.

Hope this helps....

Hi Dave,

Many thanks for your reply and great explanation. I think you`ve cleared up a lot for me. Now time to see whats in the piggy bank !

Aussie Dave has pretty much covered it.

Of course it depends on your budget. The 70-300G is a good lens in the right conditions but is a bit lacking. It is possible to take good photos with it and i won a years subscription to a magazine with a photo taken on my 70-300G.

The other lenses Dave mentioned are even better, if you can afford them.

If this helps, the 70-200VR lens is nothing short of beautiful! I've had quite a play with this lens a few weeks back and I'm doing all that I can to actually purchase it, for me I'm lucky as it can be a tax deduction . To entice u a little more, most (if not all) of these shots were taken with the 70-200VR lens:

Dave,

The venerable 80-200 2.8 may be mid range in price these days, but it definately belongs in the pro class. Which to me makes it the best of both worlds Sure it doesn't have VR, but the glass is comparable to the 70-200. New it is half the price of the 70-200 and used a fraction of that. 5 stars from this reviewer

Geoff, stop it! I cant take it anymore! stop, stop!!!!!!!!!!! 70-200 VR lust is currently suppressed!

Thanks Geoff for the reply also.

Those photos are certainly great and crystal clear. I would love to get my hands on a VR lens, but I just cant afford one at the moment.

Since I got that top reply from Dave, I have been checking ebay and alike and getting a bit of an idea as to whats around. Makes one hell of a difference knowing a little bit about the different lenses now. I should also point out that with the great replies to my questions, I am sure there are a few others out there who gained a lot from this thread.

Well I shall keep my eyes open for a good buy and see what I come up with. Heading to Hong Kong and then Thailand in October/November, so hopfully I can get something other than the 18-70 to take.

Thanks again