Tip for Nikon DSLR users

[Hans Deventer]

Nikon has announced the DX VR 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom. That would be a very interesting all round lens, providing a 27-300mm lens in 35mm terms, with Vibration Reduction. The price has not yet been announced, but since the aperture is 3.5-5.6, the lens won't be in the range of "an arm and a leg". I saw it already listed for 730 euro's at a Dutch website, and it seems it will be below $ 700 in the USA.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0511/05110103nikon18-200vr.asp

[Hans Deventer]

Of course both Sigma and Tamron already sell 18-200 mm digital lenses, but neither of them has Vibration Reduction.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3302&navigator=6

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/18200_diII_lg.asp

[Cindi Hammons]

Hans,

I would say that $750 is smack dab in the middle of "arm and leg!" Ha! At least on my budget!

Cindi H.

[Hans Deventer]

Hans,

I would say that $750 is smack dab in the middle of "arm and leg!" Ha! At least on my budget!

It is definately a lot of money, it is almost as much as I paid for the body itself. On the other hand, a lens like a Nikkor AF-S VR Zoom 70-200/2.8 G IF-ED would be more than double that price and totally out of reach for me. This one seems more reachable, though it will mean quite some saving before I get there.

But what is a "smack dab"?

[Dave McClung]

Linda and I are planning a trip to Africa which will include three days in game reserves for a photo safari. As you know, I have a 70 -- 300 zoom, but am wondering if I should get something with even more telephoto capability.

If I shoot at maximum resolution, the 300 may be enough. What do you think?

[Jonathan Long]

I'd go for Nikon's 600mm f4.

You'll be disappointed by the lack of reach" with a 300mm.

I'd check on renting the lens..... that $3500.00 price tag would make most people shy away!

Jon

[Hans Deventer]

I'd go for Nikon's 600mm f4.
You'll be disappointed by the lack of reach with a 300mm.
I'd check on renting the lens..... that $3500.00 price tag would make most people shy away!

$3500? I could not find it below $7000 on Froogle!

And of course, his 300mm is a 450mm on the D70.

Dave, I'd ask myself, am I going to make huge prints of these pictures? If that is what you want, I think renting is a good option. If not, you'll be fine with cropping out of a 300mm. Do indeed shoot at the highest possible resolution!

[Jonathan Long]

i guess that my belief has always been...

the best zoom lens is your feet. Given that you'll be on a photo safari and unable to walk closer..... I'd go for the longer is better theory...

As far as cropping goes, even at your highest resolution you'll be giving up lots of pixels to crop.

Hans is right, unless you'll be making enlargements, it really won't matter.

Jon

[Hans Deventer]

Dave, something else, do you expect to be able to use a tripod? If not, a VR lens will probably be worth the investment. I found the following explanation:

"The result of VR (Vibration Reduction) is equivalent to using a shutter speed three f/stops faster. VR is automatically detected during panning operation."

Nikon has a AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400MM F/4.5-5.6D ED that would still be something around $ 1300, but you might want to consider that. A good lens will survive the camera. Though it is not a "walk around" lens like the 18-200 VR would be.

These decisions are always hard. Even if I can afford it (meaning, I've got the money), I still wonder, is this an expense I can justify? Can I afford to spend the money on the lens in this sense? Will the lense be used seriously?

[Hans Deventer]

i guess that my belief has always been...
the best zoom lens is your feet. Given that you'll be on a photo safari and unable to walk closer..... I'd go for the longer is better theory...

Very true. And you won't be coming back any time soon to take a second shot if the first one failed..........
Unfortunately, those tele lenses are very expensive indeed :basic04 .

[Dave McClung]

I had not thought of renting a lense. That may be a good option.

I might rationalize that such a lense makes sense for me to buy. As you know, I live on a point that sticks out into Puget Sound. Quite often I like to take pictues of things that are 3 to 9 miles across the sound. I also enjoy taking pictures of birds along the Pacific Cloast.

I enjoy taking pictures like this one. It is hard to get them without a telephoto lense.

[Cindi Hammons]

But what is a "smack dab"?


Ha! Ha! I thought about that when I typed those words. It is an American-ism that means, in the absolute middle. I'm not sure I can tell you "why" those words are used, but I know exactly what it means! Ha!

I know that Nikon lenses are some of the best. I just know as an serious amateur, that's a lot of money. BUT, compared to the other prices, you are very correct when you say it is a good price.

I'll try not to throw any more Appalachian/Americanism's your way without explanation...if I can give it! :fav18

Cindi H.

[Jill Mickelson]

What a THRILLING PICTURE! WOW! I need to get something to keep my Telephoto lens in so I can carry it around with me! I just love it when the LORD brings such beauty onto my path! Thanks Dave!

[Hans Deventer]

Nikon has announced the DX VR 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom.

I've decided that I'm going after this one. I put my Sigma 70-300 on sale, and I'm going to save for this one. I've been looking for reviews and this one here http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm convinced me.

I don't suppose I'll get it any time soon, there is a huge backorder list, the lens seems to be immensely popular, but then again, I'll need time to save some money too. Who knows, it might make a nice birthday present in December.

[Hans Deventer]

Who knows, it might make a nice birthday present in December.

It's going to be earlier! Hannie agreed that I could order it today. Did I tell anyone before I really love her? ;)