Kind folks, any suggestions for a decent zoom lens for the Nikon D5000

[kerchi]

Ladies and Gents, I was wondering if you kind folks would throw your tuppence worth this way and suggest zoom lens for the Nikon D5000. I've the camera since April this year so only really been getting used to the kit lens, which has been pretty darn good so far.

I don't want the cheapest just a decent all-rounder with a budget of possibly up to £350.

There is such a plethora of lenses out there and with websites really trying to sell them to you, sometimes it's difficult to choose.

Thanks a bunch!

[kerchi]

Apologies if this topic has been covered elsewhere but there doesn't seem to be a great deal about this entry level camera and suggested lenses...please don't shoot me

[greenwing]

When you say a zoom lens, I imagine you're after a telezoom, rather than a wide angle zoom or indeed a superzoom, to complement your kit lens (18-55 or 18-105?).

All the usual suspects for the Nikons. The 70-300 AF-S VR, or the Sigma & Tamron equivalents. There's the new Nikkor 55-300 DX VR, a bit cheaper and I should imagine a bit lower in IQ.

Does this help at all?
Chris

[kerchi]

Thanks greenwing, my kit lens is 18-55mm so I was thinking maybe something along the lines of the 70-200mm or 70-300mm. I was curious about the Tamron and Sigma equivalents but I do like the look of the Nikkor 55-300mm, which comes in just over my budget.

I was wondering if anyone had used these and what they thought of them performance-wise. It's time I branched out a little, maybe a couples of hints here and there and my girlfriend just might get me one for Christmas!

[greenwing]

I know that the Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR is good. The 55-300 is only just released so there will be few opinions on it, and the Sigma & Tamron 70-300's with OS or VC are also quite recently introduced. (not sure if the Tamron has actually hit the streets yet).

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by greenwing

I know that the Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR is good. The 55-300 is only just released so there will be few opinions on it, and the Sigma & Tamron 70-300's with OS or VC are also quite recently introduced. (not sure if the Tamron has actually hit the streets yet).

See the Tamron in Jessops today but it didn't have a price tag.

Suggest the Nikon 70-300mm AF-S VR as I know a pro who swears about it saying it's as sharp as a tack. Martin's camera shop have it for £387.99 and free delivery.

http://www.martinscamerashop.co.uk/n...-zoom-60-p.asp

[shelfside]

I've the 70-300 on my D90 and would kill anyone who tried to take it from me ;-)

To demonstrate the sharpness - this was taken at 300mm (not the best shot but its a good indication)

[kerchi]

Thanks for your replies; it's great to hear different views especially when someone who has used the lens. Sometimes we just want someone to say....'YES, go for this one because you won't be disappointed', which is what I need sometimes as I can be quite indecisive when there is a good selection. I am the kind of person who can be easily swayed if I am told what's good but this time I want to make sure.

Just looked at the Nikon 70-300mm and it's a good looking piece of kit, the spiel hits all the right points and seeing your piccie shelfside, I am very tempted

Thanks again.

[chris-p]

Easy. The Nikon 70-300 is a corker of a lens. Beats the Sigma versions. It has recently been tested back to back with the latest Tamron 70-300mm and the Nikon won, but only just. However, the Nikon is better built and the VR is more effective.

Oh, and it's very, very sharp.

[bobbydog]

If you are looking for a good all round Lens, go for the Nikon Nikkor 18-200mm VR AF-S 1.35 5.6, the good thing about this lens is that it covers more or less everything and you dont have to keep changing the lens. to buy new you will pay about £450 to 500 but you will pick up a good second hand for as cheap as £200, before you buy one go to a Camera Hire Shop and rent one to give it a try first.