Zoom Lens For D3100

[Hobbynut]

I would like to buy a zoom lens to add to my D3100 in addition to the one that came with it.
I have looked on the internet at various reviews and I find the whole thing confusing as there appears to be many contradictions and differing opinions on each lens I have looked at
I would only describe myself as an enthusiastic amateur with not alot of knowledge and don't want to spend mega bucks on a zoom lens.
Any help would be greatly aprreciated
cheers
Hobbynut

[markgozz]

Hi Hobbynut

A bit more info would be a great help , what lens do you already have , what sort of zoom range are you after and finally the biggy what's your budget .

With a stab in the dark the first lens that springs to mind is the Nikon 70-300 , it gets great reviews , covers a massive zoom range and isn't silly money .

Mark

[Jediboy]

Nikon, Sigma and Tamron do 70-300mm which should give you more range, depending on what you're after.

[Hobbynut]

I have the 18-55 lens that came with the camera. I would not really have any specialist use for a zoom, more general, nice to have if I need one. Money is not a real issue as such but I don't want to buy something only to find that it's not suitable and then need to upgrade if that makes any sense. If five people revue a lens they all seem to come up with different ideas as to what is good and what is not. Some of the points raised appear to be highly technical and would probably not be noticeable by me. I find the whole thing totally confusing

[Jediboy]

If money is not an issue the buy the best glass you can afford, because this will serve you better in the long run.
It might be worth going into Jessops or another High street shop and having a 'play' with some lenses. Whilst this may not answer all your questions it may help.

[DouglasMorley]

Remember that any Nikon lens will be more than adequate for your use technically. It's the photographer that really matters, not his equipment.

As you have the 18-55 optic the next most popular lens, traditionally, is the telephoto zoom. Nikon's 55-200VR is popular though has been seen in many people's eyes as a bit "down market" because of the more powerful 70-300 or the 55-300 Nikkors. I have found it to be a wonderful lens - light, sharp and small. Just handle it with due care as it has a plastic mount, the same as your 18-55.