Buying a zoom lens

peteb2

Its been a while since I've taken my photography seriously and forgotten all I've learned!

I've a nikon D3200 and the wife gets frustrated in the zoo and holidays with our son that she can't get close up with anything as we've only the 18 -55 kit lens. So was looking to get an additional lens. Preferably that I don't have to keep alternating. So would you consider at 55 - 200mm the way to go or a 55-300mm.

I've a small budget - €200 max. And eyed up a Tamron but i heard the focus speed was lacking. Do I lose much zoom between the 200 and 300? I've seen a Nikon AF-S DX VR 55 - 200mm for below 200 and am thinking this is possibly the route to take.

any thoughts for a newbie?

b318isp

Not being smart, but have you tried getting the camera closer? I use a 17-40mm or 28-70mm for the vast majority of my day-to-day shots.

A long reach is very often over valued. The quality of cheaper zoom lenses often leave a lot to be desired too.

With a 55-200/300, you won't be able to go wide angle - so you'd be limited at the other end! I have a 70-200mm which only comes out for planes/cars/wildlife/portraits.

That said, Canon have a decent 18-135mm lens, I think Nikon have something similar. You could sell the kit lens to get some funds towards the upgrade.

peteb2

Can't get any closer. Its the zoo or a wildlife park or something far away. I guess I want a utility lens. I'm probably quoting the wrong length on the tamron. I just don't want to get some to 200mm and then say "crap its still too short".

b318isp

As you have a very good camera, then I'd say to do yourself justice and budget a lot more for a really good 2nd-hand lens. The budget zooms are way too compromised.

I shoot Canon, so can't speak about Nikkor - but I'm sure someone will be along shortly that could recommend an equivalent to the Canon 70-200Lf4.

peteb2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-18-200mm-3-5-6-3-Aspherical-Macro/dp/B0007XD4LM/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1415640426&sr=8-15&keywords=nikon+d3200+zoom+lenses

Something like the above?

b318isp

I'm generally not a fan of all purpose lenses, but this seems to have reasonable reviews.

I was more thinking of a secondhand Nikkor 70-200mm f/4.

peteb2

Am i missing something here. I spotted this Nikon 55 -200mm https://www.camera.ie/products/nikon-55-200mm-f4-5-6-g-vr-af-s-dx

Its €175 on this site but nearly €300 on others. Including Nikon's own. Seems like a bargain!

b318isp

Might be worth a punt.