Reddit reviews Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens Bulk packaging (White box, New)

I have this lens, and it is good enough for what you need IMO.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5-6G-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B000O161X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370013360&sr=8-1&keywords=Nikon+55-200

Nikon's ED is in almost every modern lens, such as the 55-200 kit zoom. It's not necessarily special.

Nikon D40 - $409. This is an incredible camera for the price, the next real step up costs $1000 more.

Spend maybe $20 on a UV / protection filter and a 4GB SDHC card - save the rest.

When you've got a bit of experience, you'll know if you want a basic telephoto zoom to get a little closer to your subjects - or something a little more exotic for low-light indoor shooting.

Just be aware that there will always be more expensive and complicated equipment to tempt you. Remember that the skills and creativity of the operator are the most important factor in producing good art. So long as your camera isn't complete junk - upgrades and fancy lenses may be fun to play with - but they won't magically improve the quality of your pictures.

In photography, the lenses you use make much more difference than the actual camera. I was in the exact same situation about 6 months ago. My wife wanted to get into photography and didn't know where to start.

I highly suggest starting with a Nikon D3000, D3100 or D3200 depending on how much you want to spend. Each model up is a little more and has a little bit more features. The stock lens is pretty decent and overall you can stay significantly below your budget. If she is just starting out, don't spend too much money (yet).

If you want to explore lens options, we recently purchased a f/1.8G 35mm (http://bit.ly/bOeXNu) the wide aperture means she'll be able to take great photos with little light, best for indoor shots and gives a very shallow depth of field http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field (good thing). If she wants to take some photos of outdoors, maybe animals or people, getting a longer lens will let her take shots from far away, a 55-200mm lens (http://amzn.to/NiuCUB) will let her do that with ease.

I am in no way an expert in photography, only been at it a couple months, so anyone can correct me if my tips are no good. haha.

55-200mm. Seemed like a great idea at the time and I used it a lot during my month in Greece, but I've barely touched it in the year since then. I guess I don't do much shooting that requires that sort of lens. The 18-55mm kit lens took care of most of my needs, but that's seeing less use now in favor of my 35mm 1.8.

It's also a hassle to carry around since it's a heavier lens.

Not bad for a cheap telephoto lens

Without a doubt get the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR.

For under $150 you can get a used or refurbished one. Some of the sellers list refurbished models in the used category on amazon. I was able to pick up a factory sealed refurbished model (listed under used) for $130 shipped last month.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000O161X0/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

You have the close end of the range and you have a prime lens. You are right to think about the long end of the range with your next lens. For the money you are looking to spend I recommend you go with a Nikon lens especially with the used prices what they are.

edit: I should add, despite not being a macro lens the minimum focus distance of the zoom i recommend is 1.1m. The sigma macro lenses you named above list 1.1m and 0.95m as their minimum focus distance respectively. This is hardly a difference and I think you get a better value from the Nikon lens here.

For a true macro lens with very close focus distance you will likely have to pay a lot more than you are looking at (closer to $1000 than $100). A budget alternative is picking up a set of close up filters which will allow your current lens to focus closer. They add some distortion and have a very narrow depth of field, but they may be able to satisfy your curiosity on a shoestring budget: http://www.amazon.com/Zeikos-definition-Close-Up-Diopters-Magnification/dp/B001UE6NAQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345214405&sr=1-1&keywords=close+up+filters

Why not this? http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5-6G-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B000O161X0

Personally the obvious entry-level lens after the kit 18-55mm lens is to pair it with something like a 55-200mm lens. That way you will have most of your necessary range covered, all the way from 18mm ultra-wide to 200mm telephoto. These basic lenses aren't anything too special, but they are surprisingly solid for their cheap price.

-Here is a basic 55-200mm; if you want something with more reach such as for wildlife photography, here is a basic 55-300mm. If you believe that you might someday upgrade to a fullframe camera^([>$1500 at the cheapest]), and want a lens that can upgrade with you, here is an FX 70-300mm. All three of these lenses have vibration reduction, which reduces shake from say your hands.-

After a wide-angle zoom lens and a telephoto zoom lens, the next obvious choice for a budding photographer on a budget I would say is either a 35mm prime or a 50mm prime. as I said previously, both of these lenses are close to the focal range of the human eye, making them good choices for general purpose photography. And when compared to say your 18-55mm kit lens, both of these primes will be far faster and sharper at their given focal length, with a small depth of field that is very fun to play with (here is an example of what a small depth of field can look like).

-Here is a 35mm f1.8 [DX]; here is a 50mm f1.8 [FX]. Both are roughly the same price, both are roughly similar focal lengths; choose the 35mm if you prefer to get closer to your subject, choose the 50mm if you prefer to have a little more reach. (also, the 50mm is an FX and cheap, so if upgrading in the future was something you wanted, it would be the better choice. There is an FX 35mm nikon lens also, but it costs over double the price.)-

So to summarize, a solid starter set of lenses would be an 18-55mm, a 55-200mm(or something similar), and a good general purpose prime lens such as either the 35mm or the 50mm. Any lenses after that will depend widely on your given needs and desires.

well you could get close to the subject with the 35mm 1.8 if you want a tiny bit more space from your subject and less of a wide angle 50 mm1.8, but I think the best for you would be this 55-200. You could definitely use it for portraits and some amatuer action/sports/nature photgraphy, i use it all the time. if you've got the money then go for the 55-300 it might be a little softer and less crisp around the 250 mm+ range but I dont really have any personal use with it so i wouldn't know.

The technique is much more important than the camera at this level. I would get the Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and a 55-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Then you would have plenty of money left over for accessories (or other lenses once you know what you want) and maybe a good book on photography technique.

edit: An extra battery can be a lifesaver. Also, make sure the memory card is fast enough if you plan on ever taking video.

As a new photographer/filmmaker I still don't have a good enough eye for manual adjustment, sounds stupid, but I trust myself using auto focus and setting my focus point much better then manual focusing. All I'm trying to say is that I see a lot of condescending assholes on here that professionally shoot looking down on beginning filmmakers. Instead of being stuck up dicks looking down on people with less money offer good ideas. Like renting the major expenses from your college if you are in college, camera, mics, lighting. Or giving advice on what the best choice would be used, or going the DSLR route. There are options for under $1,000 and if it annoys people seeing those posts, simple solution... skip the post and don't read it.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-VR-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B000O161X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323453778&sr=8-1

Disneyland Toyko!!! And while I'm there I'm totally going to the Nintendo Pokemon Center store that's 45 minutes away from it.
My best friend and I are cast members so tickets would be free, we just have to pay for airfare and discounted hotel in their new TANGLED THEMED ROOMS! (our favorite movie if you can't guess....)

I would buy myself a new lens to take! It would just be the best friend and myself :)

I'm not sure about the price at Best Buy, I got it off amazon here http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000O161X0/ref=mp_s_a_2?pi=SL75&qid=1347483141&sr=8-2.

I notice someone else mentioned another 50mm without an AF feature. I would say not to get that one if you can afford to. You'll want the one with AF support for any fast moving subjects outside of what you normally shoot. Plus it's just simpler most days. Of course if you don't have the money for it, that's fine. The one with AF is here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004Y1AYAC/ref=mp_s_a_1?pi=SL75&qid=1347483321&sr=8-1

Second one is worth getting over the first, but usually doesn't cost so much. Here it is for under $200 (US)

Nikon.

Here it is if I'm not mistaken. Pretty good little lens.

perhaps this would be more suitable https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-Vibration-Reduction-packaging/dp/B000O161X0/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=Nikon+AF-P+DX+NIKKOR+70-300mm+f%2F4.5-6.3G+ED+VR&qid=1562699521&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A6461716011&rnid=6461714011&s=gateway&sr=8-13#customerReviews

Are you sure you need the second lens?

If you just get a 18-55mm kit and the 55-200 separately, it comes out to about $1050:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D5300-Digital-Camera-Built/dp/B00FXYT12G

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5-6G-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B000O161X0

That leaves $450 from your upper limit, which is plenty for quality accessories, if you even really need those. The accessories included in the bundle you linked are pretty much all crap, and the same goes for similar bundles. Read this:

http://www.reddit.com/r/photography/wiki/index#wiki_should_i_buy_this_bundle_with_a_bunch_of_accessories_in_it.3F

Ah so grateful! Really, I needed this sort of 'debate' ironed out because it's bugging me. If I begin to sound like I'm counter-pointing I apologize, it's probably due to my lack of knowledge

Now, I probably should have lead on with this but sometimes I forget I even have one because the quality is lousy. I have a 55-200 and it's this one.

Again, I only use it if really necessary as I've never really liked a single photo that's come out of it. So I technically have the focal range but the photos are just so bad I don't even like pretending I own it.

The 70-200 is very nice. But it's arguably more expensive than the original lens I am out seeking. The end goal is to own a full frame, 24-70, and a 70-200 as they are champions in the game haha.

I believe the 85mm would hold me over for now and would provide a fill for the tighter focal length I'm seeking. If it turns out that I have a huge demand for my services (one can dream) then having that for tight shots, the 50mm for slightly wider and 'tight spaces', and the 18-35 for environmental portraits, I think I would be in good shape as long as my client could wait while I swapped the lens in and out haha

I would say it depends on the price. In the US, from a reputable dealer, the D7000 can be had for about $1200 for the body alone and the 55-200mm VR lens runs about $150.

From what I've heard the 55-200 VR is, taking the relatively low price into consideration, worth it. Of course there are better and faster lenses out there, but they're going to be at least 4x the price. So if the package you're looking at is less than $1350, I'd go with it.

Thanks, this was very helpful information. I am thinking about getting this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O161X0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_RFjxxbMKCMQ1P. Any glaring errors?

Hi all.

I'm currently in the market to try and upgrade my current gear for my Nikon D7100, and I would appreciate some feedback / suggestions / general thoughts on my choices.

Thanks in advance!

Current Gear & Amazon Links

Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-40mm-2-8G-Micro-NIKKOR/dp/B005C50H2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411239451&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+40mm

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-35mm-1-8G-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411239371&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+35mm

Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro Nikkor Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Micro-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B002SQKVE4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1411239387&sr=8-4&keywords=nikon+85mm

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5-6G-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B000O161X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411239400&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+55-200mm

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-AF-S-Nikkor/dp/B000ZMCILW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411239408&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon+18-55mm

Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-10-24mm-3-5-4-5G-Wide-Angle-Digital/dp/B0026FCKC8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411239420&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+10-24mm

Possible Lens:

Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye Nikkor Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000144I30/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=IVNS308RGQQCV

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKUPRF4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=I31O79P9M4Q1LY

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VDCT3C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=I2N8O785AXS9I0

Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000144I2Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=I1EPOEZPN5J3EG

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EOSHGQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=IANEM6J7PPWIZ

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005LEN4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=I1B0R1WZS8SHQD

Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005LE74/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=I2WCPU28S06PES

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006TAP096/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1TM9469NHCNQ0&coliid=IQH4TBDDGW9QQ

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR FX Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-NIKKOR-Digital-Cameras/dp/B004Y1AYAC/ref=hsx_crw_8490290011_tl_1?pf_rd_p=1725118622&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=8490290011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0R6RD5CPZ4S5DR84N9G1

Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-60mm-2-8G-Micro-Nikkor-Cameras/dp/B0013A1XDY/ref=zg_bs_173565_80

What I'm thinking:

From the potential lens that I could get, I definitely want to invest in the 18-300mm lens.

With that lens added to my current gear, I could then get rid of the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm lens from my gear. Changing my total lens count from six to five.

I want to keep the 10-24mm lens. I don't see the purpose of having the 10.5mm lens, so I must just cut that out.

The lens from the potential list (24-70mm f2.8, 17-55mm f2.8, 24-85mm f2.8) I could remove from my list because if I understand this correctly, this seems more of a choice for people who want that extra step in the f stop.

I'm in a debate about which one of these to chose from to either replace or upgrade the 35mm I have in my bag, and the two I'm looking at are 50mm f1.8D and 50mm f1.8G. I'm just not sure if it is worth the upgrade in terms of a better overall picture or just to stick with the 35mm.

I am a little bit confused about the 85mm that I have and whether to upgrade it with the 60mm or the 105mm. If I understand that macro world of lens correctly, the 60mm would be the ideal choice, correct?

Lastly, I am in debate about keeping the 40mm with my given choices. I'm also not aware of what the 85mm f1.8 could offer, if it will replace a lens or just add another option to my gear bag.

In summation, here is the current gear:

: Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens
: Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens
: Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro Nikkor Lens
: Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens
: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
: Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

What I will most likely keep if I go through my possible changes:

• Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens
  

• Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens
  

• Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro Nikkor Lens
  
• Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens
  
• Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
  

• Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  
  My new gear set:
  
  : Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens
  : Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  : Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens
  : Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens
  : Maybe one of the 50mm or the 85mm f1.8
  
  Any thoughts would be appreciated on this.
  
  
  Thanks again in advance!

Do you know if this lens is any good for what you're talking about?

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5-6G-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B000O161X0