Upgrading from a 55-200mm zoom to 28-300mm

AxeMan - Rick S.

Senior Member
I like taking a lot of zoomed action shots, i.e. Air shows, Motor sport racing, Railroads, You get the general idea things that you can't get close to with out putting yourself in harms way. I have a 55-200mm zoom, and when I use it I finding myself wanting more but it's not there and I know at 200mm I'm past the sweet spot of the lens. If I was to upgrade that to a 28-300mm zoom am I really going to see that extra 100mm at the end? I know I could answer my own question here buy going to a Camera shop and renting a lens and testing it, however I life out in the country, and outside of Corn Fields and Cows there not too much here without a long drive. I was wonder if anyone else has made the jump to a 300mm zoom and if they were happy with the extra 100mm. Thanks in advance for your response, Rick
 

goz63

Senior Member
I think you will like the increase in focal length. I too had the 55-200 and found it a little short. In looking at the price of the 28-300 vs the 55-300, the later is less than half the price. Are you finding that the 55-200 is to long on the short end? If not, you will probably get a little sharper picture from the 55-300 than the 28-300. It is the same issue with the 18-200. You loose a little IQ with the super zoom. In the same position, I pre-ordered the 55-300. I just got off the phone with Adorama checking on my order. They are expecting the 55-300 to be at the store on the 10th of Sept and then shipped to me after that.
Mark
 

AxeMan - Rick S.

Senior Member
Mark, you kind of hit the nail right on the head. Yes the 55-200mm is a great lens, I like it but sometimes kick myself for getting it in the first place but at the time money made my choice for me. For me the 55-200mm it's too short on the long end and too long on the short end. Changing lens is not an issue for me, I have the stock 18-55mm for the short end, but a lot of environments I shot in I'm not comfortable opening up the Camera to change lens. One example Stock Car Dirt track racing. I had a lot of good shot but when I adjusted the zoom out I said to myself, Ah, wrong lens, too close. When I went to shot far I wanted just a little more to fill up the frame. I never came away with anything I was happy with. I don't like using Photoshop to make the shots bigger grain and noise comes in to play even if I use filters. I use Photoshop as little as possible, just use it enough to "tweak" my shots. Because I use the D3000 setting the camera the reduce noise and grain will slow it down if I am speed shooting. This is why I have another thread up on upgrade to another camera body. Come the fist of the year I'll have a large budget for an upgrade and right now I researching my options on Camera bodies, and or lens. I'm going to have a hard time throwing down the money for a 28-300mm lens and if I do I want to make sure it's money well spent, the finance department (my wife) is only going to let me do this once. According to her standards she wants to see me get "Set up where I should be" to get those eye popping shots but with out taking out a second mortgage to do it, and we want to stay with OME lens, we have nothing but good thing to say about Nikon lens. So anything above 300mm is out of the question and you start to lose the short end also at that point. I would rather not have to worry about changing lens at an (action) event unless I have to for special shots, so I need a all around versatile lens that goes short and really long, and the 28-300 mm sound like the ticket for me. When you get your new lens try to remember to drop me a line and let me know how that long end is on that lens compared to the long end on the 200mm Thank for you reply. Rick
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Rick: Based on the environment, is it time to consider adding a body rather than replacing one? Just a thought.
 

AxeMan - Rick S.

Senior Member
Eduard: Yes that is another option I'm researching in another thread, and why I'm on this site and glad I found it. (thanks Facebook). I have about four months before I can make any kind of move on anything and I'm taking notes like a mad man. Come to think about it, I can see how a second body would come in handy at an event that has a harsh environment, or an event that has extreme multiple focal points. Guess I'm not looking at the whole picture (pardon the pun). That's what I like about these forums you can kick ideas around and off of each other. Right now I'm on the asking side. I hope someday I can repay the favor to someone and give some great advise. Thank for you reply. Rick
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
To take it another step further, using a DX body would give you a longer "reach" and an FX body on the short side. . . . just trying to help you spend your money. LOL

You might want to add the R Strap to your research list. I saw someone using one at the last Kelby worldwide photowalk and it looked interesting.
 

goz63

Senior Member
Rick,
Eduard may have a great point for you. The D3000 with the 18-55 for the low end and then a second body with the 55-300 would be a nice combo for that. With the cost of a 28-300 by itself vs a second body and the 55-300, you are very close in cost and you would end up with a second camera.
I will get some pics and my evaluation as soon as the 55-300 gets here. I found out it is on its way. Got an e-mail yesterday afternoon and it is in route. Unfortunately it will arrive on Wednesday afternoon and I leave for DC on Wednesday so I will be antsy to get home and play with it. Will let you all know how it goes.
Mark
 

goz63

Senior Member
Rick, just going back and making sure my posts are up to date. You wanted to know how the increase in focal length was. It is AWESOME. I don't know what I did without it. You will not regret the extra reach. The IQ is better, IMO, than the 55-200. The VR is terrific. It is a little longer and a little heavier than the 55-200 but well worth it. I have heard some great reviews on the 28-300 as well but no first hand experience. Let me know what you get and how you like it.
 

AxeMan - Rick S.

Senior Member
Mark, I saw your air show pictures before you made your post here, by the way they look great.. I'm on the site everyday, so I don't miss much. Glad you like the new lens, and thanks for your review on the extra reach, sounds like what I'm looking for. I will not be making a move on getting one until "Tax" time :D so it's going to be a while for me. Chances are I'll be going with the 28-300. Have lots of time to read feedback from people. As for other upgrades I may be making, the jury is still out on that one, will have to see where my research takes me on that one. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.
Rick
 

six2one

New member
i have the 55-200, the 70-300 vr and the 28-300. the 28-300 is vastly superior to either of those lenses. im using it on a d300s. its heavier than the 18-200 (which i also have) but it is mind blowing sharp considering its focal range. i think this is one of the most useful pieces of glass nikon makes right now. the fact the 28-300 can focus on the long end as close as 1.6 feet is killer. this lens is sex. not as good as the 70-200 VR II but its certainly more portable. get it. the 2nd shot was taken in a medium drizzle, this lens isnt sealed, but i wasnt really concerned.
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here is a crop
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fotojack

Senior Member
From what I'm reading, the 55-300 doesn't focus as fast as the 55-200 or the 70-300. I was all pumped about the 55-300, but now I'm not so sure. Getting the 28-300 would be great, if not for the price, so I may just have to hang on to my 55-200 for a while longer.

Nice shots, by the way, six2one. :)
 

six2one

New member
From what I'm reading, the 55-300 doesn't focus as fast as the 55-200 or the 70-300. I was all pumped about the 55-300, but now I'm not so sure. Getting the 28-300 would be great, if not for the price, so I may just have to hang on to my 55-200 for a while longer.

Nice shots, by the way, six2one. :)

thanks!

this was the first real event i took shots w/ the 28-300 with.

also, if you cant get the 28-300 i would say that you should consider the 70-300. its pretty sharp and super light. i wish i knew more about the 55-300, but i cant say i do.
 

goz63

Senior Member
Having used the 55-300, I like it a lot better than the 55-200. I can say it is extremely sharp. It is my go to lens when I don't know what I am going to shoot. With the short focal length of 55mm it covers most walk around situations and the 300mm focal length is excellent. I think it is the best cost to benefit ratio lens in the Nikon line after the 50mm f1.8.
Comparing it to the 70-300, it is cheaper and lighter but for those who have an FX body, that would be your limiting factor.
 

Mark E

Senior Member
Placed an order with Amazon yesterday for a 28X300 for basically the same reason as most of you. I also like the idea of 18" focus distance at all focal lengths. Almost a micro. Also planning on an FX format in the near future.
 

Mark E

Senior Member
The 28x300 arrived and thought I would give my first impression. This lens really has a Wow factor. Am impressed with the quality of construction. It is really a heavy lens. Even though I had read the tech details, was surprised by the size and weight. 77MM filter size. Haven't used it enough to know for sure, but first impressions are great. Made this purchase planning on an FX camera in the next few months. After hearing the details of the new D800 or whatever it is called, think I might just wait on the purchase.
 

premc44

Senior Member
Unless you are keen on the Nikkor brand name, why not have a look at the Tamron SP 70-300 f4 - 5.6 with Optical stabilisation? I have not used the lens, but it has some very good reviews. It will be worthwhile reading some of the reviews.
 

Mark E

Senior Member
More on the 28X300. Weather has been rain and more rain, so have just had the oportunity to play with the lens inside. Took some pics of flowers in my living room, (artificial) Close focus and can say it is the sharpiest of any of my lenses. You can actually see the threads in the makeup of the flowers. Really impressed so far. The close focus 18" was one of the factors in deciding to purchase this lens.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Well I finally broke down and got myself a 70x300 lens. Not the newest one with VR, but an older model. It's not very good in the handheld mode, but I'm thinking it'll be OK with a tripod. I bought it second hand from a guy that also threw in a T6 closeup lens and a CPL filter, along with a ND lfilter. Sweet deal at $200. Anyone want to trade their 50mm for a hardly used 55x200 VR? :)
 
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