Cheap zoom lens

FastGlass

Senior Member
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY CHEAP LENS'S. The lens is the most important component besides the body. People upgrade bodies all the time but a lens will last a lifetime.
Besides buying a cheap lens will probably get you a lens that isn't fast in terms of focus speed or pulling in allot of light. Putting a slow lens on that 3100 and you'll find yourself cranking up the ISO ending with grainy shots that look horrible.
 

sperkowsky

Senior Member
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY CHEAP LENS'S. The lens is the most important component besides the body. People upgrade bodies all the time but a lens will last a lifetime.
Besides buying a cheap lens will probably get you a lens that isn't fast in terms of focus speed or pulling in allot of light. Putting a slow lens on that 3100 and you'll find yourself cranking up the ISO ending with grainy shots that look horrible.

Well ATM I really don't have the budget I found a 55-200 for 50ish dollars and I know once I get enough money I'll probally get a more pro grade lens for this purpose.


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STM

Senior Member
If you don't mind a manual focus lens, the 80-200 mm f/4 is a truly outstanding lens and can be had for around $125 +/- on Ebay. It is also all metal and made in Japan not China
 

sperkowsky

Senior Member
If you don't mind a manual focus lens, the 80-200 mm f/4 is a truly outstanding lens and can be had for around $125 +/- on Ebay. It is also all metal and made in Japan not China

If this was a lens for anything but sports I wouldn't mind manual but honestly I'm not skilled enough to manaully focus sports.


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STM

Senior Member
If this was a lens for anything but sports I wouldn't mind manual but honestly I'm not skilled enough to manaully focus sports.


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No one is at first. I never had the option of auto focus when I was starting. But practice makes perfect!
 

aroy

Senior Member
If you are short on budget for lenses, I suggest that you exchange the D3100 for a brand new D3300 with its kit 18-55 lense. The kit lense is fast and the 24MP sensor means that you get more pixels for a give image compared to the 14MP sensor. The D3300 is faster to focus, and you can shoot decent HD movies at 60i.

For sports like Gymnastics you need to shoot at high speeds, which in most cases means high ISO, and that is another advantage of the newer body.
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
check the used equipment @ b & h photo and adorama. Both very good dealers. Call their toll free lines if you have question. Recommend you go with a 55-300 or 70-300.
 

sperkowsky

Senior Member
check the used equipment @ b & h photo and adorama. Both very good dealers. Call their toll free lines if you have question. Recommend you go with a 55-300 or 70-300.

As I live in ny I'll go b&h ATM I'm pretty much decided on a 55-300 a 55-200 or a 70-300 it reqlly depands on my cash and what's on sale


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sperkowsky

Senior Member
On your camera if you want a lens to auto focus, you need the AF-S models. These lenses have built in auto focus motors.

Oh ok I assume that makes them more expensive. What is the cheapest decent body that doesn't need an af-a model lense to auto focus I'll factor that in when I get a new body some time in early november


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Blacktop

Senior Member
Oh ok I assume that makes them more expensive. What is the cheapest decent body that doesn't need an af-a model lense to auto focus I'll factor that in when I get a new body some time in early november


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I'm not sure, probably the D90. BTW I have an AF-S 55-200mm Nikon lens, with VR for sale in the market place in excellent condition, for 90 bucks. I can't seem to post a link on my tablet now.
 

sperkowsky

Senior Member
I'm not sure, probably the D90. BTW I have an AF-S 55-200mm Nikon lens, with VR for sale in the market place in excellent condition, for 90 bucks. I can't seem to post a link on my tablet now.

I'm strapped on cash ATM but once I do get some money I'll definately check it out and buy it if it is still on there :)


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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Here's some good advice, assuming this whole photography thing is something you take at least semi-seriously, when it comes to buying lenses.

A lens is an investment, and that's the frame of mind you should be in when you think about buying one.

...
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
I'm not sure, probably the D90. BTW I have an AF-S 55-200mm Nikon lens, with VR for sale in the market place in excellent condition, for 90 bucks. I can't seem to post a link on my tablet now.

Surprisingly good lens for a kit zoom. Sharp images and fast focusing. Good price too! I paid more for my non VR 55-200.
The OP would be wise to consider this offer!
 

sperkowsky

Senior Member
I'm not sure, probably the D90. BTW I have an AF-S 55-200mm Nikon lens, with VR for sale in the market place in excellent condition, for 90 bucks. I can't seem to post a link on my tablet now.

I found a 55-200 on b&h for 90 with free expidite shipping sorry dude that's a better deal


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