DX 55-300mm on a D610?

[Deleted]

I've been choosing lens to suit each aspect of photography that interest me, but have reached my budget without choosing something for wildlife. Finding a good quality FX lens of at least 300-400mm is too expensive for me at the moment.

Would it be viable to buy a DX lens (e.g. 55-300mm) & attach it to the D610 for occasional wildlife shots or would it be too poor quality?

 

[Elliot87]

I would imagine you'd have to use it on crop sensor mode which would significantly reduce the number of megapixels. If I were you I'd look at the Nikkor 70-300mm or the Tamron 70-300mm VC.

I have the Tamron and it is a very good lens and the VC is incredible! To my eye it is also sharp at 300mm. Having read lots of reviews it seems there is very little to choose between the Tamron and the Nikon but the Tamron is a fair bit cheaper. Both of these 70-300mm lenses are better glass than the 55-300 and would almost certainly be a better option on your D610 I'd have thought.

 

[Deleted]

Thanks Elliot

I'd prefer to stick with Nikon glass.

The Nikon 70-300mm doesn't review that perfectly, although it is an option & relatively inexpensive. The 80-400mm seems the some issues too. The 200-400mm would be nice, but way out of my price range.

I may have to wait awhile to see if Nikon bring out anything new.

 

[Blacktop]

The DX 55-300 will vignette on a FF sensor. Having said that you could always crop out the vignetted part, and you won't lose as much resolution as if you were shooting in DX mode.

 

[Elliot87]

Thanks Elliot

I'd prefer to stick with Nikon glass.

The Nikon 70-300mm doesn't review that perfectly, although it is an option & relatively inexpensive. The 80-400mm seems the some issues too. The 200-400mm would be nice, but way out of my price range.

I may have to wait awhile to see if Nikon bring out anything new.

I don't see much reason to stick to just Nikon glass but each to their own. The build quality of the Tamron is very good and they offer a five year warranty. I think it's only disadvantage over the Nikkon glass is the colours aren't quite as good but that's an easy fix in PP.

If it's within your budget I'd lean towards the Nikkon 80-400 judging by reviews from other Nikonites and the results I've seen posted on here. The 55-300 is probably the worst option on a full frame camera. Good luck on finding the right lens for you!

 

[traceyjj]

Not offering advice on WHICH lens, but have you thought about buying pre-owned? In the past I have bought some fabulous lenses from people on another forum (Olympus) and sold all my gear through them too. I've had some great bargains, and ended up owning much more stuff than I thought I would want/need. I am only having ONE lens for my new FF camera until I have decided which focal lengths I will use the most, then I will invest in good glass for that. The 28-300 I have was bought second hand from LCE (who have shops all around the UK) came with a warrenty and is in as new condition.

 

[Deleted]

Thanks for your replies.

The DX idea is scrubbed!

Reading some 80-400mm reviews, it seems that the autofocus isn't that quick, making it ok for general wildlife, but not so much for birds. Checking reviews & lens comparisons, an idea looks to be the old 300mm f4 (with no VR) & a 1.4 teleconverter or the 70-200mm f2.8 with a 2x teleconverter. Cheapest option looks to be the 70-300mm f4.5.

 

[Deleted]

@traceyjj
Thanks for the suggestion. Looking at pre-owned prices, they seem often to be only slightly cheaper than new. Nikon glass seems to really hold it's value, especially FX. My other issue is that with no camera shops in my location, it's an expensive trip to check out the pre-owned gear.

 

[traceyjj]

I would think that most (if not all camera shops) would describe their second hand gear very accurately. If you see something online you could ask them to send you photos of it, or even ask if you could buy "on approval", and if its not what you wanted, send it back. Our local LCE staff are very helpful and seem very knowledgeable and it may be worth you phoning a couple of camera shops that sell second hand gear to see if you can do a deal of some kind. (I've not got anything to do with that company, just a happy repeat customer )

 

[Deleted]

Thanks Tracey

When I lived in the UK I used to have a good relationship with LCE in Bath. They were a good shop (25 years ago!). I have phoned a few camera shops recently, but in my old age I find that I really dislike speaking to salesmen. I spoke to Grays of Westminster for instance & after a few minutes, they were trying to upsell extended warranty to me. Grrr!

However as I mentioned, s/h Nikon glass is not that much cheaper than new. Good lenses seem to hold their value really well.