Found a like new 55-200 vr for $130. Should I do it?

[KansanShooter]

Been looking for a cheap zoom lens with decent quality. This lens has great reviews. And the price seems to good to pass up.

What say my fellow nikonites?

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

For $4.95 more you can get a factory refurb with a one year warranty.

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR DX AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens - Factory Refurbished includes Full 1 Year Warranty

 

[vindex1963]

That's a good lens to go with the 18-55mm kit lens.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

I would check out the link that Don sent.. for $5 more to get a refurb with warranty seems like a no brainer.. I have teh same lens and have been very satisfied with it's performance.

Pat in NH

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

I have it too I also bought my d5100 from this company and have been very happy with them.

 

[KansanShooter]

Thanks Don. I might just use that company. The person from craigslist wont respond back to me now anyway.

 

[stmv]

for my 7000, I ended up going for the 55-300 VR,, for 249 dollars on sale. been very pleased/surpised on the sharpness, and so compact/light,, I throw it in a side belt pouch/bag, and don't even know its there until needed. I like the 50% more reach.

otherwise, if you are buying used and 200 limit, then consider the 18x200 VR,, used prices have been getting pretty reasonable.

 

[KansanShooter]

Why 18 over 55?

 

[PhotoEnth47]

I have one of these lenses too. I am completely surprised at the sharpness it produces, at all focal lengths and f/stops. It does have sweet spots, but is completely useable across the whole range. Modern Nikons (from the D90/D300 onwards, I think) also auto-correct some of the CA's and distortions on lenses. It is not quite as contasty as some of the more expensive lenses, but that is no problem to me at all. I can always turn up the contrast slightly in post processing.

This has become my favourite walk around lens, unless I need wide angle, in which case I use my 18mm - 70mm, which is also a nice sharp lens, and one of the better kit lenses. The VR is a nice addition, and works well. You can't beat it for the price. I paid $NZ264.00 for it, which is around $US216.00. On a DX camera, it becomes a 82.5mm - 300mm of course, which is nice. The bokeh is not too bad either.

 

[SkvLTD]

I'd chuck a few more bucks and get 70-300 VR or not. 55-200 has small sized glass given that its a farther zoom lens and I personally felt that 200 was just not far enough of a reach. 18-70 and 70-300 are a pretty formidable basic combo, much better IMO than 18-55 and 55-x00.

 

[vindex1963]

I used the 18-70mm and 70-300mm combo for a long time. Good advice.

 

[PhotoEnth47]

I'd chuck a few more bucks and get 70-300 VR or not. 55-200 has small sized glass given that its a farther zoom lens and I personally felt that 200 was just not far enough of a reach. 18-70 and 70-300 are a pretty formidable basic combo, much better IMO than 18-55 and 55-x00.

Yes I agree. But remember you always get what you pay for. Have you also looked at the new 70-200 F4 zoom. It has superb IQ throughout the whole range, not just part of it, and can be used at all f/stops and still get that IQ. If IQ is important to you, this just might be a better proposition that the 70-300 even though the reach is less.