Nikon 28-300mm VR for a walkabout lens.

[Deuce808]

I've been looking at the Nikon 28-300 as well. For a DX though, a 7000, I think it'll fit in with my 10-24 really well. I have the 18-140 as well as the 70-300. I never use the 18-140, basically the only time I use it is when I force myself to take only that lens. Right now I have the gap between the UW and the Telezoom filled with primes and putting the 18-140 up for sale.

Does the 28-300 compare to the 70-300 for the average shooter, not a pixel peeper, not a photoshop addict, just a regular guy that tries to get it sharp and right in camera without fussing about.

 

[Eduard]

Does the 28-300 compare to the 70-300 for the average shooter, not a pixel peeper, not a photoshop addict, just a regular guy that tries to get it sharp and right in camera without fussing about.

Do you tend to shoot more at the wide or tele end of the lens? If the majority of the time you're between 200 and 300mm, IMHO you would be better off with the 70-300 VR. If I was still shooting DX, without hesitation I would be drooling over the Tamron 16-300 as my convenience lens but I tend to shoot more at the wide end. Plus it has Macro.

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

Just so ya know... The Nikon 28-300 is GLASS... IOW, it's heavy...

 

[RocketCowboy]

I'm leary of the super zooms that try to cover both the wide angle and long reach out to 200-300mm. Most of this stems from my experience with the initial kit 55-300mm lens, but anything that long is likely to be soft on the long end.

I haven't owned the 18-140mm, but my experience with the 24-120mm has me thinking it's pretty similar, with the additional benefit of being fixed f/4. I can't really complain about the IQ I get from that lens.

 

[Bob O]

I have a Nikon 28-300 and have used it for over a year now. For a 10 to 1 zoom it does a good job. If you are looking to make 20x30" posters, you may want a different lens however if you are happy with typical prints you make on a home printer, go for it. Be aware that the zoom lens has a "lock" so you can prevent it from zooming due to gravity when it is pointed down as you carry it. If you have the lock off (as you would to operate the zoom), the lens will zoom to 300mm if you hold the camera with the lens facing down. Its not a problem but something you should know.

Bob O

 

[Deuce808]

I have a Nikon 28-300 and have used it for over a year now. For a 10 to 1 zoom it does a good job. If you are looking to make 20x30" posters, you may want a different lens however if you are happy with typical prints you make on a home printer, go for it. Be aware that the zoom lens has a "lock" so you can prevent it from zooming due to gravity when it is pointed down as you carry it. If you have the lock off (as you would to operate the zoom), the lens will zoom to 300mm if you hold the camera with the lens facing down. Its not a problem but something you should know.

Bob O

what would happen if someone forgot to turn off the lock? It just wouldn't zoom or would it break something? Just wondering as I have almost forgot to turn my body to manual before turning the focus ring on the 50 1.8d

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

Nothing... the Lock simply 'locks' the lens at the 28mm position... Some of the lenses get loose, and if you're at the 28mm position, and point the lens down, the weight of the lens causes it to 'zoom'/fall out to the 300mm position... that could be a problem if it 'slams' forward... my lens is tight, so I rarely ever lock it...

 

[hrstrat57]

@Blacktop any way you can handle the lens before making this leap?

I've handled one in the LCS and as @FredKingston says above it is big. I could get used to it but I found it uncomfortble without the MB-D10 attached.
Of course if the price is right you can easily flip if you don't like it. I guess I am saying hang on to the Nikkor AF-S 70-300 VR until you are satisfied.

 

[Blacktop]

I decided not to get anything now. Ill live with lens switching for now. I really want a Siggy 150-600 and if I keep spending that money, I won't have any of it left when its available in the Nikon mount.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

 

[Blade Canyon]

I used this lens for three days in Manhattan last year. Very versatile, and the lock does help keep the package tight when moving through tight spaces (coupled with a Black Rapid strap and the back part of the strap locked under my belt behind the 3 o'clock belt loop).

It's definitely not as sharp or fast as some other lenses.

 

[Blade Canyon]

And one more to show the wide side, shooting at 28mm inside the original Ellis Island processing room: