Should I buy Nikon 55-200mm VR lens?
- Thread starter MeSess
- Start date
It is a great lens for what it is capable of. It will depend on exactly what you intend to use it for.
- It is a great portrait length lens but not good in low light
- It is a decent to poor bird lens depending on the size of the bird and how close you can get
- It is a great all around everyday lens
- That price for that lens is great if the lens is clean
Thanks for all of the replies. I have to say I'm happy to find a forum that's actually responsive to questions etc. which is helpful considering I've only had a DSLR for maybe 2 months.
Based on all of the suggestions it sounds like a good lens for a broad range of purposes. While it doesn't do any one thing really well it sounds like it is decent at a number of things (minus low light which is to be expected in this price range). I was hoping to pair it and my kit lens with a prime lens maybe 35mm which seems to be the recommended prime lens for the DX sensor.
Based on all of the suggestions it sounds like a good lens for a broad range of purposes. While it doesn't do any one thing really well it sounds like it is decent at a number of things (minus low light which is to be expected in this price range). I was hoping to pair it and my kit lens with a prime lens maybe 35mm which seems to be the recommended prime lens for the DX sensor.
I've noticed there seems to be a lot of debate about which is the better prime lens for the D60 body. For those of you who have used both is the 35 really that much different than the 50? Would there be any benefit to carrying both?
Also since I've never used a prime lens before, how limited do you feel at first without having a zoom feature? Does it take a while to get used to?
Also since I've never used a prime lens before, how limited do you feel at first without having a zoom feature? Does it take a while to get used to?
If you can walk forward and backwards you can use a 50mm. But seriously that one lens can teach you more about photography than a library shelf of books on the subject. I would opt for the 50 over the 35mm because it can double in a pinch for a good portrait lens and it teaches you an appreciation of what a sharp lens can do.
Yeah that's what I seem to read a lot. Maybe I will opt for the 50mm when the time comes to purchase a prime lens which is convenient since they seem to be readily available used for decent prices. The problem now becomes whether I want the first lens I buy to be a prime lens or a lens like the 55-200mm. Considering I don't have any experience with areas of photography I don't know which direction I would prefer to go.
Well, there are some things a prime lens will do for you. . . . they will teach you to think more about your shot, get good composition each time and use your feet to get closer and farther away (manual zoom). Good teaching tools they are.
They are also usually much sharper image quality as well. But, since they are limited to one focal length many people find them inconvenient.
Does the D60 have the internal focus motor that allows the use of older "D" lenses? If so, you can get the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 "D" lens for about $100 to $150 used in excellent condition.
Englischdude
Senior Member
hi there,
the 55-200 is a great general purpose telezoom if your just starting out. It uses the standard 52mm filter size, has optical stabilization, if it is clean and all is working then I would say go for it. You WILL have cases where you wish for more focal length than the kit lens you currently have. If it is clean and you look after it, I see no reason why you should not get you 70 dollars (or close to it) back in a few years when you move onto something else.
I have both the 35 and 50 primes. I personally prefer primes and zoom with my feet where possible. This makes me think more about the composition of the shot. The 50 is probably my favourite lens of all, spending most of its time firmly seated onto the mount of my D7000. I have the D version which give me full aperture control on the lens, useful if you want to use a reversing ring and the lens as a macro. I use the 35mm for landscapes and when chasing the kids around the apartment where space is limited, even for the 50mm! Beware, you have the D60 camera which has no internal focusing motor, so the 50mm AF D will not autofocus on your camera... manual focus ony if that is not a problem for you. If you need autofocus then you need the newer AFS version.
I completely support the statement of a previous poster who said that you will learn so much about photography using the 50mm prime!
Have fun!
the 55-200 is a great general purpose telezoom if your just starting out. It uses the standard 52mm filter size, has optical stabilization, if it is clean and all is working then I would say go for it. You WILL have cases where you wish for more focal length than the kit lens you currently have. If it is clean and you look after it, I see no reason why you should not get you 70 dollars (or close to it) back in a few years when you move onto something else.
I have both the 35 and 50 primes. I personally prefer primes and zoom with my feet where possible. This makes me think more about the composition of the shot. The 50 is probably my favourite lens of all, spending most of its time firmly seated onto the mount of my D7000. I have the D version which give me full aperture control on the lens, useful if you want to use a reversing ring and the lens as a macro. I use the 35mm for landscapes and when chasing the kids around the apartment where space is limited, even for the 50mm! Beware, you have the D60 camera which has no internal focusing motor, so the 50mm AF D will not autofocus on your camera... manual focus ony if that is not a problem for you. If you need autofocus then you need the newer AFS version.
I completely support the statement of a previous poster who said that you will learn so much about photography using the 50mm prime!
Have fun!
I definitely want to get a prime lens eventually but after hearing your guys' opinions I think maybe the 55-200mm is a better option at this point. It has the same filter size so that would be convenient I won't be purchasing multiple filters. Plus, I think since it's a more all purpose option it will be more beneficial with my experimenting.
The secret of zooms for a new shooter is you get to find what focal lengths you like. That in and of itself can help you to save money buy giving you an idea of what a certain focal length will look like.
Go through old photos and read the EXIF. Look and see what you use most with that 18-55. It will give you idea of what to get in a prime. No buyers remorse so to speak.
Sent from my RM-860_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk
Go through old photos and read the EXIF. Look and see what you use most with that 18-55. It will give you idea of what to get in a prime. No buyers remorse so to speak.
Sent from my RM-860_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk