Which zoom lens on a budget??

R

Rawfocus

Senior Member
This is a great thread to read and interesting what various peoples opinions are.

I hope the OP doesn't mind me hijacking, but my requirement is much similar.

I have the standard 18-55mm VR lense that came with my camera. Now I am going on Safari in two weeks time and would quite like to treat myself to something a bit better for distance... I say 'treat', more of a budget upgrade, as it will get little use in the immediate future holiday aside.

Bearing in mind I will not have a tri-pod and most likely will be hanging out the back of a jeep, is it worth me going as far as a 300mm?Saying that, there is vast Savannah where I am sleeping so maybe a 300 is what I should aim for, but on a budget i'm guessing i'll be hard pushed to find one with VR/AF (I am also aware I need to be careful not to get caught out with fixed lense length too!)

Like I say, I just want to give myself an extra edge just in case there is something mighty special to capture.(bear in mind though that i'm a Novice with £100 budget).

Can any of you good folk point me in the right direction?

Many thanks :)

Rory
 
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RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Rory, you are gonna hard pressed to get what you need for £100.. I think thats about $152 US?? You can likely get a 55-200 f/4.0-5.6 used for that. It is a kit lens that many start with and some sell when they upgrade to the 55-300 or 70-300.

For your trip (and being budget aware) I would suggest the 55-300 for the extra reach. They are available in US for $240 Factory Refurb ( £160 )

Just my opinion, based on yoru circumstances. If you cannot swing the 300, the 200 is a decent lens with near 4 times the reach of what you have.

Another option, rent a 300, especially if you are not seeing much use after your trip.

Best of luck...

Pat in NH
 
S

SteveH

Senior Member
Hi Rory,
I'd take Pat's advice here.... Going on a safari you are going to want more than the 18-55mm, but if you don't have the budget then definatley go for a rental. I've never been lucky enough to go on such a trip, but I would imaginge the jeep stops when there is something interesting, so I would definately invest in a monopod... You can get them fairly cheap and with a zoom are more or less essential.

Have a great trip!
 
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§am

Senior Member
Rory - you'd have to keep a keen eye out for a zoom to fit the budget you have.
However, you can hire a 70-300mm for £37/week, or even a 28-300mm for £54/week.

Have a look here: Nikon telephoto
 
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