Help me choose Nikon lens for safari photography at Kruger National Park

bhromonkari

New member
[FONT=&quot]Hi all,[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]DSLR newbie here! I am looking to buy a Nikon AFS lens for my Nikon D5100. As of now, the only two options available are the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]https://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/lenses/nikkor_55-300_4p5-5p6g_ed_vr/specifications[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]https://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/lenses/nikon_70-300_4p5-5p6g_vr/overview[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Which one would you recommend for wildlife photography? I will be staying at a private lodge and birding is not a priority.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Many thanks!![/FONT]
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

First off, what lenses do you currently own and what is your budget. Also, I would not limit myself to just Nikon lenses. Some of the third party lenses are very good and less money to boot.
 

bhromonkari

New member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

First off, what lenses do you currently own and what is your budget. Also, I would not limit myself to just Nikon lenses. Some of the third party lenses are very good and less money to boot.

Thank you Bikerbrent!

I currently own an AFS 18-55, 3.5-5.6 G VR, the kit lens basically. I have a low budget, $250 max. I did look for Sigma and Tamron lenses, but none of them have the required specs within my budget. I should mention that I live in Bangladesh, and the variety of lenses available is somewhat restricted. The stores could have lenses ordered from abroad, but I also have a time constraint- I leave for South Africa in 4 days. Which is why I am restricted to the two lenses mentioned above.
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Hi bhromonkari -

I have the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED (the AF-P, no VR) and love it. Very fast auto focus, and that P version is absolutely silent. It's a 350-dollar lens new, but I picked up a like-new unit from B&H for only 60 bucks. I know you're leaving on your trip shortly (have fun!) and may not be able to find this in time. But if luck is on your side and you see one, I do recommend it.
 

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Hi bhromonkari -

I have the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED (the AF-P, no VR) and love it. Very fast auto focus, and that P version is absolutely silent. It's a 350-dollar lens new, but I picked up a like-new unit from B&H for only 60 bucks. I know you're leaving on your trip shortly (have fun!) and may not be able to find this in time. But if luck is on your side and you see one, I do recommend it.

An AF-P is not compatible with his D 5100.
 

cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Welcome to the forum.

Due to your time constraint and your price restriction, if it is available for you locally I would go with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens. I have one and it works very well on my D5300, D7100, and sometimes it even finds it way to the D750. It mostly stays on the D7100.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I see you've made up your mind - I too recommend the 70-300mm. Here is a video showing just how good it is. Have fun with it!

EDIT: Sorry I couldn't find the article he wrote that shows several images. The video endorsement is great though.

 
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