"Travel telephoto" - D800?

I don't really use a telephoto much but would like one just for travel/holidays when IQ isn't 100% critical. I did buy the 70-200 F4 when I first got the D800 and as excellent as it was just couldn't justify it sat on the shelf 90% of the time so sold it on.

The obvious choices are the Tamron 70-300 SP VC and the Nikon equivalent, I've already had the Tamron which turned out faulty so question is should I get another one, go with the Nikon or get something else?

Appreciate any user feedback

Thanks

Simon

Well, if you can afford it, go for Nikon 70-300VR. From what I heard, Tamron 70-300mm VC is an excellent option, too.
But, what makes you sure it is not going to "sit on the shelf", just like the 70-200mm did?

Another thing: if the IQ is not a priority, why not buying a Nikon 28-300mm, thus having an "all around" lens, without any need to switch between the two or three, "in the field"...?

Odds are the lens will sit on the shelf for a fair amount of time but I don't mind so much for the price of the Tamron/Nikon 70-300, the 70-200F4 cost substantially more - it was rather too bulky for general travel too when combined with the 16-35F4 and 24-120F4 I already have

The 28-300 is a good idea actually, something I hadn't considered, I could then also lave the 24-120 at home and just travel with the 16-35/28-30 combo which sounds a nice travel set.. now you have me thinking

Simon

What he said. If you're not willing to invest in something that will take advantage of the IQ that the D800 gives you (i.e. the 70-200mm f/4 vs. the 70-300mm) then you're likely only going to feel a little better because you didn't spend as much on the shelf ornament.

The 28-300mm is never going to win any prizes for sharpness, but for travel it's a tough lens to beat on an FX camera. Great range, more than decent IQ, and the knowledge that you'll almost never have to change lenses. I sold mine to buy my D600 and wish I never had.

Ok,, I have a variety of zoom Telephotos, and my now current favorite,, the 80-400 VR,, Now,, I got mine at 650 dollars in awesome shape, but did replace the Nikon flimsy tripod ring for a Kirk ring, yes,, they have replaced with a more expensive new one, slightly faster focus,, maybe a tad tad shaper,, but I have gotten lots of great shots with my 80-400. and plenty sharp enough.



I have sharper examples, that that is a quick grab, of very fast moving planes, and very far away, and I was able to zoom way in,, and the focus took! I got a bunch of these type of shots.

So why the slightly less sharp over the 70-210 or 80-200 2.8s,, because of the fantastic flexibility,, one lens from 80-400,, kinda magical.
and it weighs the same, and takes up the same amount of room,

I find that with my kirk tripod ring, it makes the perfect handle, and I can really support the lens well, so I end up with a really nice ergonomic friendly setup.

I like walking around with three lens,, ultra wide zoom (14-24), a mid range 35-70 2.8 or 24-85 AFS,, and this 80-400 VR.

anyway,, can't go wrong with the 70-210 2.8 (awesome lens),, or even an older cheaper 80-200 2.8 (really sharp lens and now cheap).

I personally am not in love with any of the consumer grade 70-200 range lens,, cheap build, flimsy feel and non precise.

I would rather buy the same price 80-200 2.8 used and have a better product, or save up the big dough for the trinity 70-210 2.8 or

consider my advice of a 650-800 dollar range 80-400 VR.

good lens hunting.

I've had a version of the 70-300 for 10 years and feel that it's one of Nikon's best values. I got my current 70-300VR refurbed for $375 and while I don't use it much (I use my 70-200 2.8 10x more), it still comes in handy when I need the reach on sunny days. Plus, it's light (1/4lb less than the 70-200 f/4 and HALF the weight of the 2.8).

Vacation lens?... Limited use/need lens?....Inexpensive telephoto?

The 70-300VR fits the bill and it produces very acceptable pictures.

I replaced mine with the 80-400VR, but my 70-300 was never designated as a part-time vacation lens. My vacation lens is the 24-85VR as I tend to enjoy closeup wide shots over distance.

If you rent a lens, there's no worries of it sitting around after you get home... Just send it back!

SteveH said:

If you rent a lens, there's no worries of it sitting around after you get home... Just send it back!

Click to expand...

Yes, that definitely appeals.. think I might loan the 28-300 on my next trip to give it a go. The new one Tamron are working on sounds quite promising so if I do make a purchase it won't be before that's been released

Simon

I use a nikon 28-300 vr for my walkabout lens. The 70-200 is slightly sharper and fast speeds, but I really like the zoom range on the 28-300, and as I use my camera (D800E) everyday for work (oilfield inspection) and play, it is very sturdy, well built and durable lens (bag is constantly knocked about). Iwould rent both lenses and play around with them before buying, as only you would know what you want out of the lens. the off brands on both of them don't perform as well, and the build in sigma, tameron, etc is close, but not quite there. A walk about lens needs to be a good build quailty and durable, as it gets knocked about and jostled more. Best of luck !

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I wound up buying a slightly used Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD VC Aspherical Macro at a great price. Like the Nikon 18-200 I had with my D300, it won't get much use.

I visited the USS Arizona Memorial earlier this week. Prior to visiting I was warned about the bag restrictions: "NO purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags, luggage or other items that provide concealment are allowed in the Visitor Center or on the USS Arizona Memorial. Visitors should bring in their wallets, cameras (no large camera bags are allowed), cellular phones, and water bottles." A lens like this for these type of situations is extremely useful.

Here is one of my favorites. I did have a CPL attached too.

I was in the same predicament last week. I'm going on a vaction to Seattle soon and needed a travel lens that can give me a wide focal range to choose from. My 50mm and 16-35mm will make the Seattle skyline shot I want look like a small speck on the viewfinder. So, I decided on the 28-300mm since it gives me such a wide range of uses. I'm still probably going to bring my 50mm for low-light shots, and 16-35mm for interesting architecture or wide landscape shots, but the 28-300 will probably be on MOST of the time. When I get back, I'll report my findings...

I'm using my 24-70 almost exclusively for the rest of our vacation.

Glad I had the 28-300 during a helicopter ride over Volcanoes National Park yesterday!