Camera Labs

Hi,
I've a D3100. I want to get a telephoto lens.
I've narrowed down to -
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

The problem with the 70-300 one is that i might have to keep changing my lens. But with 28-300 it covers a range and looks like a good multi purpose one.

Please share your opinions and suggest. Thanks!


Arun

No one !!

Well, you gotta keep in mind that the 28-300mm may cover a large focal length range, but it only zooms out to 28mm (42mm equivalent), which is not very wide on a crop-sensored camera like your D3100. The 28-300mm is really designed for full frame use where it gives about the same coverage as an 18-200mm lens would on your D3100. This may be a better choice if you want an all-in-one lens. But it all depends on your style of shooting. 42mm may be wide enough for you. You could of course combine it with a wider angle lens. Or go for a two-lens setup with the 70-300mm covering the telephoto end

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Canon DSLRs: 5D Mark III, 7D
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For no-compromise optical quality, go for the 70-300. Generally, dedicated telephoto lenses offer better image quality than the "do it all" type lenses, such as the 28-300. However, if you don't want to be changing lenses too often, the 28-300 would be a good choice.

As Janern mentioned, the 28-300 offers an equivalent focal length of 42mm on your D3100, which if you're using it for general purpose photos and telephoto shots you should be fine with. However, if you also want the ability to do landscapes, consider a Nikon 18-200 or the tiny Tamron 18-270. However, bear in mind that a new Nikon 18-300 is rumored for next January. Which these lenses would be great for the time being, if you're looking into upgrading to a full frame body anytime soon, they won't work as they're designed for crop-frame cameras like your D3100. For a full frame camera, you'd need something like the 70-300 or 28-300.

I personally use a 16-85 and I love it, for 95% of my shots it covers all the distance that I need, it's sharp, and the extra 2mm over the other DX zooms really does make a big difference. If I had the money right now, I'd probably pick up a 70-300 to compliment it.

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

Yeah i agree with you.... 70-300 has really good image quality...checked it out in the shop yesterday. But guys, the shop keeper showed me the tamron and sigma 70-300. The tamron one has VC (vibration compensation), silent focus motor which is quick as well. Its the "Tamron SP AF70-300m F4-5.6 Di VC USD" for nikon. Its a little cheaper. Then he showed me the sigma 70-300. Its half the price. Plus it has a macro option. The auto focus is fast. Its half price bços no VR.

And now I'm terribly confused. I mean i've decided on the 70-300 for the better image quality. But should i get the nikon / tamron / sigma...

I'm going through many reviews...but give me your valuable opinions as well. If you have any of these lens please tell me the pros n cons.

Thanks!
Arun

When you start looking at telephoto lenses (eg: 200mm or 300mm), vibration reduction/image stabilization becomes much more important than with wider focal lengths, as image shake will be much more evident. For that reason alone, I wouldn't consider the Sigma unless you could get it for a great price. If you need macro, I'd recommend a dedicated macro lens such as the Nikon 105mm micro.

What you're getting when you purchase the Nikon version, is peace of mind essentially. Your lens will most likely be supported with any new camera releases, unlike 3rd party options that may lost AF when paired with a newer body for whatever reason. They also have a better resale value (3rd party options tend to sell dirt cheap second hand), plus sometimes, but not always, better build and image quality.

_________________
-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

^^ what Evan said

go with the Tamron 70-300 Sp VC USD or the Nikkor 70-300. If I had a Nikon I would go with the Nikkor. VC, VR or IS whatever you call it is worth it.
Get a separate macro lens.

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Canon Powershot S95, Canon 7D, 15-85, Canon 85 1.8 USM, Sigma 30 1.4, 50mm 1.8, Canon 100 2.8L IS Macro, Canon 70-300L IS USM+Kenko 1.4 Pro 300DGX, Canon 430EX II and RS 4 Classic

Thanks for your inputs guys!

I've decided to go for the tamron 70-300 one!

Should buy it sometime this week.....

Hi guys...i bought the Tamron Sp 70-300mm VC Di USD XLD - nikon mount.
Its great. The VC on this, is very different. It really freezes the shot...i mean its one to be experienced.

Happy with the piece i got as well.

Cheers!
Arun