Lenses for Nikon D50

[debbie_mount]

I am new to digital SLR and have the Nikon D50 kit with 18-55mm lens--I am

wanting to expand to a bigger better lens without paying "big" prices. Would

like info on off brand (not Nikon) lenses such as Tamron. Would like up to a

300mm lens with zoom and image stabilization feature to go with D50 camera.

Would this lens be good for nature, wildlife photos? What is usual price for

this lens?

[robert_hooper1]

http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?

az=list&forum=DCForumID17&conf=DCConfID4

[robert_hooper1]

Sorry Debbie, that link didn't do what I wanted it to do. When you get to Nikonians, scroll

down to, "Non Nikon Products Forum">"Third Party Lenses">"Third party tests and other

information".

 

Lots of good information there.

[Peter_in_PA]

A good choice, although a bit slow, would be the Nikon 70-300 VR. I don't think there's a

lower priced lens that goes to 300 with IS or VR. (Am I right on this, all you geniuses out

there?)

 

It will only be good for nature and wildlife if you bump up your ISO, have lots of light, or if

your subject stays put. A fast lens that's good for this will be lots of $$$.

[kayak203]

The 300mm lens will be large and a good value might turn out to be the Nikon VR lens for around $600. You might want to research the Nikonians and other sources, and try to imagine carrying this thing around and what you would be photographing. At 300mm you may need a lens with either a tripod mount or VR. Also, make sure the aperture F number is 5.6 or less on the long end, so that the autofocus will work. <br><br>At the $200 level, the Nikon 55-200mm or the Tamron 28-200mm might be worth considering, and perhaps you can find one used for less. Keep reading for a while before you buy. Keep shooting with the 18-55mm meanwhile, you might like that lens for most uses.

[henryberkins]

if you have $1000, the 300mm f/4 AF-S is supposed to be really nice. or you could go for its older brother the 300mm f/4 AF($400), slower autofocus, but essentially the same optics. both are very sharp.