telephoto recommendations for D5100

[coldwell]

Hi everyone,

I am shooting with a D5100, using a Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 and a Nikon 35/1.8.

I'm newly based in Switzerland and travelling as much as possible with my camera. My photos are basically travel, city/street photos and landscapes.

I find I can't always get close enough to somethings to shoot what I want (especially on mountain hikes) and would like your input on my next lens. New or used I'd like to keep under $600 max (USD).

I've looked at the Sigma 17-70/2.8 which would be great for most of my shots (I think) but perhaps I should look at something with yet more reach. but it could replace the 35mm on a lot of city trips around Europe.

I think I'd be most happy with the Sigma 50-150 but it seems hard to find.

Also Nikon 55-200mm perhaps? Anything else I'm not thinking of? I think 200mm is the longest I'd need.

Thanks!

 

[mrbr]

Hi,

Considering your budget, I would go for the nikon 55--200 VRII or 55-300VR.

For more info see http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-databases-for-nikon/thoms-recommended-lenses.html

Greetings,
Marc

 

[Stephan Def]

Hi everyone,

I am shooting with a D5100, using a Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 and a Nikon 35/1.8.

I'm newly based in Switzerland and travelling as much as possible with my camera. My photos are basically travel, city/street photos and landscapes.

I find I can't always get close enough to somethings to shoot what I want (especially on mountain hikes) and would like your input on my next lens. New or used I'd like to keep under $600 max (USD).

I've looked at the Sigma 17-70/2.8 which would be great for most of my shots (I think) but perhaps I should look at something with yet more reach. but it could replace the 35mm on a lot of city trips around Europe.

On the sigma ... you should consider the 17-50 2.8. Why? because the image quality is excellent overall and you can crop the rest going up to 70. Also you save some money with it. The Sigma 17-50 will be a very good lens for city trips you may find yourself not using the 35/1.8 anymore. Look at this Video its very nicely done:

I think I'd be most happy with the Sigma 50-150 but it seems hard to find.

Also Nikon 55-200mm perhaps? Anything else I'm not thinking of? I think 200mm is the longest I'd need.

I can't recommend the 55-200, I own it, its quite inexpensive but you get what you pay for in this case. The Tamron 70-300 gets very high recommendations and would give you some extra reach. I have heard good things about the Sigma 50-150 but they appear to be discontinued and very hard to find.

Thanks!

 

[Stephan Def]

For the Nikon 55-200 there is a very interesting discussion thread here: https://www.flickr.com/groups/356195@N23/discuss/page2 ... it is worthwhile reading

And lots of sample images here: https://www.flickr.com/groups/356195@N23/pool/page1 ... also very worthwhile studying.

There are two versions of the lens. If you get it, then try to get the VR II version which has better VR (1 stop) and is foldable. The new version has come way down in price and is quite affordable, you can probably pick up a used VR (previous version) dirt cheap.

You have to know what you are doing with this lens. You have to study it and know its strengths, sweet spots etc. It is actually very good for Portraits because it is quite soft and muted ( I find). It gives a kind of flat lomographic look in many scenarios. You can use this to your creative advantage in post processing, cross processing and so on. Personally I do not find it an easy going lens because it flares a lot and gives very muted performance depending on the light, back lighting and so on. However I must say it is amazing what some people manage to get out of the lens with thoughtful usage and good post processing. For the price its a low risk proposition and maybe just what you want.

Cheers and good luck.

 

[coldwell]

Ya, I'm not convinced on the 55-200mm quality and I'm not convinced I need the reach these days.... something in the 70mm to 100mm should be ok. I'd love to find the 50-150 but it will be a long search I'm sure.

Ill check out the Sigma 17-50 as well. I like the idea of the 10-20 with the 17-50 or 17-70 and just carrying those 2 lenses.....Thanks for the info!

 

[Bernard Delley]

when I want DSLR image quality and do not want to carry more than one lens on a hike. (yesterday, I hiked 5 hours with the AFS 16-85mm + the AFS 80-400mm and a heavier DX body hoping to see eagles, or other interesting wildlife in the Entlebuch biosphere. A <3 kg photo walk)

I find both of these 5x excellent achievers in versatility and image quality and weight. The 16mm is often wide enough for me in landscape and walk around photography. If it is not wide enough for a landscape image, I may do a handheld panorama to be stitched from several images at the computer.

the AFS 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 can be found now and then around 300 CHF in excellent condition on ricardo or ebay.

I love the ultrawide lens for city walks and occasional stars+landscapes. The 35mm f/1.8 is great for city strolls in the evening and at night.

 

[mgd43]

Consider the Nikon 18-140 VR. It's a very good lens and it should cover you tele needs better than an 18-50 or 18-70.

 

[baloo_buc]

Get a Nikon 18-140 mm VR. It has a decent reach and it is a strong performer just not too wide (but you have Sigma for that).

A gallery with 18-140 mm (and D5100 for the matter)

Another gallery with 18-140 mm VR

PS: Sorry for the links but Picasa doesn't work anymore and most of my galleries are there. So I have to access them through Google Photos that makes impossible to link directly.

--
Victor
Bucuresti, Romania
http://picasaweb.google.com/victorpetcu69/
http://picasaweb.google.com/teodor.nitica/
http://picasaweb.google.com/vpreallize/
http://picasaweb.google.com/v.petcu.gci/
http://picasaweb.google.com/vpetcu.gci.arhiva/
http://picasaweb.google.com/v.petcu.poze/
http://picasaweb.google.com/millenia.advisory/
http://s106.photobucket.com/albums/m268/victor_petcu/

 

[Bobthearch]

Hi everyone,

I am shooting with a D5100, using a Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 and a Nikon 35/1.8.

Also Nikon 55-200mm perhaps? Anything else I'm not thinking of? I think 200mm is the longest I'd need.

Thanks!

I recently moved 'up' from the 55-200 VR to a 55-300 VR. Picked it up refurbished for only $200. Not only is the lens quality a bit better than the 55-200, but I love the extra reach for far-off geographical features and occasional wildlife. It's not bad for semi-macro shots either, like flowers.

The cons, the 55-300 weighs more and is bulkier than the 55-200. Size-wise, the 55-200 might be a better match to the D5100. And it's a different (larger) diameter than any of my other lenses, meaning it cannot share filters.

 

[Stephan Def]

Get a Nikon 18-140 mm VR. It has a decent reach and it is a strong performer just not too wide (but you have Sigma for that).

I was thinking the same thing, however the 18-140 is not on the list of supported lenses for the d5100 .... http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/109.html

Also if you buy the lens standalone (not in a kit) it is quite pricey.

I think if you get a D7200 kit with that lens its probably a really good deal, but that wasn't what the OP asked. :-(

 

[mrbr]

Get a Nikon 18-140 mm VR. It has a decent reach and it is a strong performer just not too wide (but you have Sigma for that).

I was thinking the same thing, however the 18-140 is not on the list of supported lenses for the d5100 .... http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/109.html

"Loaded into compatible cameras, distortion control data reduce barrel and pincushion distortion when photographs are taken or edited."

IMO the 18-140 will work fine on teh D5100. Only the lens-distortion will not be automatically reduced in camera when shooting jpg's. When shooting RAW this distortion control may be done by the program you use.

Also if you buy the lens standalone (not in a kit) it is quite pricey.

I think if you get a D7200 kit with that lens its probably a really good deal, but that wasn't what the OP asked. :-(

Greetings,
Marc

 

[coldwell]

Thanks everyone! I've narrowed to 4 lenses (best prices I can find locally)

Sigma 18-200 ($349)

Nikon 55-200 ($199) only 1 at this price normally 289..I think it's grey market as no warranty appears on the store website but it does show warranty at 289 price.

Nikon 55-300 ($319)

Nikon 18-105 ($249)

I think at these prices either the 55-200 or 18-105...I like the wider angle of the 18-105 even though I have a 10-20 and a 35...but I might like the reach of the 200 sometimes....argh! haha.

Probably given my current 2 lenses I should go for the 55-200...if that one remaining lens sells before I make a decision then I may consider 55-300 as price is only $30 more.

 

[mrbr]

Thanks everyone! I've narrowed to 4 lenses (best prices I can find locally)

Sigma 18-200 ($349)

Is this the version with the Sigma USB Dock support ? See http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...dx-cameras/sigma-18-200mm-f35-63-ii-dc-2.html .

This is necessary IMO to be able in case you get compatibility issues with your D5100 or your upgrade camerabodies in the future !

Nikon 55-200 ($199) only 1 at this price normally 289..I think it's grey market as no warranty appears on the store website but it does show warranty at 289 price.

Is this the latest version , the 55-500 VRII ?? See http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...on-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-200mm-f4-56g-if-2.html

Not this one : http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...ikon-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-200mm-f4-56g-if.html the older version ?

Nikon 55-300 ($319)

Nikon 18-105 ($249)

I think at these prices either the 55-200 or 18-105...I like the wider angle of the 18-105 even though I have a 10-20 and a 35...but I might like the reach of the 200 sometimes....argh! haha.

If you want a 1 lens solution or are you willing to change lenses ?

Probably given my current 2 lenses I should go for the 55-200...if that one remaining lens sells before I make a decision then I may consider 55-300 as price is only $30 more.

$319-$199 = $120 !!!???

The 55-300 is according to Thom Hogan a better choice then the 55-200 VR and 55-200 VRII , see http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...ikon-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-300mm-f4-56g-ed.html

Greetings,
Marc

 

[ansdguy]

Thanks everyone! I've narrowed to 4 lenses (best prices I can find locally)

Sigma 18-200 ($349)

Is this the version with the Sigma USB Dock support ? See http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...dx-cameras/sigma-18-200mm-f35-63-ii-dc-2.html .

This is necessary IMO to be able in case you get compatibility issues with your D5100 or your upgrade camerabodies in the future !

Nikon 55-200 ($199) only 1 at this price normally 289..I think it's grey market as no warranty appears on the store website but it does show warranty at 289 price.

Is this the latest version , the 55-500 VRII ?? See http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...on-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-200mm-f4-56g-if-2.html

Not this one : http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...ikon-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-200mm-f4-56g-if.html the older version ?

Nikon 55-300 ($319)

Nikon 18-105 ($249)

I think at these prices either the 55-200 or 18-105...I like the wider angle of the 18-105 even though I have a 10-20 and a 35...but I might like the reach of the 200 sometimes....argh! haha.

If you want a 1 lens solution or are you willing to change lenses ?

Probably given my current 2 lenses I should go for the 55-200...if that one remaining lens sells before I make a decision then I may consider 55-300 as price is only $30 more.

$319-$199 = $120 !!!???

The 55-300 is according to Thom Hogan a better choice then the 55-200 VR and 55-200 VRII , see http://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/le...ikon-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-300mm-f4-56g-ed.html

Greetings,
Marc

I just ordered a refurbished 55-300VR for only $219.00 at Buydig.com. Nikon has them for $225.00. I love the refurbs because of their price and reliability. When a lens or camera, for that matter, is refurbished, a living technician goes through the unit and replaces everything that might be problematic. The warranty is only 90 days, instead of 5 years. However, I have never had any of the 4 or 5 lenses give me trouble. My D5100 is a refurb as well. I've had it for 3 years with no issues.

 

[Bobthearch]

I just ordered a refurbished 55-300VR for only $219.00 at Buydig.com. Nikon has them for $225.00. I love the refurbs because of their price and reliability. When a lens or camera, for that matter, is refurbished, a living technician goes through the unit and replaces everything that might be problematic. The warranty is only 90 days, instead of 5 years. However, I have never had any of the 4 or 5 lenses give me trouble. My D5100 is a refurb as well. I've had it for 3 years with no issues.

When I received my refurb 55-300 ($200 at Adorama), it was indistinguishable from new.

 

[ansdguy]

I just ordered a refurbished 55-300VR for only $219.00 at Buydig.com. Nikon has them for $225.00. I love the refurbs because of their price and reliability. When a lens or camera, for that matter, is refurbished, a living technician goes through the unit and replaces everything that might be problematic. The warranty is only 90 days, instead of 5 years. However, I have never had any of the 4 or 5 lenses give me trouble. My D5100 is a refurb as well. I've had it for 3 years with no issues.

When I received my refurb 55-300 ($200 at Adorama), it was indistinguishable from new.

 

[coldwell]

I checked adorama - good prices but does used = refurbished? Condition shows as e+ so that looks good.

Shipping to CH is horrible though...another $60USD minimum! Still a good deal though. saves me $100 cdn getting used after taxes and exchange rates.

Whether I buy in USD or CHF it sucks with the CAD dollar!

Wealth of info everyone! Much appreciated for your thoughts.

 

[ansdguy]

Used should mean used. MRefurbished shouldn't mean the same as used. Look at their explanations of their grading system. I don't remember it clearly.

Good luck!

 

[cosmicnode]

Hi everyone,

I am shooting with a D5100, using a Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 and a Nikon 35/1.8.

I'm newly based in Switzerland and travelling as much as possible with my camera. My photos are basically travel, city/street photos and landscapes.

I find I can't always get close enough to somethings to shoot what I want (especially on mountain hikes) and would like your input on my next lens. New or used I'd like to keep under $600 max (USD).

I've looked at the Sigma 17-70/2.8 which would be great for most of my shots (I think) but perhaps I should look at something with yet more reach. but it could replace the 35mm on a lot of city trips around Europe.

I think I'd be most happy with the Sigma 50-150 but it seems hard to find.

Also Nikon 55-200mm perhaps? Anything else I'm not thinking of? I think 200mm is the longest I'd need.

Thanks!

I will suggest a completely different approach to other suggestions, you have a 10-24 mm Sigma, why not compliment this with a Nikon 24-120mm f4vr lens, these are sold as kit lenses with the D750. People buy the kit, sell the lens cheaply and by doing this save on the cost of the body. There are many of these as white box lenses on eBay, in the UK they are around £500 so you will probably get one within your price range of $600. I have recently bought a D500 and are looking to buy a lens in the 10-24mm range and the 24-120 as a walk around DX lens kit.

 

[coldwell]

Hi everyone,

I am shooting with a D5100, using a Sigma 10-20/4-5.6 and a Nikon 35/1.8.

I'm newly based in Switzerland and travelling as much as possible with my camera. My photos are basically travel, city/street photos and landscapes.

I find I can't always get close enough to somethings to shoot what I want (especially on mountain hikes) and would like your input on my next lens. New or used I'd like to keep under $600 max (USD).

I've looked at the Sigma 17-70/2.8 which would be great for most of my shots (I think) but perhaps I should look at something with yet more reach. but it could replace the 35mm on a lot of city trips around Europe.

I think I'd be most happy with the Sigma 50-150 but it seems hard to find.

Also Nikon 55-200mm perhaps? Anything else I'm not thinking of? I think 200mm is the longest I'd need.

Thanks!

I will suggest a completely different approach to other suggestions, you have a 10-24 mm Sigma, why not compliment this with a Nikon 24-120mm f4vr lens, these are sold as kit lenses with the D750. People buy the kit, sell the lens cheaply and by doing this save on the cost of the body. There are many of these as white box lenses on eBay, in the UK they are around £500 so you will probably get one within your price range of $600. I have recently bought a D500 and are looking to buy a lens in the 10-24mm range and the 24-120 as a walk around DX lens kit.

--
Mike.
"I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure."

Interesting suggestion, thank you. I've heard of using DX lenses on a full frame but not the other way around...how does that work?