Hi folks, I'm a new member, and have been enjoying reading many of the interesting & informative threads. I just got a new Nikon D5600, with included 18 – 55mm lens. I’ve been using Nikon point and shoot cameras (Cool Pix 2100, and L610) since I gave up film around 15 years ago. Considering the 3 times higher price tag, my initial shots didn’t seem to warrant the extra $$, but I’m starting to get better. I know I’m going to have to work at it, and I’ve been trying to read up on the different lenses and camera settings. I have a long way to go, but I’ve only had it for a few days. I just found the forum here, and have been trying to learn all I can. I have always liked my small Nikon cameras, and have gotten some surprisingly good photos with them.
I’ve read many of the lens threads, and still have a few questions, so I thought I’d try to describe my needs and get some suggestions. I have no problem with eventually investing in several lenses, but since I just got the camera, I can’t spend too much. I’m looking for my first zoom lens for bird / wildlife shots.
I take lots of outdoor / nature / landscape / sky / sunset / bird shots, as well as close ups of smaller indoor items such as pocket knives / coins / guitars, and would like to eventually try some night / moon / stars photos. So while looking up lenses, I see that I can easily spend from $80 to $8600 on a single lens. I know you probably get what you pay for in many regards, but I don’t have access to a camera store, or any way to try things out, so I plan to try one or two lower end lenses for now.
I was comparing a Nikon 70 – 300mm, f4-5.6, and a similar Tamron lens, that both seem to be available in the $125 range. A few questions, for anyone who may want to answer some or all:
- How important is Vibration Reduction, for daytime shots in general? I don’t mind using a tri pod sometimes, but not 100% of the time.
- How big of a pain is it if Auto Focus is not compatible? My camera book says compatible with AF-S, AF-P, AF-I … so I guess I have to look for that spec to know if AF will work with my model?
- How much difference is there in 200 or 300mm at the top end, for a general purpose lens?
- I realize that in this price range they’ll likely be plastic, and not pro level or heavy duty, but if anyone has any preference for the Nikon vs. Tamron or other brands, or knows of issues to stay away from, please let me know … I’m brand new to this style of camera.
- Any idea how much more $$ I’d be looking at for a decent lens that has VR and is AF compatible to the D5600?
- I’ve only just ran onto a thread about calibrating with programs, TAP, etc. I know nothing about it. Is this something I’m going to have to learn and do with any lens I buy? Would using the Nikon brand lens eliminate the need do the calibration process?
Hope that’s not too much. I almost just ordered one out of the blue, but I figured I would look to the forums for advice & suggestions first – from the folks who use them. I’ve done well with forums / message boards in other areas. Thanks in advance!
JT