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Telephoto Lens Suggestion


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4 replies to this topic

#1
Tex

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Good Morning Everyone,

 

Looking for a suggestion as I'm finding tons of information out there, most of it conflicting, so I figured this was my best bet to see if someone can help point me to what I'm looking for.

 

I'm in Law Enforcement and I'm looking for a good quality telephoto lens that can provide good zoom capabilities and light intake as some pictures will be taken in low light.

 

My current setup is a Nikon D3300 with a AF-S VR Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 G-II and an AF-S VR Nikkor 55-300mm 4.5-5.6 G-ED.

 

I'm looking for a lens that can provide up to around the equivalent of a "10x" zoom.

Good aperture size as some shooting will be done in low light/night.

Cost is a factor as I work for a governmental agency and they don't like to spend money.

 

Any help will be much appreciated.



#2
Adam

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In terms of value I'd say it's hard to beat the Tamron if you are looking for a F2.8 lens:

https://www.bhphotov...m_f_2_8_di.html

 

At 200mm this is over 10x your base focal length of 18mm, but it certainly won't give you more reach than the 55-300mm.

 

If you do need more reach there's the Sigma 150-600mm, which is also cheaper but also roughly the same aperture as your existing lens:

 

https://www.bhphotov..._6_3_dg_os.html

 

Another consideration which might make things more economical in the long run would be to upgrade the body to something with more sensitive AF / better high-ISO performance.  Then you'd be able to get away with using slower/smaller lenses :)



#3
g4aaw pete

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Hello @tex

 

good suggestions there from Adam.

I've been using a D3300 for the last six years and have the AF-s 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 VR

 

Considering it's an entry level camera, this setup has worked well for me in many situations.

Much will depend how much you want to spend.

 

I recently bought a D800E, which means having to buy some full frame lenses.

If you don't already have a huge selection DX lenses, now might be a good time to look at a full frame or a mirrorless system?


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#4
Brian

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A 300mm lens will give you about 9 times magnification compared to a normal lens for your camera. You have that focal length covered, do you need more magnification?

 

A 300mm F2.8 would be ideal, but cost double what an F4 lens will cost.

 

A 300/4 AF-S used:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/403182830628

 

I have bought from this shop several times.

 

A 400mm lens is the next step up, Tamron and Sigma would be ones to look at. An F5.6 lens is affordable, but you need to ask yourself about the Lighting. A 400mm F4 will be expensive.



#5
fallout666

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one thing to think about your on D3300 which basic DSLR camera nikon makes does not have low light sensor. you better off looking for used nikon gen 1 70-200mm which will give 300mm at F/2.8 for it. not sure if can afford to upgrade to D7200 and get used nikon gen 1 70-200mm lens for it. your limited in that camera since need good flash or lighting setup with flash add to camera to get better shoot. also if get that 300mm lens you got to add the crop factor to it and becomes 450mm lens at f/4 stops too. and if gets 400mm its going to 600mm with crop factor too. he is using dx body.