A new lens to get me into further shots?

[Mikey]

Hi all,

Have a Nikon D60, with the kit 18-55 lens, and while not wanting to spend a fortune (I'd like to keep that for the macro lens ;) ) I'd like a lens with a little bit more reach.

Found a good price for the Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f4-5.6 VR DX.

Bearing in mind I aint that good with the camera yet, would it be a reasonably sensible purchase? Or would I be better mayeb saving an extra month and go for the 70-300mm version?

I need to read a book too, to get more info in my brain (although the new starter guide on here is excellent!) - any suggestions? "Understanding Exposure" seems to come highly rated...

Thanks in advance.. :)

[Reef bloke]

What do you want the extra reach for Mikey,if its for birds,nature shots etc id definately look for something 300 plus.Not really up on the Nikon lenses so cant give you any pointers there mate,soz.

[Fungia]

I need to read a book too, to get more info in my brain (although the new starter guide on here is excellent!) - any suggestions? "Understanding Exposure" seems to come highly rated...

Thanks in advance.. :)

Yup I really like that book and the follow up "Learning to See Creatively". Filled with useful analogies and really nice full page glossy pics, would definitely recommend both although the latter one is more about composition etc so read UE first. :)


Jeff.

[Interzone]

Understanding exposure is a very good book. What (subject) do you want to use the lens for?

[Mikey]

Yeah, I thought for birdy work, or at least attempts. These birds aren't miles away in the field though, they're on the pond, feeders, etc, and can get reasonably close, but not stroking distance :lol:

Have seen some (IMO) great detail shots with the lens too, almost macro ish, but not... Hard to explain - see..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3256123213_80a09a42e7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3366424723_50635fc06c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3330190527_dd5d49040d.jpg?v=0

(all linked through from the Nikon 55-200mm lens group on flickr)

[garybooth]

I have a Tamron 70-300 which is a nice lens, they are failry cheap as well in comparison to nikon branded lens. Might be worth a look.

Gary

[SCOOB]

Have seen some (IMO) great detail shots with the lens too, almost macro ish, but not... Hard to explain - see..

to help explain: Shallow depth of field on a lense with good optics gives a crisp focal point and a very pleasing Bokeh (blurry background) which results in an image that we associate with nice. The subject stands out and the background falls away.

[djdime]

Think the Sigma equivalent 55-200 is about £200 mate. Nice lens too.

I'm thinking of getting it.