can't get close enough-new lens reccommendations

[kgreen]

Okay, I think I'm desperate! LOL I had prevously been researching a lens with more reach than my 18-105 kit lens. (nikon d7000) I really like my 18-105mm lens, but often miss out on shots at my sons baseball games, photos at the zoo, & this october we will be staying at the animal kingdom lodge when we visit disney world. So what would be comparable to my 18-105mm, reasonable priced lens that would give me the extra reach i'm looking for? I don't have anywhere close to be able to hand hold & check out lenses in person, so you can imagine my frustration trying to do it online. Is there a lens you can reccommend to give me more reach with in the $200.00 to $300.00 range that would be worth purchasing. This would replace my current lens & be my new walk around lens. What do you think, can you point me in the right direction?

 

[NLD]

Are the baseball games during the day, or are they in low light?

Also, is it absolutely necessary to give up your current lens?

I ask that second question because, the only way to get more reach AND keep the wide angle all in one lens, is to get a super-zoom. The super zooms usually don't have as good IQ and are generally slow (small aperture) at the long end.

If you are able to keep the 18-105 and just purchase a telephoto to go along with it, you have many more options.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I have the Nikkor 55-300 lens for my Nikon D5000. It does a great job for zoos and nature. Haven't done much at a sporting event. Loved it at Animal Kingdom when we were there last year. I used the 18-55 as my walk around lens and then switched when I needed more zoom.

 

[NLD]

The 55-300 is an option, but if you're selling the 18-105, it's not a good replacement.3
I would be really, really hesitant to suggest 55-300 as someone's only lens. Just not good focal lengths for a walkaround lens.

 

[photo_chick]

One of the major benefits of an interchangeable lens camera is the ability to have specialized lenses for a given situation. As a result lenses that do it all generally are not the best lens for any situation.

Nikon makes an 18-300 that's not too slow on the long end, it would be sufficient for daytime sports but will be too slow for night time shots. It's $1000, so a little out of your price range. Tamron makes an 18-270 and Sigma has an 18-250, but both are really, really slow on the long end and are priced out of your budget as well.

 

[Experiment_626]

Yes, I think the best suggestion would be to keep your 18-105 and get the 55-300. I have one and I love it! You can get quasi-macro shots at 300mm, and it can make great portraits, judging by my limited attempts thus far. The bokeh is surprisingly good as well. It has VR too, which is very helpful at the longer focal lengths.

SSB

 

[kgreen]

Thanks for all the responses. The baseball games are during the day. Yes I will be keeping my 18-105. I could keep my 18-105 as my walk around, & just switch to the 55-300 when I need the extra reach.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Thanks for all the responses. The baseball games are during the day. Yes I will be keeping my 18-105. I could keep my 18-105 as my walk around, & just switch to the 55-300 when I need the extra reach.

For the price, I think you will be happy with the lens.

 

[kgreen]

I've been checking on prices, found anywhere from 399.00 for new, & as low as 250.00 -300.00 for used/refurbished.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I've been checking on prices, found anywhere from 399.00 for new, & as low as 250.00 -300.00 for used/refurbished.

Sounds about right.

 

[Hunnypaw]

Sounds about right.

concur