Zoom Lens Recommendations

Last night I posted a list of five great zoom lenses that cost less than $1000. These are lenses for the average or beginning photographer looking for an affordable but serious upgrade. I'm sure some of you will disagree with my choices and it would be great if you would add your own picks in the comments section at the end of the article. We could also use some reviews for a couple of the lenses that are very new:

Five Great Zoom Lenses Under $1000 >>

I know $1000 isn't affordable for everyone. It is a lot of money. But I just wasn't comfortable with a limit lower than that. Zoom lens quality - especially the telephoto zooms - starts to get sketchy when the lenses get really cheap. Maybe we can make another list with lenses under $500. But I think I'd need your help for that since I haven't actually used many zooms that cost less than $500.

Dude! That's an awsome list! Gave me a really good idea for what lenses I'm gona get when I get my DSLR! :) thanks mate

In the comments I suggested the Tokina 11-16 over the Sigma with the clincher being the f/2.8 aperture capability. I wish I had one and might be able to trade in my 12-24 this year.
I love my 12-24 but would trade for the 11-16.

Too bad you don't have one in the 70-300mm class. I know a lot of people ask for entry-level wildlife zooms and longer lenses in general.

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Originally Posted by Loupey

Too bad you don't have one in the 70-300mm class. I know a lot of people ask for entry-level wildlife zooms and longer lenses in general.

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I just don't think the inexpensive 70-300mm lenses are that good. I didn't feel comfortable recommending one. But if there's one you think is good, please post in the article comments. Recommendations in the comments will make the article a better resource. Please include a link to the review page if you do have a recommendation :)

Understood.

I don't have enough experience with the 70-300mm class to make a recommendation; but since every major manufacturer makes one, I assumed there must be a standout among the group. Perhaps it is the nature of this class (combination of aperture speed, focal length, and price) to be mediocre.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Loupey

Understood.

I don't have enough experience with the 70-300mm class to make a recommendation; but since every major manufacturer makes one, I assumed there must be a standout among the group. Perhaps it is the nature of this class (combination of aperture speed, focal length, and price) to be mediocre.

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Nikon has a 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR II lens that costs about $500. It's known to be sharp from 70-200. Soft at 300 and so needs to stop down for better quality. Here's a 200mm shoot-out among some Nikon lenses:

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/v...?f=57&t=168688


Here's one of the reviews of the that lens:

http://www.bythom.com/70300VRlens.htm

I use that lens a lot. Many of the photos that I posted here were shot with it.