Shopping trip for a Lens

[mjblanco]

Hi Folks!

I teach design & visual communications at a high school tech center and just learned that I have a little less than $2000 to buy some equipment. We use Nikon D60's and I have an (extremely small) assortment of cheaper macro and zoom lenses for my students to use. I would like to buy as decent a zoom lens as I can for that amount of money so that my students can take turns shooting local sporting events. I'm fishing for suggestions.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

-Marcia

[Frog]

I don't use it but I've heard from the sports shooters that the nikon 70-200 vr f/2.8 is a fantastic lens. Most places it is about 300 over your budget though but with some expeditious shopping, and maybe the student discount you should be able to get one.

Others may have different suggestion as I'm not a sporting event shooter.

[dhyravy]

You could try the 80-200 f2.8 which is just about dead on your budget but won't autofocus with the D60, or for a wider zoom I have a Sigma 18-50 f2.8 that has been great.

[mjblanco]

Thank you, folks! I really appreciate your advise.

-M

[Photo-John]

I just did a little research on what's available for you. Nikon just came out with a new version of their pro 70-200mm lens, which is the absolute best sports lens you could get. The new AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II uses an updated version of Nikon's VR image stabilization and has all new optics. But the retail on the new version is over $2300. No doubt it's an awesome lens but it's definitely out of your price range.But since the new version is out, you might be able to find deals on the old AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens. It's selling new at B&H for just under $2000. But I see them on eBay for $1700. I haven't bought any camera gear on eBay because I'm too nervous about it. But there are reputable online dealers that sell used gear. Check KEH, B&H and Adorama. They all have big used apartments and I'd be comfortable buying from them.

Another option is going to a third-party lens maker like Sigma, Tamron or Tokina. They make very cheap stuff but they also make excellent high-end lenses. In particular, I'd take a look at the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM. Both of those lenses have great optics and cost far less than the Nikon pro zoom. You will probably be making a compromise on auto focus performance, though. However, we're atlking about students and a budget here and they have to take what you have to offer, right? Plus, not being able to rely on auto focus will actually help them learn better sports timing, planning and technique. So maybe it's not a bad thing here

There's one more option I can think of. That's the Nikon AF-S 18-200mm VR lens. Technically, it's not a pro lens and it wouldn't be my first choice for sports photography. However, I do think it's a good lens and it provides a really useful all-purpose range. The AF won't be as good as the 70-200 Nikkors. But again, with proper technique you can get great photos. I've used it and made some great ski and mtb photos. Now I own the Canon 18-200 and I use it way more than I expected I would.

I hope that isn't too much information for you to digest. But I think you deserve a little perspective as well as some lens recommendations. There are a lot of variables to think about here. While buying the best would be nice, it would blow your whole budget. I am thinking buying a couple 18-200mm VR zooms might be the right thing to do

[dmourati]

You can score a used 70-200 2.8 VR for less than $1500. Ones here on craigslst are going as low as $1350. Lots of folks are tempted to the darkside with the advantages of the VR II. Either one will be a great lens for your purposes.

[Photo-John]

You can score a used 70-200 2.8 VR for less than $1500. Ones here on craigslst are going as low as $1350. Lots of folks are tempted to the darkside with the advantages of the VR II. Either one will be a great lens for your purposes.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I used the 70-200 f/2.8 VR for D3S testing a couple of weeks ago. It kicked ass. I'm sure the VR II version is a lot better. But the original is still a really nice lens.