What is the best zoom lens priced from $150-$300 for a Nikon D50?

Question

I have a Nikon D50 with the 15-55mm lens that came with it. I'd like to add a zoom lens (something up to around 200mm) but I can only spend up to $300. Is there a decent lens in that price range? Where's a good place to buy?

Answer 1

get some carl zeiss lens. They take better than life pictures

Answer 2

The obvious choice is the Nikon 55-200 f/4-5.6. It costs $160 at B&H.
To me, this makes more sense than the Nikon 70-300. (Different models are between $110 and $299 at B&H) The image quality of this lens is crap at the long end, and with the 1.5 focal length multiplier, you can only use the long end with a tripod anyway.
The 70-210 Nikon is not interesting because it's manual focus. The the viewfinder of the D50 is pretty small and it lacks useful focussing aids (like a split prism).
Sigma and Tamron also make a 55-200 for Nikon. But since neither of those is better (or better value) than the Nikon 55-200, so I see no reason to prefer either of them.
And finally, I don't see a viable option to sell the 18-55 and invest in a 1 lens solution. The Nikon 18-200 costa $750. You could look into inexpensive 28-200 lenses, but you'd really miss the 18-28 range.

Answer 3

There are a ton of lenses out there because just about everyone has different preferences and needs. For a zoom lens you could try a 28-200, or you could try something around 70-200. But you'll soon find that $300 is the low end of the lens price universe, and at or below $300 you're going to have to deal with some barrel or pincushion effects. Of course, you can fix a lot of that in a few steps using Photoshop. I happen to own the 28-200 lens mentioned in an earlier answer, and it has survived trekking all over the place while taking some great photos.

Although not all of the features may work (autofocus being a big one), there are many older Nikkor lenses out there that will work with your D50. If you're willing to experiment a bit, you might want to consider purchasing a second-hand lens or two.

There are some great websites out there reviewing lenses for DSLRs. I've put two in the sources below.

Answer 4

My daughter toured China with me and the family this summer carrying only a D50 and a Sigma 28-300mm. It was a bit bulky, but perfect for bringing in a wide range of great shots from the Great Wall, to the Shanghai night skyline. One lens, many focal lengths. Both the D50 and Sigma lens came from Ebay, where I've had no problems with used equipment. Likewise, I've also gotten great deals from my local Craigslist. For landscapes, you'll need the 18-55mm, but a longer reach is really important for those long vacation journeys. The 55-200mm VR is a great choice and can probably be found inexpensively used as people move up to the 18-200mm VR (my favorite lens) or to other upgrade optics.

Answer 5

The Tamron 28-200 is a great lens for most cameras but the last time i looked it was $399. your local Camera store should have all lenses in stock or be able to get them.......

Most Nikon Lenses will run you $500 or more....

And the guy who told you to get Carl Zeiss Lenses must not relize that he only does lenses for Sony Digital....

And the Ziess lenses that fit slrs are not made for most
cameras......(and Ziess Lenses range any where from $800 to $5000)
Most of the ziess lenses are made to fit Hasselblad Cameras (120 film)
It has been awhile but I think they were only made For Contac 35mm Cameras........ (or something like that)

The Ziess Brothers had a falling out a few years ago when Sony wanted them to start making Lenses fror there digital Cameras.
But the older one and the one who started Ziess lenses did not want to...

And hence the reason they have Carl Ziess on there lenses not Just Ziess like all the other lenses have.......