Nikon D70 Lens Upgrade?

Question

I have a Nikon D70 DSLR and would like to upgrade the lens to a 200mm zoom. Any recommendations on a good value lens?

I'm only looking to spend up to $500....I can go non-nikon also....

Answer 1

Man, you have GOT to get the Nikon 18-200 VR zoom and don't even think of buying anything else. This lens is the bomb. As long as you are going to spend any money, spend enough to get the lens everybody wants anyhow.

I have it and absolutely love it.

So does Ken Rockwell. Be sure to click on all the links in his review. By the time you get done reading it and looking at sample images, you won't settle for anything else.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm

This is the only thing I have online of my own taken with this lens...

http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/dragonfly.jpg

Answer 2

I can second the suggestions you've already received.
* The Nikon 18-200 is a great all-in-one lens. It's $750 if you can find it in stock anywhere.
* The Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 is an old pro lens - for fantastic image quality and light sensitivity on a budget. It came in 3 or 4 versions and they're all good. They have AF but not vibration reduction. The latest version was the best and most expensive - that one had a twist ring for the zoom vs. the earlier models that had a push-pull zoom. Expect to pay between $400 and $800 used.
* The Nikon 70-200. The current pro lens for that range and the best zoom lens in that range by any brand. $1600.
For reviews, give this site more weight than Ken Rockwell:
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html
(Bjorn knows his stuff. Ken is an opinionated and vociferous Nikon user with a website.)

Answer 3

There are a couple of ways you can go, depending on how much you want to spend. Good value is relative to what you plan on doing with the lens and what aperature you want to work with. I have a 80-200 with f2.8. Cost about $900 a couple of years ago (which made me sick) but it was worth every penny. I am getting ready to trade it in on a new one with image stabilization. The other lens I use is a 28-200 with f3.5-5.6. Great lens and decent price (around $300-400 I think) It is compact and works great. Only drawback is the aperature. If you plan on using it for indoors you may find yourself allways looking for more light. If using for outdoors you can't go wrong for the money. Check with a local camera store for used ones. That is a great value too.