I need to get a new lens to go beyond the 18-105 that came with my D90. I've been falling back to the 55-200 kit lens that came with D40X, but that camera and kit lenses will soon be going to a new owner. <BR> <BR>I'm happy enough with 200mm at the long end, but I've borrowed the Nikkor 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR from a friend and loved having the extra power. At this point, that lens is first on my list (especially at $499 from Costco) but I thought I would ask about some alternatives. <BR> <BR>Anyone with anything to say about the Sigma and Tamrons in the 28-300 range? Others to suggest? I can't afford the fast stuff, need to stay under $600...the further under the better!

are you looking for anything other than a zoom lens? if not, add a 50f1.8 to your collection. it's sharp and CHEAP!

I have the nifty fifty. One of my favorites, so much that it spurred my choice to upgrade to the D90 in order to have AF with that lens.

I got a Tamron 70-200 for $80 off ebay, hard to beat that... takes good stuff too. <BR>+1 for the 50f1.8 too <BR> <BR>shots from the cheap tamron <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/650996.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/650997.jpg" alt="Upload">

i have a 55-200 nikon lens. it works great for wakeboarding shots. and i got it used for only 100 bucks and it is in perfect shape

You can get the Nikon non VR 70-300mm f4-5.6 for less than $150

Sorry for the hijack, but I've read a lot of good things about the AF 50mm f/1.8D. Anyone have experience with both this lens and the AF 50mm 1.4D? Any thoughts on choosing one over the other?

Question: <BR>Do you guys shoot shots like Nick T's above in autofocus or manual? <BR>I purchased a 55-200mm for my D60 but messed up and got one that was not AF-S so I'll have to manually focus... I have a 70-300mm on the way that is AF-S...just not sure what is best for action shots and multiple exposures... <BR>Thanks,

When shooting from the boat it is easier to shoot MF because once you have the rider in focus you can leave it there because the distance will never change. <BR> <BR>If the rider is on a 80 foot rope, you will always be shooting them at that distance, when shooting from the tow boat.

Riley... <BR>Thanks for the response.. I was kinda thinking that. I plan on keeping the 55-200 anyway, but that makes me feel better.. <BR>plus, I figured that the multi exposure settings might work a bit better without having focus.. <BR>Now, i am just anxious to starting learning DSLR! My early Christmas present! <BR>Any book suggestions for learning? I took a photo class in college, but that was 1992 I think.. I have forgotten a thing or two... I should probably look for a local class... <BR>Thx.

If you have a nikon, i know they have an online school to help you learn your camera. <BR> <BR>Some of the other guys on here might know a class i know there is an online photo university type thing, but I can't remember the link. <BR> <BR>All the classes in the world don't compare to time behind the lens. Just keep shooting, tweaking, shooting, tweaking.

This is a decent free online course to refresh yourself on the basics... <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php" target="_blank">http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php</a> <BR> <BR>I'm trying to take Riley's approach. Time behind the lens. Make sure you take the time to actually practice the things in the lessons. Do the shoot assignements whether you send them in or not.