What lenses are you going to buy for your Nikon D300?

[David Chin]

I'm still having a tough time deciding which lens to choose:
- Nikkor 70-300mm VR
- Nikkor 70-200mm VR
- Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D AF

I already have the following for my Nikon D70:
- Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D AF (my favorite by far)
- Tamron 28-75mm
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8
- Nikkor 28-200mm f/2.5-5.6G (my second favorite lens)

[Peter Hanson]

Good Day Orangutan,

I'm brand new to the D300 (with the 18-200mm VR II lens). I think I LOVE it - but it has a learning curve like an F-18 going ballistic!

What would you suggest for a "multi-purpose" tripod - under $500? (I'm an amateur with 36 years 35mm experience - technically proficient, with little, but, thanks to a few recent courses, growing, aesthetic sensitivity.)

Thanks,
Peter

[Daniel Martinez]

Nikkor 85mm f1.4D AF. Amazing lens!

[Alif]

70-200mm VR is a great lens, but it's considered heavy if you travel by foot a lot (in my case anyway). Thus, if you like your 28-200mm, then I think 85mm f1.4 would be a better choice.

[David Chin]

Well guys, it looks like I've settled on the Nikkor 70-300mm VR for now. It looks great on my new Nikon D300 :-)

[Mark Allen]

I ordered the 18-200 VR with the D300.

[10dency]

18-200, me too. Next after this will be a makro lens.

[ianchew]

go for 70-200VR. its a legendary lens. you wont regret it. i hve the 85mm 1.4, and its less used than the 70-200VR.

[Mark Allen]

I agree, I have a Sigma 18-5omm f/2.8 and a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8. Earlier this year I carried the big lens about everywhere - on a tour of the Rockies - and only used it a few times. Although the image of quality from these lens is excellent, they will be replaced by the 18-200VR. I ''ll probably sell them, but I will keep my Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and my fav lens the Sigma 10-20mm.

[martyn]

MMmm * Non at this time David. The purchase of the D300 has taken all my budget ;) Reading your list i would go for the 85mm, that would fit nicely being a fast lens. * I'm hoping to get a wide angle, Sigma's 10 20mm is superb.
Martyn.

[Jim Phillips]

I bought the 18-200mm VR II with my D300. What glass should I consider next? Any suggestions please?

[Lea]

Hi David Well I've had my Nikkor 20-200mm VR for a year now and I can't emphasize how useful this lens is. As it's rated "the best telephoto ever made' this lens is the most used by professionals. This ALL METAL lens is a great accompaniment to the D300 in quality. The optics are supurb! The lens does not extend when in use.
2.8 The low light capability is a definate WOW.. Even with my D70 I captured low light concert photos with the best results imaginable, froze the motion in the shots and I would never think of shooting those situations without the aid of this lens ever again.
The VR with Wave Motor, is FAST.. smooth, quiet, and non-hesitating. The additional "Active" VR mode is an added plus, which compensates for the vibrations you get when shooting from a moving car, on board a moving boat or even a plane or helicopter. I've shot from all those with great results.
Only detriment is the price of this lens, and as a female it is weighty. You'll build upper arm strength hauling it around. Now with the D300 it is even a larger bit of a load, I've used a flag harness and a monopod to help me out with the weight during outdoor shoots, but this lens is meant for hand held shooting so it's not a major drawback.
In my opinion with the results it brings it's worth the price. $1600. Do not purchase this lens through a Gray Market.. I love this lens and it's my choice for many shoots.
Manual focus is also realistic and usable with the use of this lens, so tweaking is an advantage.
It's an outstanding Professional lens. I can't recommend it more..

[Lea]

The photo below was taken using the Nikkor 70-200 VR lens without any flash, Available lighting only at ISO 800. This was a test shot taken in Hawaii, First use of the lens on my D70