Home Forums Gear Photography Your Thoughts on a Nikon D3200 w/18 -55 and 55-200mm lens

I am looking to get my first DSL camera and have been looking at this bundle for some time. I can get this set up at my $600 budget. I will be shooting wildlife and landscapes with a few sports shoots. Your thoughts?
Thanks
Tom

Good sensor in the D3200 camera. If you do go with these kit lenses and anticipate hand-holding, be sure they are the VR version as opposed to the non-VR seen advertised in other kits.

Unless one is extremely skilled or patient, he will find the 200 mm a bit lacking for wildlife activities. Over time though, one can work up to some longer glass. A good start there.

Thanks for the input. Yes the lens i am looking at are of the vr type. Yes i realize the 200 may be lacking, but thought it would be a good start until i had some experience. I would say my next lens purchase, if i get good enough, will cost more than this entire setup.

Don't want to derail the thread but could you suggest the next step up over the 200.

I have a D3100 with those same lenses.

Thanks

Yes, I have a suggestion. I also have a D3100 with the above mentioned lenses and I purchased a Tamron 70-300 DI VC USD from Camera Land. It is a very nice lens and works has improved my photography considerably. I got a good deal and at the time there was a $100.00 rebate. Give Joel a call. I'll bet he can fix you up with one!!

Ken

That $100 rebate is still current and that is a great next step from 200mm.

For a jump above the 55-200 and wildlife in mind, considerations would be the Nikon 300mm f/4 and possible a 1.4TC, or the new Tamron 150-600 which should be out in April in the Nikon mount.

I would consider the 70-300 not much of a jump over 200mm, although I would prefer it over the 55-200 both in terms of sharpness and range.

I would definitely agree with Doug on the sharpness of the 55-200 in comparison to the Tamron 70-300mm. I didn't list the Tamron SP 150-600mm Di VC USD lens with your current budget. The lens is $1069 but it is still the sharpest and cheapest lens in that range. It would definitely be worth saving up for however.

Thanks much for the suggestions.

As a next step I'd suggest something reaching the 300-400mm range. Not sure what the multiplier effect is with your Nikon and its sensor, but with my recent Canon Christmas gift and a 1.6 multiplier one is equivalent to a 480mm with a 300 and a 640mm with a 400. Stepping to 500 mm high end glass (x 1.6 = 800) is getting one into the cosigner realm.

I may try to talk Cookie into one if we can come up with a sharing agreement. Last time I wanted to borrow her gear (100-400mm Canon) and head to Wyoming, she said "No". She scored this coyote shot while I was gone though, so I guess it was worth my pass. I used to think that if one could see the eyes, he had a good picture. Now I know that if one can look into the eyes, it's really fine.