Lens Advice for D7200
Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 6:58 am
I was given a Nikon D3200 with its two kit lenses (18-55/55-200 variable aperture Nikkors) a few years ago as a gift. While clearly not up to the same standards as the rest of my gear (D800 with a variety of f/2.8 or f/4 lenses), this was a relatively small, lightweight but flexible kit with decent IQ. It made a perfect secondary kit that I liked to keep in my office so that when time availed itself, I could shoot NYC without overburdening myself. Unfortunately, this was stolen from me about 8-9 months ago and I am in the process of replacing it.
I upgraded the body substantially – I now own a D7200 – but I am struggling with lenses. I like the idea of just two lenses that cover at least 18-200 mm. The kit lenses are decent but will buy them only if better lenses will break the bank for me. I have read a lot of very good reviews about Sigma’s Contemporary 17-70/2.8 with OS, so I have decided this will be one lens I purchase.
The real issue is the second lens. Based on Thom Hogan’s evaluation, my first thought was the Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E AF-P VR but now I am also considering Tamron’s SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (can we add a few more letters???) – I don't think Sigma makes a comparable quality lens with IS in this range. I probably cannot afford either lens brand new, so I am considering used but regardless, I am hoping I can get some advice from users to help me make my decision. I would be using this lens almost exclusively on my 7200, but there might be an occasion when I would mount it on my D800 – I top out at 200 mm with that system. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has used either or both lenses so I can make the best decision for my needs. I shoot landscape/cityscape and some macro fwiw.
I would like the best IQ possible in the smallest package possible (at this price point obviously) and I definitely want IS on the lens as well. I suppose the DX version of the Nikkor is also a possibility, but I lose some flexibility (VR cannot be turned off on the D7200) and some speed (albeit it just a third of a stop).
TIA for your help.
I upgraded the body substantially – I now own a D7200 – but I am struggling with lenses. I like the idea of just two lenses that cover at least 18-200 mm. The kit lenses are decent but will buy them only if better lenses will break the bank for me. I have read a lot of very good reviews about Sigma’s Contemporary 17-70/2.8 with OS, so I have decided this will be one lens I purchase.
The real issue is the second lens. Based on Thom Hogan’s evaluation, my first thought was the Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E AF-P VR but now I am also considering Tamron’s SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (can we add a few more letters???) – I don't think Sigma makes a comparable quality lens with IS in this range. I probably cannot afford either lens brand new, so I am considering used but regardless, I am hoping I can get some advice from users to help me make my decision. I would be using this lens almost exclusively on my 7200, but there might be an occasion when I would mount it on my D800 – I top out at 200 mm with that system. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has used either or both lenses so I can make the best decision for my needs. I shoot landscape/cityscape and some macro fwiw.
I would like the best IQ possible in the smallest package possible (at this price point obviously) and I definitely want IS on the lens as well. I suppose the DX version of the Nikkor is also a possibility, but I lose some flexibility (VR cannot be turned off on the D7200) and some speed (albeit it just a third of a stop).
TIA for your help.