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Whats the best lens (Nikon) for ski shoots

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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
So Im getting into photography now and want to know what the best lens for all around versatile shots is?
Also, keep in mind Im a newb, so what is a lens that works well that I can learn on before dropping a couple dimes.
I search barred this but I could only find things about C-bar lenses. Post a link if I missed it.
I have a D40 with a NIKON NIKKOR Ai 55MM F3.5 lens. I dont believe this has the range capabilities to do a ski shoot.
Sep 10 2009 12:51PM
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powday
Posts: 3055 - Karma: 326
Something that zooms to 200 or 300mm...Try a sigma 70-300 DG or something similar. If you got the $$ then get something with Vibration reduction (VR). Nikon makes a few entry level Telephoto len's too.

Just google telephoto len's for Nikon, but make sure you get one with the Auto Focus motor built into the lens (AF-S) or else it wont work with your d40.
Sep 10 2009 1:03PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
Yeah I looked at Nikon's site and found a couple that looked good. If it isn't AF-S will it still work on manual focus? I know my body doesn't have a motor in it but won't it still hook up and just manual focus it?
What about AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G or AF Zoom NIkkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G
Ill look into Sigma lenses because I haven't yet.
Are there any other brand lenses worthy of getting? Are Tamron lenses good?
Thanks for the help
Sep 10 2009 1:15PM
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dergblerp
Posts: 1303 - Karma: 77
The other day I played around with my friend's Tamron 18-200. It was fun to have such a long zoom, yet also a wide angle if needed. It wasn't a very good low light lens, but for daytime it was fine. IMO, if you're going to spend money on a lens, you might as well get a good one. Some people may disagree with me, but I'd rather pay once for a good lens than pay for a shitty lens and upgrade later.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/533556-REG/Sigma_579_306_70_200mm_f_2_8_II_EX.html something like this...
Sep 10 2009 7:32PM
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AMD_5
Posts: 745 - Karma: 15
Get a Nikkor lens. Quality is unmatchable. Do what the previous dude said, buy a good lens. Dont pay for a shitty one then upgrade.

A good starter lens is an 18-200mm, but if you want a zoom the 80-200mm is a good bet
Sep 10 2009 7:39PM
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freshlyDIPPED
Posts: 1160 - Karma: 121
have you used a canon L series.... LOL im a canon user
Sep 11 2009 12:03AM
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Black-Bandanna
Posts: 6680 - Karma: 1,603
This is the lens you want if you're an entry level person who needs a solid action lens. Good zoom, quick focus, rugged build, and a bright ap. You could find it cheaper for used. Whatever lens you get always look around for demo lenses. They're the ones that are on display in stores. That drops the price immensely.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/533556-REG/Sigma_579_306_70_200mm_f_2_8_II_EX.html#reviews
Sep 11 2009 12:41AM
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Black-Bandanna
Posts: 6680 - Karma: 1,603
If you're lazy...

Sep 11 2009 12:41AM
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ChronicLines
Posts: 951 - Karma: 61
OMG HAVE YOU EVER TRIED CARL ZEISS LENSES? 
ROFL, I SHOOT HASSELBLAD.

Seriously, both Nikkor and Canon lenses are going to be quality.  I doubt anyone here could tell the difference between the two.
Sep 11 2009 2:58PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
canon L lenses destroy any of nikon's
Sep 11 2009 3:09PM
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powday
Posts: 3055 - Karma: 326
Cool, this thread isnt about Nikon vs. Canon Lens'...He's asking for advice on a beginner lens...If your a good photographer shooting high end cannon or nikon the quality will be amazing no matter what.

But on topic, I would def get one that will be able to autofocus with your d40 because when shooting skiing the subject will almost always be in motion and your going to need the ability to focus quickly...




Sep 11 2009 3:16PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
Thank you for turning the thread back and the helpful tip. I +K to all the people who helped. I appreciate the tips and insight
Sep 11 2009 4:00PM
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thisandthatfilms
Posts: 7714 - Karma: 526
18-200 deffinitly
Sep 11 2009 4:01PM
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AMD_5
Posts: 745 - Karma: 15
fuck man, if you want to debate about canon vs. nikon, fucking searchbar it. theres been enough threads about this shit and im tired of arguing about it.

fact is, i love Nikon's cameras and Nikkor lenses and will NEVER use anything else. IMO Nikon > Canon, but thats just my preference and you wont convince me otherwise, so dont bother. if you want to talk about your Canon lenses go right ahead. but I think I speak for 98% of NSers when I say, I dont give a shit. take your argument to a photography forum.
Sep 11 2009 10:22PM
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basedjase
Posts: 2510 - Karma: 640
i have the nikkor 55-200mm VR and the 18-55mm VR. and a fisheye. both are absolutly amazing lenses. the 55-200mm VR lens you should only get with the VR for obvouse resons. or the 18-200mm lens, but that is a bit pricy. you can find pretty good deals on http://www.adorama.com sometimes. And after that upgrade your camera body to the D90 or the canon 40d. the D40 is a great introductory level camera though. hope this helps.
Sep 11 2009 11:39PM
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