zoom lense for D5000

[jersey_no03]

hi i just want to ask for a help choosing a zoom lens.I am thingking which lens i have to choose between the 55-200mm VR or the 70-300mm VR. The other day I went to shop to looking for the 70-300mm and was confused when the lady in the shop told me that this lense is not compatible with my D5000 because it is not made for DX format that's why im thingking for 55-200mm. Just want to know if that lady is right, if not is there any feature of this lense(70-300) that would not work in my camera?...i will appreciate your comments and suggestions....

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by jersey_no03

the lady in the shop told me that this lense is not compatible with my D5000 because it is not made for DX format

Do yourself a favour: never go to that shop ever again. She's blatantly wrong.

The 70-300 VR is a different animal than the 55-200 VR. Theyre both telephoto, and they both have VR, but in many other respects they're very different.

The 55-200 VR is a consumer-level lens. Build quality is 100% plastic, which means it's light (+) but also that it's a bit more fragile (-). It has no focus distance indicator, but it does have a focus ring, albeit a small one. VR is a simple on-off affair

THe 70-300 VR is a pro-sumer level lens. Build quality is mainly plastic, but also metal, which means it's heavier (-) but it's also tougher and more confidence-inspiring (+). It has a focus distance indicator and a proper focusing ring. The VR system is also a bit better: having on-off and normal-active controls.

The big difference is the focal length difference (200 vs 300) and build (plastic vs metal). Image quality is similar, though I've always found the 70-300 VR to be better. It rivals the 70-200 f/2.8 over similar apertures/lengths.

If you can live with the extra weight and size, go for the 70-300 VR: you wont regret it.

[kirbinster]

+1

The 70-300VR is a much better lens, and if you want reach it gives you 50% more on the long end and you only give up a little on the short end. If you have the extra cash, go for the 70-300.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

+1 more on the 70-300- it's a faster lens at identical focal lengths too.

[jersey_no03]

thank you for all of your comments and suggestions,all i want to know is that if it is compatible(70-300mm) with my camera now i have no doubt of buying one....thanks a lot

[inkista]

Yes, it's compatible. FX and DX lenses can be used on both crop and full-frame cameras, but the DX lenses will vignette on full-frame. You have better "future" proofing with FX lenses, if you think you eventually want to move up to a D700.

Are you sure the salesperson was showing you the AF-S VR version of the lens? There is an AF 70-300 that's tons cheaper ($130 vs. $500), which may be the one you were being warned away from, as that one wouldn't autofocus on your D5000.

[Nicole]

Just make sure it's the VR version of the lens (rather than the G version of the lens) if you want auto focus. The G version will not auto focus on the D5000. But the VR version will.

[jersey_no03]

yes it's the VR version of the lense, all of its function will work in my camera?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by jersey_no03

yes it's the VR version of the lense, all of its function will work in my camera?

Yup. The VR version is, in it's full name:

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED IF VR

AF-S: autofocus Motor in lens
ED: great glass inside
IF: internal focus
VR: VIbration reduction

It's the latest one and, as an owner, an excellent lens.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Nicole

Just make sure it's the VR version of the lens (rather than the G version of the lens) if you want auto focus. The G version will not auto focus on the D5000. But the VR version will.

I have the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G. It autofocuses on my D40.

EDIT: nevermind. We were talking about the 70-300.