Nikon D60 lens

[Xerophytes]

I currently have 18-55mm and 50mm prime lens for my Nikon D60.

I really love the prime lens, it gave me loads of good pictures, especially portrait ones.

I'll be going off for a vacation and I was wondering if both lens that I have is enough. I'm thinking of getting either 70-300mm or a wide angle lens. My primary aim for this lens is to use it for landscape photography or in cases when the distance from the subject is far away (ie due to the crowd and/or restrictions).

Which do you think should I invest on? Or should I be okay with the two lenses I have? Or should I just spend money on getting some accessories, ie polarizer, etc.?

[OsmosisStudios]

Where are you going on vacation? that impacts things greatly. What will you be doing on vacation?

Sometimes its best to rent a lens, especially if it's something you'll only be using for a week or so.

[mschwarz]

Renting for a week is a great way to go.

If you're looking to expand your lens collection, what are you looking for? What kind of budget are you thinking of? Those will be important answers to help you along.

[Xerophytes]

As I have said, I felt limited by the fact of the zoom power i.e. when there's an event and I have to catch the performer's face from far away, I can't catch it. Also if there's any restriction like, you cannot go near the subject.

Also, I like to do some landscape photography (ie mountains, beaches, tall building, cityscape) especially when I go out of the country, so I was thinking if it is reasonable to get a wide lens, as the lens I have can't take the width that I always wanted.

So, for me, I was just juggling around whether to take wide lens or zoom lens, which do you think is more worth it in the long run, given the lenses that I have right now?

I don't have a budget at the moment, I just want to look around and see what's my options.

[Xerophytes]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Where are you going on vacation? that impacts things greatly. What will you be doing on vacation?

Sometimes its best to rent a lens, especially if it's something you'll only be using for a week or so.

I don't think renting will be good for me, since I'll be carrying it around for a month, and not just for a week.

For vacation, I most probably end up in beaches. Then perhaps, some city sightseeing (so will be ending up taking pictures of the buildings, statues, etc.). Quite possibly be going for nature exploration, ie mountains.

[Shokinen]

In my opinion, you are missing some reach in your kit anyway. The 70-300 would be a logic addition and it's a very good lens for the price (optical and build quality). A wide angle would be a nice too but I don't think you'll use it as much. A telephoto can also be used for sports and wildlife.

I love landscapes, I love travelling and I would never leave without my 70-300. You never know when your going to need to extra reach. Following are some examples of lanscapes taken with a telephoto:


70mm on a D60 (ISO 140; f/10.0; 1/250s)



300mm on a D60 (ISO 200; f/9.0; 1/160s)



220mm on a D90 (ISO 200; f/10.0; 1/250s)




Hope this help

[zona5101]

seems you're pretty wide at 18. On the long side you're a litlle short at 55. You might want to look at something that fills the longer end like a 70-300 or??
As others have said, a lot depends on you and what you like to shoot... good luck & happy shooping!

[Dennismc]

For a nice starter lens in the 70-300 range, check out the

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Motorized Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras: Electronics

I have the non-apo version of it and love it! It will autofocus on the d60 just fine for you. If you have a little more in your budget then 200 bucks, then look at the

Amazon.com: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

It is double the price but you get VR for image stabilization. Which would be really nice to have at full zoom of 300, Shooting at 300 without a tripod for me has been a very very hard endeavor.

[OsmosisStudios]

If you get the Nikon 70-300, make sure you get the VR version. It's not just the VR that was added.

[Xerophytes]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

It looks like I will be getting 70-300mm. I may get it on April, since that will be the time I get paid again, and it seems that my £40 amazon voucher will be used on this lens!!

Shokinen: that's really lovely pictures. I love the sunset in particular!