Medium zoom advice needed

[TimG 62]

Hey guys

 

Although not strictly an underwater question, y'all have so much equipment knowledge I thought I'd ask here.

 

I'm looking for a medium-wide to medium-telephoto zoom to use with my D100s. I already have the Nikkor 28-200 which is pretty good - but I need something faster that I can use indoors in low-light situations where I cannot use a flash or tripod.

 

The Nikkor 70-200 sounds good but is a ton of cash and appears to be big/heavy - and almost unobtainable it seems in the UK!

 

I had thought the Nikkor 24-120 VR would be ideal with the VR making up for the relatively small apertures. But Thom Hagan's review is less than enthusiastic about the lens. I can't see anything suitable either on the Sigma or Tamron websites and DPReview hasn't given me any inspiration.

 

Does anyone have any experience of the Nikkor 24-120? Or any other suggestions for something suitable? I want to cover roughly the 80-150 range with anything wide making the lens more useful.

 

Thanks

[Peter Schulz 1]

Get the 70-200 VR and don't look back. With VR and F2.8 it can't be beat. Want more range ? Add a 1.7X teleconvertor and you have 340mm and F4.8. Get a D2X someday or whatever and it will still work fine because it is very good glass.

 

For more info a raves, check here.

 

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1030

[Paul Kay 46]

I found the 70~200VR a bit hit and miss. It was capable of stunning results but the VR was not as good as I'd hoped (I use Canon IS now and have to say that it does seem better). If you can live without the VR, although heavier, the 80~200/2.8s are available at very reasonable prices used and are (all versions) superb lenses although none have VR. If you can possibly manage it, get an f/2.8 lens - it cannot be stressed enough just how useful an extra stop can be.

 

I wasn't impressed by the 24~120 either.

[fdog 3]

Tim, can you use a monopod? A good monopod only costs about $50 US and is like gaining a free 2 stops.

 

If you've never used one, monopods are easy to manuver, carry, and haven't interfered with my fast-action work as a photojournalist.

 

All the best, James

[TimG 62]

Many thanks guys. I must admit I was hoping that the purchase of a monopod and a switch to 400 ISO would do the trick - but sadly not: even with a nice Manfrotto. I guess advancing years are enhancing camera shake. Actually its probably too many alcohol soaked years on the diplomatic circuit that are doing me in

 

I checked out the 24-120 yesterday at a dealer - and was not too impressed. The 80-200 does seem the way to go but, believe it or not, I cannot find a dealer in the UK who actually has one - even the Nikon main dealers. They are all blaming Nikon distribution. I'm a bit reluctant to spend so much via the mail order route without actually trying it. I guess waiting will let me save up.

 

Tha ks for the advice. Much appreciated.