55-200mm vs 70-300mm

timmink

I just received the D5300 this week with the kit 18-55mm lens and I ordered this one as well - Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II lens. I’m considering returning the 55-200mm in exchange for a 70-300mm. I am interested in pictures of wildlife (bird) and kid sports (football and track).

Would one of the following be better than the 55-200mm?

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR (Model A17NII)

Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens

Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 G AFD Nikkor Zoom Lens

bruto

I am not sure what versions are currently out there, but you should remember that the D5300, like all DX cameras except for the D7xxx series, will not autofocus with any lens that does not have its own motor. Make sure you know which versions you're looking at. The original 70-300mm AFG lens did not have its own motor, though it was considered by some to be a good lens otherwise. None of the ones listed are significantly faster than what you have.

I will let someone else comment on the Tamron, which I hear is good, but have no experience with. It sounds like a pretty good deal.

If you're planning to hand hold telephoto shots, vibration reduction is very nice to have. Whether you consider it worth the extra cost is another matter, but it does work, and for that you might want to look at the Nikon 55-300mm too.

relliot499

Just purchased the Tamron 70-300mm to go with my D5500 and 18-140mm lens. Tamron has a $100 rebate on right now so you can get the lens for around $350.