Inexpensive "temporary" telephoto zooms?

After researching available telephoto zooms, I've decided I need to spend my money on uw lenses for now and defer purchasing the land lens. Basically, I'm convinced I want quality I can't afford just yet (e.g., Nikon 70-200 AF-S VR). Again.

Anyway, I am thinking of getting a relatively inexpensive lens to use for the next year or so. In many ways, the Tamron 28-200 f3.5-5.6 XR seems attractive

*decent quality

*very compact

*reasonable price (circa US$250)

*nice zoom range

*close min focus (1/2 m)

*62mm filter size -- can use Nik diopters I already have or even use a reversing ring

Comments or recommendations of other lenses I might consider?

Thanks, and all the best,

Chris

It's not a great lens but it's cheap.

The cheap lens

All the best, james

Sigma make a inexpensive, yet decent quality 70 to 300mm with a wicked good macro mode, you might want to check it out, focus is slow as a thirsty camel in the desert, but hey! it low cost but sharp

Cheers

Thanks for the good suggestions. I'd been looking for the Nik 80-200, but hadn't found a used one around. I am "watching" it for now. The Sigma 70-300 is of course a bit larger, and very similar in range to one of the lenses I'm considering upgrading to later (Sigma 100-300 f4 HSM) ... so I probably would not keep that lens, long term. I do like the possibility of having a single, versatile (if not excellent) "knock-about" lens in the 28-200 -- and would probably keep it even after an upgrade.

Thanks again!

Get the Nikkor 70-200mm VR Lens + the Nikkor 1.7 Teleconverter. It may change your life. It did mine. I now shoot as much top side as I do underwater and have just as much fun ... more on windy days.

See following URL for sample March 2005 pictures.

http://www.peterpeterpeter.com/top-side/galleries/2005-03/

P.S. I am having such fun with the lens I am getting a D2X for top side only.

The 80-200 AF-D seems like the obvious choice if it isn't out of your budget. It is 90% of what you really want, at 1/2 the cost. It is a bright lens that focuses pretty quickly on the CAM 900 bodies, and as sharp as they come. Double the $ gets you VR, AFS, and slightly better bokeh and build quality.

I bought this lens 2 years ago and I just can't justify upgrading to the 70-200! I just borrow my buddy's if I need to shoot out of a helecopter or similar...If you are seriously looking for a used one contact me - maybe I'll finally upgrade for use on the D2x.

You can pick up 80-200 2.8 for a reasonable cost at KEH now as people upgrade to the 70-200.

You can pick up 80-200 2.8 for a reasonable cost at KEH now as people upgrade to the 70-200.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yup - The low resale is part of the reason I've held on to this lens; definitely a buyers market.

Beware, there are about four versions of the 80-200mm, starting with a manual focus version. Make sure you are getting the last version with a two ring collar set up. Look for the textured exterior. I sold mine to someone on the board for $450.

If none are available, check out the Sigma version. If you are going to be doing a lot of hand holding, the faster aperture is a must.

I am now looking for a used two-ring Nikon 80-200 2.8 AF ED; several are out there at shops and auctions (though many are the one-touch push-pull, which purportedly focuses slower). I was reading reviews yesterday, and was thinking about that lens already, and the recommendations here put it over the top.

Even though it's huge, this lens appears to be a "keeper" rather than a "temporary" fix, and still with in my budget. Yow!

And, yes, AF-S and VR would be great -- but at another $700 I can't justify that any more than I can afford/justify a D2X at my current expertise, frequency of use, or salary.

Thanks for all the help. You guys rock!

Just ordered an "E-" grade used Nikon 80-200 AF-ED f2.8 (non-D type; two-touch focus with tripod collar) for $450. I am very excited!

Thanks again for the very useful guidance.

All the best,

Chris