Which lens?

So I just purchased a new camera due to leaving my other camera in a cab after a long flight back from Miami. Yeah I know not smart. I just got the Nikon D7000 w/ AF-S 18-105mm VR.



I would like another lens but not sure which one I should get. I am an amateur photographer but learning. I guess letting you know a little bit about what I like to photograph would help.

I mostly take pictures of bears and other wildlife but mostly bears. I know a nice zoom lens would help with this but nothing to pricey. When hiking for bears I end up taking a lot pictures of the landscape as well. I also like to take pictures when on vacation as we all do.

So what would be a good lens for my next purchase. I am correct in thinking the lens I do have is a good all around lens? So I guess I should be looking for a zoom lens at a decent price. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you.

 

Sigma 70-200, or 150-500mm ;p

 

The Nikon 70-300 VR could be a good lens for you

 

Or Sigma's Bigma

 

Exactly. It's small enough to be easily carried on a hike. Offers a good range for landscapes/wildlife and the IQ is pretty good considering the price. There is also the Tamron 70-300 stabilized version that is quite good as well for even less.

 

If you want a 1 lens to do it all I'd say a 18-200 VRII. If you don't mind carrying 2 lenses go with the 70-300 VR, and get a prime lens that is affordable for you.

 

This is the one I was kind of leaning towards but wanted to get some other ideas but I think this will be the one.

However Tony I did check out your flicker site and it looks like I will be bugging you for some tips.

Every year some friends and I go on an NFL trip. We pick a Monday night game we want to go to and then pick a Sunday game close to it so usually watch two games over the weekend. Would love to get some good action shots of the games. Now the games on Sunday (if sunny) I can get some decent photos. However the games on Monday are usually at night and my pictures always seem a little blurry. So when the time comes I will be calling on you, if you dont mind.

Thanks again for the advice all.

 

My suggestion is to look for a used but in good condition 70-200mm 2.8 Nikon Lens on ebay and get a 1.5 tc to go with it. That lens alone is a gem. It goes well with the D7000. If you want a good book on using the D7000 take a look at Thom Hogans guide.

 

I use this for 90% of the photos I take.

 

+2 on the 18-200 VRII lense. It probably the closest thing to the perfect all around lense.

 

I have a D7000 as well. I know you said you like to take photos of bears in the woods so a good zoom will help you with that. As for the rest of your needs. the 18-105 kit lens is actually a really nice lens. The only other lens in that range between the 18-105mm, that I would suggest getting is the 35mm 1.8. It is a really nice lens. Takes good portraits and you can still get great photos in lower lighting. At a price of $200 its a good deal. This all depends on budget.

 

I don't mind helping you out with any tips