What telephoto lens options fit a Nikon D3000 for tighter shots on a $200–$350 budget?
Asked 12/8/2011
3 views
2 answers
0
I use a Nikon D3000 with the 18-55mm kit lens and want tighter framing than 55mm gives me. I’d prefer one lens rather than carrying a lot of gear, and I’m looking for something in the $200–$350 range. Because the D3000 does not have an in-body focus motor, autofocus compatibility matters. What telephoto lens options make sense, and when would I actually need a macro lens instead?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
2
I have a Nikon D3000 I purchased in September 2010 that only came with the 18-55mm kit lens.
In December 2010, I purchased a Tamron 70-300mm lens as my close-up telephoto that I purchased for around $200 and I'm very happy with since I didn't want to spend more than $200. I made sure it had the auto-focus motor in the lens because the D3000 doesn't have an auto-focus motor.
The only negative comment I have on my Tamron 70-300mm lens (f/4.5-f/5.6) is it slow to auto-focus when trying to capture things that are moving, but I think that is more due to my limited photographic ability.
Here's a shot I took at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo with my lens.
Originally by user13206. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user13206
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If you want subjects to appear larger without moving closer, a telephoto zoom is the right choice. For the Nikon D3000, make sure the lens has its own autofocus motor, since the camera body does not.
Based on the suggestions given, two solid options are:
- Nikon 55-300mm
- Tamron 70-300mm with built-in AF motor
Both give you much more reach than the 18-55mm kit lens and fit the kind of use you describe. The Tamron 70-300mm was specifically mentioned as a budget-friendly option, though one user found autofocus a bit slow for moving subjects.
If by “close-ups” you mean true near-focus photography of small subjects, then a telephoto zoom is not the same as a macro lens. Your 18-55mm already focuses fairly close, so for real macro work you’d want a dedicated macro lens instead, such as the Nikon 40mm f/2.8 Micro. Some other macro options may require manual focus on the D3000.
So: choose a 55-300mm or 70-300mm telephoto for tighter framing at a distance; choose a macro lens only if you need true close-focus detail shots.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI14y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Which lens setup makes the most sense for a college photography club with Nikon entry-level bodies?
Best budget wildlife lens for a Nikon D3000: is a 70-300mm enough?
Can I use a Nikon 1 10mm lens on a Nikon D3000, and what budget wide-angle options fit?
What’s a good beginner external flash for a Nikon D3000 for kids and low-light events?
Which Nikon DSLRs have a built-in autofocus motor for older AF lenses?