Question 1

I got a Nikon D40 ..what xx to 300 mm lense would be good...Nikor or Tamron

Accepted Answer

It really depends on what subjects you will be shooting, how much you will use it and what your budget is. The Nikon (NIKKOR) lenses are more ruggedly built than similar products from Tamron or Sigma. Optically, I think that the Tamron would be a good lens, just not as durable. I have shot with Nikons since 1973 and have only ever bought NIKKOR lenses. I use my cameras and lenses every day, so they see a lot of use and, inevitably, a certain amount of abuse--shooting in rain, snow, bumps, scrapes, etc. If you only use your D40 once every 2 or 3 weeks, the Tamron will probably fill your need. As to subject, I think you will find the 300mm lens to be too long for sports. I have both the 18-200mm DX NIKKOR and the 70-200 FX NIKKOR lenses and they are plenty long for field sports. If you shoot wildlife, you will appreciate the 300mm lens, and you might even want to add a teleconverter to it for longer reach. On the shorter end, if you already have the 18-55mm zoom, the 55-300 will fit right in. The NIKKOR 55-300mm sells for under $400, bearing in mind that it is a DX format lens, which is fine for the D40. If you think you might eventually upgrade your camera body, take a look at the NIKKOR 70-300mm lens. It is an FX format lens, which will work on any Nikon body, is the same aperture as the 55-300 and is only about $190 more than the NIKKOR 55-300mm. All of the lenses I am suggesting have Nikon's Vibration Ruduction (VR) built in which is good for 2-4 f/stops slower shutter speed when hand holding the lens. If you know that you will only be using a tripod for very long focal lengths Nikon does have an FX 70-300mm f/4-5.6 that sells for about $160. Caution, do not try to handhold that lens at 300mm at shutter speeds below 1/250 second, but that's what we all used to do. Still, I highly recommend the Vibration Reduction Lenses.

Question 2

Will this lens autofocus with the D3100?  I just had to return the 70-300mm Nikon lens because the autofocus wasn't compatible with the camera.

Accepted Answer

Any AF-S lens should work with your camera.  This is due to the fact that AF-S lenses have a built-in motor.  Since your camera has no motor, it requires these lenses for auto focus.  Your 70-300 lens must not have been an AF-S.

Question 3

Will this lens autofocus with the D3100?

Accepted Answer

Will this lens autofocus with the D5200?

Question 4

Does the Auto Focus work on the D5100?  I have read one site that it does not.

Accepted Answer

It works great for me.  My guess is that someone got a lemon, and I'm sure they do exist.  You can see photos I took with my D5100 at http://idaholyoaks4.blogspot.com/.  There are lots of shots there I took with my D5100, as well as some I took with older cameras.

Brand	Nikon
Model Number	2197
Model Year	2010
Display Size	3.03 Inches
Optical Zoom Range	5 x
Zoom Range (including digital)	5.45:1
Lens Fixed Focal Length	300 Millimeters
Focal Length (wide)	55 Millimeters
Focal Length (tele)	300 Millimeters
Min. Aperture (tele)	32
Lens type	Zoom Lens
Type	Telephoto Lens
Filter Size	58mm
Lens Configuration	17 pieces in 11 groups (2 ED lenses, 1 high refractive index lens)
Lens Mount	Nikon F
Image Stabilization	Yes
Included Components	58mm Spring Lens Cap LC-58, Case Back LF-4, Hood HB-57, Soft Case CL-1020
Lens Motor Type	超音波モーター
Color	Black
Size	55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Lens Diameter	58 Millimeters
Batteries Included	No
Manufacturer Warranty Description Labor	Included
Manufacturer Warranty Description Parts	Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
Product Dimensions	12.3 x 7.7 x 7.7 cm; 580 g

Nikon Telephoto Zoom Lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR for Nikon DX Format

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