What are the best affordable zoom lenses for Nikon DX cameras that a beginner can actually afford? I am leaving for a trip to the Grand Canyon in exactly six days and I just realized the lens that came with my camera doesnt actually zoom in on anything far away which is basically the whole point of going to a canyon right? I feel like a total idiot asking this but I have no idea where to even start because I look at websites and there are a million numbers and letters and prices that are like two thousand dollars which is more than I spent on my car.
I bought a used Nikon D5600 and it says DX on it so I think I need to stay with that? My budget is really tight like maybe 200 or 300 dollars max since I spent all my savings on the trip itself and the camera. I really want to take pictures of animals or just things across the canyon but every time I try to zoom with the lens I have it just stops. Its a 18-55mm thing if that helps? Someone told me to look for a telephoto but when I type that in I get so confused and everything looks different.
Here is what I am looking for if anyone can help me:
- something that zooms in really far
- cheap enough for a student budget
- wont break if I am a little bit clumsy
- works with a D5600 without needing fancy settings
I saw some stuff about AF-P vs AF-S and I dont know if my camera can handle the P one or if that even matters for a zoom lens. I am just really worried I am gonna buy the wrong thing and be stuck with a heavy paperweight while I am on vacation. Is it better to buy a used one or is that risky? I just need something that works and I am running out of time to order it because I need it delivered before I get on my flight Friday and I am starting to panic a little bit...
Honestly, the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is a solid option. Your D5600 handles the AF-P stepper motor perfectly, and it is quite affordable used.
Are you hiking? I've found weight is key for trips.
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR: great range, slow focus.
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II: light, shorter.
To add to the point above: the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is your best bet, but be careful when buying. There is a cheaper version without VR (Vibration Reduction) that looks identical. Make sure to get the VR model for the Grand Canyon. Without it, your zoomed shots will likely be blurry. Since time is short, I suggest buying from a site like MPB or KEH so you know it works immediately.
