# DSLR guys, need a lense recomendation
**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348
**Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic
**Created:** [September 9, 2011, 3:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348 "2011-09-09T15:16:22Z")
**Posts on this page:** 10
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@fiend540](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fiend540)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2011, 3:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/1 "2011-09-09T15:16:22Z")
So the wife and I picked up a Nikon d3100 a few months ago and while we have been learning a lot with just the standard 18-55mm lens the lack of zoom ability has become a bit of an annoyance. We’re going to Yellowstone next week and we would like to pick up a second lens that has more capability so I am looking for some recommendations of brands and specific lenses to check out. Not looking to spend a crap load of money, but we don’t want to buy a piece of crap either. Suggestions?
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### Author:  [@ItsOver](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ItsOver)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2011, 4:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/2 "2011-09-09T16:20:43Z")
Price range?
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### Author:  [@fiend540](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fiend540)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/3 "2011-09-09T16:27:46Z")
> [@ItsOver](#):
>
> Price range?
Not more than $300 so really I guess I am looking at something like a 55-200mm, which from my research seems like it would fit my needs. I know you can get a nikon with VR for around 220ish, but are there other brands I should consider or stay away from.
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### Author:  [@ItsOver](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ItsOver)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2011, 4:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/4 "2011-09-09T16:35:39Z")
You could probably pick up a 55-300, which sucks, but it does zoom… lol.
You could try to get lucky with a used 18-200, it may be a bit more.
18-135 is ok, and in that price range.
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### Author:  [@llink78](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/llink78)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/5 "2011-09-09T21:22:12Z")
if your not anal about your pictures, find a used 55-300 VR on CL there around for under 300. if you want new BB has a 55-200 VR new for 199 now. was 249 a few months back.
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### Author:  [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2011, 3:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/6 "2011-09-10T03:13:07Z")
A decent 18-200 lens will run you over $500 easily. The sigma version is around $300 used, but is terrible IMO. It just isn’t a sharp lens at all. Especially in mid zoom.
I’d recommend the 18-135. Good quality, sharp and a decent price. It may not zoom as much, but it’s still a significant and very useful range.
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### Author:  [@Norb\_O](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Norb_O)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2011, 7:56am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/7 "2011-09-10T07:56:51Z")
i picked up a 55-200 VR a few years ago and love it. i always make sure i take it to scenic areas when i’m shooting. highly recommended. and you can get it for under $300, brand new.
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### Author:  [@llink78](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/llink78)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2011, 9:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/8 "2011-09-10T09:23:04Z")
like i said for 199 you can go to BB and pick up the 55-200 vr for even less you can get the 55-200 non VR, if you go used you can most deff pick up a 55-300 vr for under 300
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### Author:  [@fiend540](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fiend540)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2011, 3:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/9 "2011-09-10T15:36:55Z")
So other than Craigslist where is a decent place to buy used gear?
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### Author:  [@llink78](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/llink78)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2011, 6:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dslr-guys-need-a-lense-recomendation/216348/10 "2011-09-10T18:32:19Z")
ebay if you have time to wait for auction to end and shipping