Alternative Lens for Nikon D7000?
So I'm in the market for a new lens and the prices on Nikon's website scare me. I remembered that you can use other maker's lenses with a Nikon. What companies make cheaper (price not quality) that fit a Nikon D7000.
Perhaps a good place to start would be:
(i) What lenses do you currently have
(ii) What are you planning to photograph (eg street, sport etc)
(iii) What is your budget
Have a look at Tamron and Sigma - both make Nikon mount lenses at significantly cheaper prices than Nikon/Nikkor do. Quality in my experience isn't a problem - I've Nikon D200 and D300 cameras and have both Tamron and Sigma lenses for them - the excellent Tamron 10 - 24mm wide angle lens was about half the cost of the equivalent Nikkor lens - and never had a moment's problem with them.
On Tamron's site, look for Di II lenses - built for your D7000. On Sigma's site have a look for DC lenses.
Both Tamron and Sigma lenses in other formats (Di III and DG for example) will work on your D7000 just fine but the focal length numbers for these formats need to be multiplied by 1.5.So, for example, a Sigma 70 - 300mm lens will be seen by your camera as a 105 - 450mm lens. Easier if you can to stick to the formats made for your camera.
A refurbished lens will be your best bet. Cameta camera has decent prices, as well as many other online stores.
DSLR owners should consider the cost of lenses when purchasing a camera. Any good setup will have at least 80% of the photographer's budget dedicated to lenses, and 20% dedicated to the camera.
It takes both a great camera and a great lens for a great photo. The camera will only be as good as the lens you attach to it, and skimping out on the lens just reduces image quality.
If you are looking 3rd party lenses, I would restrict my choice to Tokina, as they make very good lenses. Avoid Sigma and Tamron as they are usually noticeably inferior quality.
"you get what you pay for" is as true for lenses as anything else.
But you can mitigate the cost a bit by buying refurbished lenses, as long as you verify they have been factory refurbished by Nikon. Four of the 12 lenses I own are refurbished, and I would not hesitate to buy one.
Http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/lenses-so-many-of-them-there-is-no-best.html
http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/third-party-lenses.html