Best lens for surf photography? - 1
I've asked before, but I forgot to add a lot of detail.
I've been looking at the Tamron 70-300mm f/4, but I feel like it's *too cheap*. Any other lenses around that price range, up to 100$ more?
BTW, I shoot Nikon D3200.
What is the Tamron not doing for you that you want done better? You won't find any significantly better lens for less than $100. The equivalent Nikon lens costs $1400.
You're comparing image quality to "feel".
What are you wanting to get? A lens with image quality, or a lens that "doesn't feel cheap" (which can't be quantified because it's subjective)?
Yes. I have a Tamron 70-300mm f/4 which I'll be happy to sell to you for $100 over the usual price, if it makes you feel even more comfortable I'll offer it for $200 more and let you beat me down by $100 so that you get a bargain…
Pay top dollar and stick to Nikon only and then get the highest resale values and best guarantees of future compatibility with other Nikon gear, or pay less and get a third party lens which will usually be very acceptable and save you a lot of cash but with some inevitable compromises. As with all similar things, paying more invokes a Law of Diminishing Returns. A lens costing twice as much is not going to be twice as good.
In photography, you usually get exactly what you paid for. IF you can afford it, go for the Nikon version. If not, go cheap with Tamron.
The best lens for shooting surfing is the one mounted on the camera of the photographer riding in tandem on the jetski that's covering the contest.
Don't waste your money on mediocre. Get the Nikon 200-500mm f5.6.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_Nikkor_AF-S_200-500mm_f5-6E_ED_VR/verdict.shtml
If you have the cash - Buy lovely expensive primes
If you have some cash - Buy a 300mm f4, in either flavour they are good.
If you want a versatile set up - Buy a prime and and a 70-200
Superzooms - you get what you pay for be careful, remember zooms tend to fall apart in quality at their longest ends, which is often what you're buying them for.
If you're starting out - read the last two segments, there's an affordable and decent lens in there for you.
Best to look for a lens longer that 300mm at top end, probably you do not need as short as 70mm at lower end.
So, something maybe around 120mm to 600mm.