Railfan Technology > Lens recommendations follow up

Thanks to all who responded to my posting three weeks ago about upgrading the lens for my Nikon D5100.

I ended up going with the Nikkor 18-200 VR II lens. The lens is somewhat larger than the 18-55 kit lens I was using; it is definitely heavier (the camera no longer feels like a big point and shoot) and feels much more rugged -- I trust that is a good sign.

One thing that tipped me to that lens was a review that indicated the lens auto-focuses very quickly and accurately. That seems to be a must for railfan photography.

I went out yesterday afternoon to test the lens and so far I am pleased. Here are two shots (distance and close-up) of a San Joaquin approaching Emeryville taken with the lens fully extended to 200mm. (Since this is a DX lens that corresponds to 300 mm focal length for a 35mm film camera)  The nose of the unit appears to be in sharp focus in each shot.

Neil

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Enjoy!

Nice shots and good examples.

Bob Jordan

From what I read, that is an excellent choice.

Scott Schifer
Torrance, CA
TinyTrains Website