Question 1

I got a Nikon D40 ..what xx to 300 mm lense would be good...Nikor or Tamron

Accepted Answer

It really depends on what subjects you will be shooting, how much you will use it and what your budget is. The Nikon (NIKKOR) lenses are more ruggedly built than similar products from Tamron or Sigma. Optically, I think that the Tamron would be a good lens, just not as durable. I have shot with Nikons since 1973 and have only ever bought NIKKOR lenses. I use my cameras and lenses every day, so they see a lot of use and, inevitably, a certain amount of abuse--shooting in rain, snow, bumps, scrapes, etc. If you only use your D40 once every 2 or 3 weeks, the Tamron will probably fill your need. As to subject, I think you will find the 300mm lens to be too long for sports. I have both the 18-200mm DX NIKKOR and the 70-200 FX NIKKOR lenses and they are plenty long for field sports. If you shoot wildlife, you will appreciate the 300mm lens, and you might even want to add a teleconverter to it for longer reach. On the shorter end, if you already have the 18-55mm zoom, the 55-300 will fit right in. The NIKKOR 55-300mm sells for under $400, bearing in mind that it is a DX format lens, which is fine for the D40. If you think you might eventually upgrade your camera body, take a look at the NIKKOR 70-300mm lens. It is an FX format lens, which will work on any Nikon body, is the same aperture as the 55-300 and is only about $190 more than the NIKKOR 55-300mm. All of the lenses I am suggesting have Nikon's Vibration Ruduction (VR) built in which is good for 2-4 f/stops slower shutter speed when hand holding the lens. If you know that you will only be using a tripod for very long focal lengths Nikon does have an FX 70-300mm f/4-5.6 that sells for about $160. Caution, do not try to handhold that lens at 300mm at shutter speeds below 1/250 second, but that's what we all used to do. Still, I highly recommend the Vibration Reduction Lenses.

Question 2

Will this lens autofocus with the D3100?  I just had to return the 70-300mm Nikon lens because the autofocus wasn't compatible with the camera.

Accepted Answer

Any AF-S lens should work with your camera.  This is due to the fact that AF-S lenses have a built-in motor.  Since your camera has no motor, it requires these lenses for auto focus.  Your 70-300 lens must not have been an AF-S.

Question 3

Will this lens autofocus with the D3100?

Accepted Answer

Will this lens autofocus with the D5200?

Question 4

Does the Auto Focus work on the D5100?  I have read one site that it does not.

Accepted Answer

It works great for me.  My guess is that someone got a lemon, and I'm sure they do exist.  You can see photos I took with my D5100 at http://idaholyoaks4.blogspot.com/.  There are lots of shots there I took with my D5100, as well as some I took with older cameras.

ASIN	B003ZSHNCC
Brand	Nikon
Camera Lens	The Nikon DX 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens is a telephoto zoom designed for Nikon F-mount cameras in DX format, offering an equivalent focal length of 82.5-450mm. It has an aperture range of f/4.5 to f/22, with two DE elements and one HRI element in its construction. Includes Quiet Wave Motor AF system for fast and silent autofocus, plus VR II image stabilization to reduce camera movement. The le…
Color	Black
Compatible Camera Models	Nikon D3500, Nikon D5600, Nikon D7500, etc.
Compatible Camera Mount	Nikon F
Compatible Devices	Nikon D3100
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,371)
Exposure Control Type	Automatic
Focal Length Description	55 millimeters
Focus Type	Auto Focus
Global Trade Identification Number	00018208021970, 04960759026255
Has Self-Timer	No
Image stabilization	Optical
Item Part Number	JAA814DA
Item Weight	1.28 Pounds
Lens	Zoom lens
Lens Coating Description	Fluorine Coating
Lens Design	Zoom
Lens Fixed Focal Length	300 Millimeters
Lens Mount	Nikon F
Light Sensitivity	Wide
Manufacturer	Nikon
Manufacturer Part Number	2197
Maximum Aperture	4.5 f
Maximum Focal Length	300
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/2000 seconds
Media Type	ProductImage
Minimum Aperture	22
Minimum Focal Length	55
Model Name	Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Model Number	2197
Number of Diaphragm Blades	7
Photo Filter Size	58 Millimeters
Screen Size	3.03 Inches
Shooting Modes	sports, landscape
UPC	018208021970 017515216673 639713392951
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Viewfinder Type	Optical Viewfinder
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Zoom Ratio	5.45

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens

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