Price dropped significantly. Not sure if I should get it. This would complete my zoom range. Next on the list would be a longer focal length (85mm-ish) prime lens, if I end up deciding I want that. I've done my comparisons and decided this is better than the Nikon version.

I'm still completely new to photography, but this lens isn't limited to the DX cropped sensor range which is a huge plus. And this lens allows me to do some nature photography/etc.

I currently have the 16-85mm DX lens, and the 35mm 1.8G lens.

Yay/nay? "Tamron SP 70-300MM F/4-5.6 DI VC USD"

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 6 2013 12:43pm

if you want, youve only had your camera for like a week lol,

Here's how I weigh it out:

Reasons to buy:
- it's only $380 + tax... just went on sale for $120 off
- I've already spent $1700 on everything (mem card, case, lens protectors, lenses, camera)
- this completes my focal range for zooms
- it isn't a crop-sensor lens, so if I ever upgrade cameras this is one less lens I need to sell
- this gets me great shots at the 70-300 focal length at a really nice price

Reasons to not buy:
- 400 bucks isn't cheap
- I could invest the cash in a lens like an 85mm prime which might see more use
- I'm new to photography (like a week new)
- I should save the cash to buy full-frame later on if I'm serious about photography

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 6 2013 02:27pm

Hahaha I know. But I've already done a fair number of shots and I've really determined a few things:

1) I enjoy photography. Currently I enjoy it enough to dump the cash into it. When the 'honeymoon' phase is over and the "Oh I spent that much cash" phase kicks in, I certainly do hope I'm still in love with photography enough to justify every penny spent.
2) I end up taking three categories of shots: family photos, memory photos, and fun photos. Family photos comprise about 50% of my shots that I'll keep, if not more. "Memory" photos are family photos, but of scenes, things, etc, that I'm doing with family, and will comprise a lot of my photos as well. Finally, fun photos are just fun photos... a picture of an owl for the hell of it, for example.
3) The focal lengths I'm finding I shoot family photos generally range from 24-85mm on a crop sensor camera, and I'm quite often wanting to go beyond that 85mm limitation. This is within close proximity too. On a vacation I think I'll be really wanting to be in the focal range between 100-200mm.

So really my justification is that I'll be using the focal range for photos, and that it's only a small bump in price.

Buuuuuuuuuut...

My two concerns are the cost, and whether I'll just end up hating my zooms since I'm already in love with my 35mm prime. And, of course, there's the question of how much should a beginner be acquiring all at once...

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 6 2013 02:26pm

can always rent lenses and test them out before buying your own

I suppose so. I might look into that. If I could rent a 70-300 for 14 days for $20 I'd do it... not sure if I can rent that cheap though (any higher cost = would probably just straight up buy the lens).

I think a 2 day rental would just sell me on the lens. I'd need it for a full vacation to know whether I really want it.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 6 2013 02:33pm

Meh... I pulled the trigger. It's as cheap as it'll ever get. I feel like having a 70-300mm will be fun -- I won't know until I try it at least. The fact that it's a non-DX lens is also quite appealing.

Time to be happy with what I've got. Getting some nice pictures so far, looking forward to an excuse to head out and start snapping some nice photos at the beach.

This post was edited by Canadian_Man on Jul 7 2013 03:18am

The only problem with this lens is that you'll have to bump your ISO really high when you'll be zoomed in low light :/
you'll be at f5.6 when at 300mm + Slow shutter speed at 300mm will be extremely shaky.
If you take pictures with it in the day time then it will be alright

youre making too many impulsive buys, im sorry but you dont even need this right now

Did you quote me because you said that to me or because you approved ?
because im not the buyer :x