I need a new lens..

[Stonebaked]

Had a Nikon D40 for a few years now but never really properly learnt all the tricks and settings with it. Just got the 18-55mm lens that came with it but I am now looking at upgrading to something more appropriate.

Anyway what I mainly want the lens for is taking pictures of aircraft. I was at Manchester at the weekend and took a few pictures but came to the conclusion I need something with a better zoom. Below are a couple of examples of what I took.

So yeah recommend me some lens and settings which will improve my photos.

Many Thanks

 

[Revels]

They'll only 'improve' them as you'll get closer to your subject.

What's your budget?

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Are those pictures above at 55mm as shot, or cropped down !?

As per Revlols .. budget ? What are you planning on shooting .. do you want to be able to count the wrinkles on the pilots face from that position you were in above ?

Buying a £12,000 lens might make your subjects closer, but doesn't make you a better photographer.

 

[Stonebaked]

Well obviously the cheaper the better, I am no Mr. money bags unfortunately.

Them pictures above aren't cropped. I would just like something that I can zoom in a little more from say the position I was stood in when taking them pictures above.
:star:

 

[Riad]

You want something like the sigma 70-300 AF-S Can be had new for around £120

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sigma-70-300m...ultDomain_3&hash=item3f090e476c#ht_8535wt_907

Here is an example of a photo taken with the said lens

Untitled by Riad Ariane, on Flickr

 

[Curtis!]

Just out of interest, where abouts were you near manchester airport? The aviation viewing park thing off the M56?

Cheers

 

[Riad]

Just out of interest, where abouts were you near manchester airport? The aviation viewing park thing off the M56?

Cheers

Yeah thats the place they charge you like £7.50 though

 

[Lucaio]

I got a Sigma 55-200mm managed to grab it on eBay for £50.

Took this using it:

Formula Renault by Lucaio., on Flickr

 

[Revels]

200mm is rarely long enough.

300mm is better. 400mm would be best.

 

[Riad]

200mm is rarely long enough.

Thats the only zoom lens i have atm, works a treat and produces sharp images i will soon be investing in a 300 f.4

 

[Stonebaked]

Just out of interest, where abouts were you near manchester airport? The aviation viewing park thing off the M56?

Cheers

Yea that is correct, I booked a tour around the Concorde as well and that way you get free parking, otherwise its pretty steep.

 

[Stonebaked]

Just out of interest, where abouts were you near manchester airport? The aviation viewing park thing off the M56?

Cheers

Yea that is correct, I booked a tour around the Concorde as well and that way you get free parking, otherwise its pretty steep.

 

[Feirny]

200mm is rarely long enough.

300mm is better. 400mm would be best.

200mm on a FF sensor is even worse :dapprove:

 

[Andy.]

200mm on a FF sensor is even worse :dapprove:

You do get a lot of pixels to crop into though! I still want a 2x MkIII extender, but my supplier can't get one at a decent price yet.