What and where to buy

[Machias]

My lovely wife would like a real kick ass telephoto lens, something in the $1400-$1600 price range, any recomendations on what to get her and where the best place to buy one.  Thanks for any help.

[Machias]

No help?   

[tlbradford]

I forgot what camera you bought Fred.  Wasn't it the Rebel Xsi?  What will the primary purpose be for this lens?  Wildlife, people and events, etc?  That will help us make some recommendations.  As for new lenses, look at Adorama, Cameraland, and B&H Photo.  All have good warranties and competetive pricing.  If you want to look at used lenses than you can patrol Craigslist, Ebay, FredMiranda.com, and KEH for the particular lens you want. 

[Machias]

She has a Nikon, pretty sure it's not the Rebel, but I will find out.  She mostly wants it for Wildlife.  I will check those sites out, thanks very much for getting me started!!   

[jackelope]

Rebel's a Canon body.

[Machias]

She has a Nikon D3000.

[LLEWELLIN]

The D3000 requires a lens with an internal motor for autofocus to work. In nikon lenses they are the AF-S lenses. Canoga Camera  or B&H are my top two online stores. You will also most likely want your lens to hold a USA warranty so before you buy that is one thing to check on. The same lens sold as grey market which is imported might be cheaper but Nikon USA will not honor warranty.

[Machias]

Cool, thanks VERY much for the help!!

[Jeffrey]

http://kenrockwell.com/sigma/150-500mm.htm  This is a new lens just out from Sigma...lots of zoom reach.  You will be able to use it on your D3000.  Ken gives this lens a great review, and for under a thousand bucks! 

[Machias]

Thanks Jeffrey, she is checking them out.