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saml1986 · Sep 9, 2013, 06:14 AM

I have a Nikon D3200 and I am looking to photograph wildlife. In particular deer. A lot of the time I can't get close enough for a good clear shot. I was wondering what lense would be the best to use with a very good zoom? I have been taking photos of deer for a while now but I have been using a Nikon bridge camera, I thought I'd upgrade to the D3200 DSLR so I'm not familiar with the jargon. I have searched for information but it is confusing me.

Thanks in advance!

cdad · Sep 9, 2013, 12:45 PM

How close do you intend to get to the deer? What type of shots are you looking to get?

N0help4u · Sep 9, 2013, 12:56 PM

I would go with this unless you are already use to using a telephoto lens, then I would upgrade one or 2 but the price is double.
Refurbished Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens - Refurbished by Nikon USA 2166 B

saml1986 · Sep 9, 2013, 01:00 PM

Hi, Thanks for the reply. I won't be able to get very close. With my previous camera I was shooting across a valley which was approx quarter of a mile at full zoom. I was getting OK ish shots. I am thinking around a similar distance, in October rutting season starts so I should be able to get slightly closer. I am hoping to take clear photos with as much detail as possible.

Originally Posted by N0help4u

I would go with this unless you are already use to using a telephoto lens, then I would upgrade one or 2 but the price is double.
Refurbished Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens - Refurbished by Nikon USA 2166 B

I am currently using the kit lens I got with the camera 18-55mm and a sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 dg macro lens.

N0help4u · Sep 9, 2013, 01:14 PM

Then you may want something like this

Sigma 150mm-500mm f/5-6.3 DG APO OS Lens for Nikon DSLRs 737306

Or this

Nikon's Newest NIKKOR Lenses Offer Versatility For FX-Format Shooters - Digicam Geek's blog

For close ups of butterflies and tiny things I like these macro filters

Chic Macro Close Up Lenses for Nikon D90 D3000 D3100 D5000 D5100 D7000 52mm | eBay

saml1986 · Sep 9, 2013, 02:40 PM

That's brilliant. Thank you for your help. I will have a look at both of the lenses you have linked :-) hopefully I will be getting some great shots soon. Thanks again!

cdad · Sep 9, 2013, 03:14 PM

You are wanting to take some very long shots. The weather is going to affect the outcome of the pictures. At over 400 yards you can get heat waves that will interfere with the shots.

If the deer are in season you should be able to get much closer then that. Hunters average between 50 and 100 yards. Consider your options carefully.