Nikon Telephoto Zoom

[Mike Krumlauf]

What Nikon or third party lenses with Nikon mount that would have a starting zoom of around 50mm or so is available that has internal zoom parts, so the lens would not expand when zooming? Like the Sigma 18-35 I have.

 

[Vance Colvig]

Nikkor 50-300 ED may be the closest. Superb lens however front element rotates and extends a when focusing. Also the Nikkor 25-50mm is a real nice light weight zoom but also front element rotates when focused. I am old school, and so are the lens designs.

 

[Michael Hastings]

Mike: I have one of the Nikkor 50-300 ED that I bought from original Reduser Steve Gibby (Red1 SN 8) back in the RedOne days - barely used it as I got the first Birger Canon smart mount shortly after and already had a Canon 100-400L. It is an extremely good lens in near mint condition and would sell for a reasonable price if you're interested. (I think I paid $900 for it). As a cinema lens it is much nicer than the Canon L because of the long, smooth focus but since most of my work is underwater with wide angles I don't do much of that kind of work.

Vance is correct that the front element extends about 1/2" when going from closest focus to infinity. I think it is fairly parfocal but would have to check that. I believe many of these were also converted to PL mount.

There is an older version that had push pull zoom and I'm not sure how you tell which is which when looking at ads on Ebay and such. Maybe Vance can enlighten us on that point.