Please use the forum search as this has been covered before

"Advice On Safari Lens"
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1712

Here's some pictures a friend of mine took this summer in Africa. The reason I'm showing you these is so you'll know what to expect when finding a lens to shoot with.

The 70-300 lens is a great lens but I agree with johpap that a 18-250 lens would serve better purpose as it also has wide angle, as you'll see in these pictures.

Hope these help!

http://picasaweb.google.com/BlandBridenstine/ChrisSPhotosOfAfrica?feat=directlink

Those were shot with a Canon Advance Digital Camera, so yours should be even better.

elsa said:
Thanks for your reply. Okay, I have to ask. What do you mean when you say it's a bit "soft". I'm sorry, I am really green and I feel embarrassed to have to ask, but I need to know what you mean by that. Thanks!

FYI, zoom lens, although very good today, are generally not as sharp as prime (single focal length) lenses, especially at their extreme ends. Soft means the 70-300 might not have the sharpest images at the full 300mm, so you'll get best quality up to, say, 250mm. A lot of zooms are also soft when wide open (eg, their lowest f/stop). For example I have the nikon 18-200mm, a great all in one travel lens but soft unless you shoot above f/8.

I know it's a lot to take in at once, but once you shoot a lens you'll get an idea of it's limitations and abilities. I'd recommend a few trips to your local zoo to get a feel for the camera before the trip.

You can also go to borrowlenses dot com and try out the lenes for a few weeks before you commit to buy.

I am a crappy typist, sorry I'm so slow to respond. Krevlin, no, I don't have a tripod or monopod and even if I did I can't bring anything like that on this trip. I will be hand-holding the camera and using a bean bag. Thank you everyone for your advice so far!

Well that makes sense. Hmmmmm. Think I would like as sharp as I can afford and also operate.

You might look at the sigma 120-400, will cost more but it's a faster (brighter) lens, will help get sharper images and it should focus quicker too. I have the older 80-400, it's a great wildlife lens. It will also do better in low light than the nikon 70-300. My two cents and congrats on the camera and trip!

Hey Elsa, a "soft" lens means it isn't tack sharp.

Anyways, really with your camera and I think maybe your budget I'd have to agree with the purchase of the 70-300VR.

Really the faster lenses, all above 1000$. Do you at least have a monopod/tripod?

"soft" means that it's not as sharp as could be. Don't feel bad about asking questions.

Thanks for your reply. Okay, I have to ask. What do you mean when you say it's a bit "soft". I'm sorry, I am really green and I feel embarrassed to have to ask, but I need to know what you mean by that. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum elsa. Check out http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests for some easy to understand reviews of lenses.

Actually, the price you list for the 70-300 is an import price. The USA retail is $589 on B&H. I have the Sigma 18-250 OS HSM. ($479 B&H). It has been a great all around lens. It's a bit soft at the 18 and 250 focal lengths but all in all I have been quite satisfied with it.

Hi Everyone,
This is my first post here so please excuse me if I come across as totally clueless, because I am! I recently received a Nikon D3000 as a gift. I am still trying to figure out how to use it. I have never owned nor operated a camera like this before. Fast forward to now, and in a few weeks we are going to Africa on safari. The lens that came with the camera is decent, but for a safari I need a good zoom. Most of the photos will be taken from a jeep, and I can't bring a tripod. I'll be using a bean bag, like the guide book suggested. Here's my questions: How on earth do I decide which lens to get? I think it should have VR, as I don't want my pictures all out of focus. But I don't want to buy more lens than I can handle as I am really new to this.
I called B&H and someone there recommended the Nikkor 70-300 VR Zoom. It's about $465. I would appreciate any advice from you guys. I feel like I'm learning a new language! Thanks!