So, how do you outfit your camera body with those must-have lenses without forking over a car payment or two for them? Start by scouring garage sales and yard sales. You’d be amazed at the cheap lenses that can be found there, thanks to owners and auctioneers not knowing the true worth of some of their wares. You can often find great deals on eBay and other auction websites. Finally, check out local thrift stores, pawn stores, and camera shops. You may be able to pick up a decent used lens for less than half of what you would pay for it brand new.

I currently have the Nikon 55mm – 200mm telephoto lens, and it gets the job done, but I want something that can zoom farther and shoot a crisper, clearer picture. Most of my 150mm+ photos tend to be on the grainy side, even if there is plenty of exposure and the shutter speed is slow and the lens is wide open. It’s such a bummer, especially because the worst grain always seems to show up on what would otherwise be absolutely outstanding photographs.

What type of lens do you lust after?

Canon 100-400IS EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM with Image Stabilizer

If you have a Canon 35mm SLR camera that accepts EF-Mount lenses, then you’ll want to get this zoom lens for those extra close shots. The 100-400IS EF is a 4X zoom lens with an adjustable focal length between 100mm and 400mm, and features dual-mode image stabilizer that will allow you to snap clear, sharp images even if you don’t have a steady hand. With the Canon 100-400IS you’ll be able completely eliminate the secondary spectrum for superb color rendition thanks to the Fluorite and Super-UD glass and achieve high resolution images with perfect color balance and sharp contrast. When you’re ready to take your photography to the next level, then you’ll want to buy the Canon 100-400IS EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM for your 35mm camera.

Nikon DX Zoom Nikkor zoom lens – 55 nm – 200 mm

If you are looking a high-quality Zoom Lens for your Nikon DX format SLR camera, then you’ll want one from the same company that’s known for making some of the best cameras and optics available. This 3.6X Nikkor Zoom Lens is perfect for still photographs as well as fast action snaps with its ultra-high speed autofocusing and exceptional accuracy with super-quiet operation. You’ll be able to get more vivid higher contrast images thanks to the Super Integrated Coating that minimizes ghosting and lens flare, even in challenging light conditions. This ultra-compact 55-200mm lens is designed to be versatile that enables quick-switching between autofocus and manual with extraordinary photographic performance. Get the most out of your Nikon DX format SLR camera when you buy the Nikon DX Zoom Nikkor zoom lens – 55 nm – 200 mm