Another noob lens advice thread!

matt2000 · May 30th, 2008, 04:59 PM

Hi,

I've had my D40 for 5 months now, and it's great, but I think it's time to buy a new lens. The 18-55mm is nice, but I would like more zoom. Most of my subjects are quite fan away from me, and they appear small with the 55mm lens. I'm expecting to use the camera quite a lot when I go away for a week with the rest of my family to Alcudia (I don't live or get to go to exotic places live some of you).

Anyway I've picked out two lenses that I like, and are in my possible price range (if I can actually scrape that much together in time).

First is the sensible Nikon 55-200mm VR f/4-5.6 AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor.

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/images/products/5455_1.jpg

You all know this lens, so no details needed. £140

The second is the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DL Macro Super DG.

This one has me baffled. Obviously it is 70-300mm instead of 50-200mm, but they are both f4-5.6 (which I still don't fully understand anyway) and this is only £95. This one also has a macro feature, but no VR.

Personally I think having the longer lens will be a big advantage, especially at this price, but I am very shaky too, so VR would be useful.

Hmmmm...

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. images/smilies/smile.gif

Matt

BerserkerCatSplat · May 30th, 2008, 05:03 PM

Go with the much, much better 55-200VR. VR helps make up for the small max aperture, the lens is sharper than the Sigma, and the 70-300 is really soft from 200-300mm anyway.

matt2000 · May 30th, 2008, 05:06 PM

I think that probably clear it up then. images/smilies/lol.gif

I'll see if I can get the cash for that one.

Thanks. images/smilies/smile.gif

the Interceptor · May 30th, 2008, 05:07 PM

If you buy a Sigma, you'll have to stick with a HSM model, or you'll have to focus manually. Only the HSM models have the focus motor built in.

matt2000 · May 30th, 2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Interceptor

If you buy a Sigma, you'll have to stick with a HSM model, or you'll have to focus manually. Only the HSM models have the focus motor built in.

According to the Sigma website, it does have the AF mounts for Nikon DSLRs, and has a motor built in. images/smilies/smile.gif

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lens...m/70-300mm.htm

the Interceptor · May 30th, 2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt2000

According to the Sigma website, it does have the AF mounts for Nikon DSLRs, and has a motor built in. images/smilies/smile.gif

You're right, Sigma has included an autofocus motor in the Nikon model. Sorry, I wasn't aware of that. You should still stick with the Nikkor if you plan to shoot by hand.

BerserkerCatSplat · May 30th, 2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt2000

According to the Sigma website, it does have the AF mounts for Nikon DSLRs, and has a motor built in. images/smilies/smile.gif

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lens...m/70-300mm.htm

SOME of the 70-300 Nikon-mounts have the built-in motor, the one you posted doesn't.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08...ma70300hsm.asp

matt2000 · May 30th, 2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerserkerCatSplat

SOME of the 70-300 Nikon-mounts have the built-in motor, the one you posted doesn't.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08...ma70300hsm.asp

Yeah I see that now, it's pretty clear now I've seen the ones with motors. I can't actually find any with motors that are Nikon compatible, so I'll steer clear of them. images/smilies/smile.gif

the Interceptor · May 30th, 2008, 08:40 PM

You know I've been pretty much on the same way you're currently on, and in every single review I read, I stumbled over the following information:

the Nikkor 55-200 is a surprisingly good lens for its money
the Nikkor 55-200 is the lens to get if you have the 18-55

Go for it!

Solberg · May 30th, 2008, 09:03 PM

What's there to think about?

Get the 55-200 VR.

jayhawk · May 30th, 2008, 09:23 PM

Matt, I have the Nikon 55-200mm. For the price, it is a good lens. Plus VR, and a steady stance, you can eliminate a tripod. I use it when I go to Road America, and truth be known, I never go over 135mm. And it seems that is it's sweet spot, as I get a bit of distortion and purple fringe at 200mm.

matt2000 · May 30th, 2008, 09:39 PM

Thanks everyone, that's the one I'll go for, when I get the chance. images/smilies/smile.gif

Raparperi · June 1st, 2008, 08:15 AM

Yeah, the Nikkor is definitely the way to go in this case. The Sigma 70-300 is not a bad lens, IF you get the APO-version, which has better optics (indicated by the red ring in the front of the lens). This one though is the el cheapo version, which is...well, crap images/smilies/wink.gif

And the focusing motor Sigma has put in these 70-300 lenses is most likely something very basic, nothing near the HSM motors Sigma has in more expensive models, so it's going to be noisy and slow.

So...
Nikkor: Fast AF, VR, quality optics
Sigma: 100mm more in the long end but at pretty much everything else, it fails.

matt2000 · June 14th, 2008, 11:44 AM

Quick update, I've been looking at these lenses on eBay and Amazon, and there's a good one going for £104 including postage.

I don't know if it comes with all it's original packaging yet (waiting for a reply to the message I sent), but will a used one be okay? I don't have £150 to spend on a brand new one, so this is my best option. images/smilies/smile.gif

Cheers,
Matt

rootrider · June 19th, 2008, 09:23 AM

all of my equipment was used before I bought my d300. But I usually purchased from someone local so I could check out the lens or camera before buying. Normally it's not a problem..

May 30th, 2008, 04:59 PM	#1
matt2000 Squirrel Mincer Joined: Feb 17th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Market Harborough, UK Age: 18 Posts: 2,674 Car: '77 Land Rover Series III LFS Status: Rep Power: 39	Another noob lens advice thread! Hi, I've had my D40 for 5 months now, and it's great, but I think it's time to buy a new lens. The 18-55mm is nice, but I would like more zoom. Most of my subjects are quite fan away from me, and they appear small with the 55mm lens. I'm expecting to use the camera quite a lot when I go away for a week with the rest of my family to Alcudia (I don't live or get to go to exotic places live some of you). Anyway I've picked out two lenses that I like, and are in my possible price range (if I can actually scrape that much together in time). First is the sensible Nikon 55-200mm VR f/4-5.6 AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor. You all know this lens, so no details needed. £140 The second is the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DL Macro Super DG. This one has me baffled. Obviously it is 70-300mm instead of 50-200mm, but they are both f4-5.6 (which I still don't fully understand anyway) and this is only £95. This one also has a macro feature, but no VR. Personally I think having the longer lens will be a big advantage, especially at this price, but I am very shaky too, so VR would be useful. Hmmmm... Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Matt __________________ Want an avatar but can't be arsed to do it yourself - Let me know!

May 30th, 2008, 05:03 PM	#2
BerserkerCatSplat Hormone Induced Joined: Jun 21st, 2005 Last Online: 01:27 AM Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 5,458 Car: Pimpmobile Rep Power: 59	Go with the much, much better 55-200VR. VR helps make up for the small max aperture, the lens is sharper than the Sigma, and the 70-300 is really soft from 200-300mm anyway. __________________ OSPhoto

May 30th, 2008, 05:06 PM	#3
matt2000 Squirrel Mincer Joined: Feb 17th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Market Harborough, UK Age: 18 Posts: 2,674 Car: '77 Land Rover Series III LFS Status: Rep Power: 39	I think that probably clear it up then. I'll see if I can get the cash for that one. Thanks. __________________ Want an avatar but can't be arsed to do it yourself - Let me know!

May 30th, 2008, 08:40 PM	#9
the Interceptor Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Posts: 1,592 Car: BMW E36 323i superleggera Rep Power: 38	You know I've been pretty much on the same way you're currently on, and in every single review I read, I stumbled over the following information: the Nikkor 55-200 is a surprisingly good lens for its money the Nikkor 55-200 is the lens to get if you have the 18-55 Go for it!

May 30th, 2008, 09:03 PM	#10
Solberg Joined: Apr 24th, 2008 Last Online: Yesterday Posts: 703 Rep Power: 11	What's there to think about? Get the 55-200 VR. __________________

May 30th, 2008, 05:07 PM	#4
the Interceptor Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Posts: 1,592 Car: BMW E36 323i superleggera Rep Power: 38	If you buy a Sigma, you'll have to stick with a HSM model, or you'll have to focus manually. Only the HSM models have the focus motor built in.

May 30th, 2008, 09:23 PM	#11
jayhawk Cigar Smoking Man Joined: Dec 11th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Listening to stories from the Brân Lwyd. Age: 32 Posts: 4,805 Car: MY07 G11 WRX-TR WRB. Rep Power: 77	Matt, I have the Nikon 55-200mm. For the price, it is a good lens. Plus VR, and a steady stance, you can eliminate a tripod. I use it when I go to Road America, and truth be known, I never go over 135mm. And it seems that is it's sweet spot, as I get a bit of distortion and purple fringe at 200mm. __________________ It is nice to have friends like you on this forum. In the wee hours I'll meet you, down by Dun Ringill. Wife is re-employed....maybe I will show up unexpectantly at the next Nürburgring meet...

May 30th, 2008, 09:39 PM	#12
matt2000 Squirrel Mincer Joined: Feb 17th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Market Harborough, UK Age: 18 Posts: 2,674 Car: '77 Land Rover Series III LFS Status: Rep Power: 39	Thanks everyone, that's the one I'll go for, when I get the chance. __________________ Want an avatar but can't be arsed to do it yourself - Let me know!

June 1st, 2008, 08:15 AM	#13
Raparperi Joined: Jul 18th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Tampere, Finland Age: 26 Posts: 597 Car: '94 Ford Escort 1.8i STW Rep Power: 17	Yeah, the Nikkor is definitely the way to go in this case. The Sigma 70-300 is not a bad lens, IF you get the APO-version, which has better optics (indicated by the red ring in the front of the lens). This one though is the el cheapo version, which is...well, crap And the focusing motor Sigma has put in these 70-300 lenses is most likely something very basic, nothing near the HSM motors Sigma has in more expensive models, so it's going to be noisy and slow. So... Nikkor: Fast AF, VR, quality optics Sigma: 100mm more in the long end but at pretty much everything else, it fails. __________________ My gallery: http://raparperi.1g.fi/kuvat/ (links are mostly in Finnish)

June 14th, 2008, 11:44 AM	#14
matt2000 Squirrel Mincer Joined: Feb 17th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Market Harborough, UK Age: 18 Posts: 2,674 Car: '77 Land Rover Series III LFS Status: Rep Power: 39	Quick update, I've been looking at these lenses on eBay and Amazon, and there's a good one going for £104 including postage. I don't know if it comes with all it's original packaging yet (waiting for a reply to the message I sent), but will a used one be okay? I don't have £150 to spend on a brand new one, so this is my best option. Cheers, Matt __________________ Want an avatar but can't be arsed to do it yourself - Let me know!

June 19th, 2008, 09:23 AM	#15
rootrider -VW Golf- Joined: Mar 31st, 2005 Last Online: July 15th, 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA (USA) Age: 27 Posts: 571 Car: '85 vw gti Rep Power: 15	all of my equipment was used before I bought my d300. But I usually purchased from someone local so I could check out the lens or camera before buying. Normally it's not a problem.. __________________ my cars \| my photos camera gear: D300, D70, FA, 80-200 2.8, 17-50 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 300mm F/4, 18-70,

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need noob advice on film SLR	Homer_Bart	Photography	5	April 14th, 2008 02:26 AM
LFS noob has problems. And so LFS noob has questions.	lip	Live For Speed	12	January 5th, 2007 01:54 AM
Noob here	BADMIHAI	The Forums	21	May 23rd, 2005 03:37 AM
Hey Guys - NOOB	Zonda11	The Site Itself	23	June 5th, 2004 08:53 AM
Noob here	thenoblenoble	Off-Topic	14	January 2nd, 1970 06:37 AM