DSLRUsers.com

I've had my D70 for a few wks now and I've only got the kit lens.

I'd like to get something with a longer focal length to complement it.

Like many, I covet a VR lens but it's way beyond my budget. I'm thinking in the meantime, I'd like to own a 'decent' quality telephoto in the 70-300mm range.

The 3 I've considered so far are:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 359&is=USA

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 956&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 161&is=REG

In addition to telephoto, I'd like to try some macro stuff, so the macro options on the sigma and tamron are a plus in my opinion. The tamron also looks like it would be easy to handle with it's large control surfaces.

This will be my first lens purchase ever though so I have no idea

Please help, and feel free to suggest other lenses (under $200)

-Rich

Hi, Rich

IF you browse/search the forum there has been heaps of disscusion on these lense before.
They are great bargin lenses that will get you started before jumping straight in a more expensive VR style lense.

There a re a few members with either the Nikon and Sigma . I have the Nikon 70-300G, excellent considereing the price but can be alittle soft under certain conditions.

http://forum.d70users.com/viewtopic.php ... ght=70300g

The above link Killakoala shots are with the Nikon I believe so it is a very capable peice of equipment.

I also like the Macro advantage of the Sigma so that may be worth a second look also.

Sorry if this hasn't been much help but the info is here on the forum,

Goodluck

MATT

Hi Rich,

Seeing that you are restricted to US$200, IMO I would go for the best possible value for money and any additional feature (macro) between the manufacturers. Therefore, have a look at:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 660&is=REG

Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Zoom Macro Super II Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D.

Although cost comes in at US$209 + Shipping but you are getting 'APO' against 'DL' lens.

Difference:

APO (APO Lens)
In order to attain the highest quality images, the APO lens has been made using special low-dispersion (SLD) glass and is designed to minimize color aberration.

All the very best with your acquisition.


Cheerio,

Rich,

I suggest any of the lenses listed, however there is this one that you have missed. The APO version of the Sigma 70-300. This seems to be a fairly well regarded lens for a cheapy. As a bonus it does have the macro mode. This was my first choice over the Nikon - even over the Nikon 70-300 D - I could not justify the extra expense of the D lens with better construction but same (almost) optics as the G. The Sigma is fairly well priced but is at the upper end of your budget. BTW, I suggest getting what you really want the first time. It becomes expensive buying even the cheap lenses, only to replace them later.

Cheers

Matt

G'day Rich,
The first zoom I purchased was the Sigma APO II 70-300, I thought it was terrific value for money and the macro ability was fun...

I ended up going for a VR lens but that was to cater for my shaky hand syndrome, not due to issues with the Sigma... The Sigma lens is probably capable of a lot more than I am

The example below was my early attempts at PP but I think it's a reasonable example with the Sigma 70-300 APO II:


Cheers,
Mudder

Hi NetMagi,

I purchased the Sigma APO Super Macro 11 70-300, mainly because of its macro capabilities. Also reasonable zoom too.

Not a VR but I am more than happy with it.


Regards
Nige

rich,

i just bought the Sigma APO Super Macro II 70-300 too. (it should be here some time next week hopefully, thanks birddog). after researching across these forums and those on dpreview, i thought it seemed like the best option though not much separates these lenses but the APO is globally considering superior to the DL model.

you can get it from [url=Sigma APO Super Macro 11 70-300]tristate cameras[/url] for about $US160.

dave.

Rich,

I think dperrett means this website for tristate @ US$159.99:

http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.ph ... =55&st=100


Cheers,

oops. thanks fozzie - thats the one i was trying to put in there.

shouldn't post when you're in a rush.

here are some photos shot with the Sigma APO Super Macro II 70-300

http://www.pixspot.com/thumbnails.php?album=204

Cheers
CD

thank you all very much for the replies.

I'm gonna take the advice and go for the Sigma APO

-Rich

Rich,

NetMagi wrote:thank you all very much for the replies.

I'm gonna take the advice and go for the Sigma APO

-Rich

Please let us know how the lens turns out, and a few shots would be excellent. BTW: you can use this site for shots and it is free, courtesy of member 'Kristine':

http://www.pixspot.com

Just register at the '@' symblol and away you go.

I just ordered this lens today from tri-state

I'm hoping to have it by the weekend (it shipped ground, but I'm only one state away from them)

-Rich

Rich,

Well done.

Give us your opinion of the lens, and some pictures please.

Cheers,

UPDATE:

tri-state called late yesterday and offered me the us-warrantied (1yr) retail lens for $10 more than the import. They claimed they were overstocked on the us-warrantied lenses and wanted to unload them. For ten bucks more I bit, and the new total came to:

$183.74us w/shipping

I figure that's pretty decent.

I still doesn't show shipped, but they did charge my card. I hope it comes by the weekend

-Rich

Rich,

Your new lens has still has come in under budget . If you are only one state away surely you will have it by the weekend if posted today your time. I personally think you will be enjoying the weekend .

YES!!!


Tracking info:

Feb 18, 2005
8:00 A.M.


HOMETOWN, PA, US


OUT FOR DELIVERY

NetMagi wrote:YES!!!


Tracking info:

Feb 18, 2005
8:00 A.M.


HOMETOWN, PA, US


OUT FOR DELIVERY

Make sure you've got the right delivery address! not to Sydney Australia Enjoy!

Rich,

[quote="NetMagi"]YES!!!
Tracking info: Feb 18, 2005 8:00 A.M. - HOMETOWN, PA, US - OUT FOR DELIVERY[/quote.

Does the Postal Service deliver on Saturday's

ta ta for now,

fozzie wrote:Rich,

NetMagi wrote:YES!!!
Tracking info: Feb 18, 2005 8:00 A.M. - HOMETOWN, PA, US - OUT FOR DELIVERY[/quote.

Does the Postal Service deliver on Saturday's

ta ta for now,

Yes, it's in the US! USPS deliver and pick up mail on Saturday, but now it's still Friday there.

IT'S ARRIVED

wow. . for the money this a tremendously cool lens. . .

This is shot in 'normal mode' as opposed to macro:

Here's the full size, and then the 1:1 crop




This is probably a poor example, but this lens is tack-sharp. . . at least in my limited opinion. Focusing is slow in comparison to the kit lens, but this is no shock.

I'll post some more shots tomorrow.

-Rich

Rich,

I can almost feel your excitment, although I am many thousand of miles/kilometres away.

Look forward to seeing your additional posts with your new lens.

I hope you are with the 'APO' over the 'DL' lens and for the additional few dollars far superior IMO. BTW: what is the breed of dog and name.

Cheers,

I'm very happy with the APO

The dog is a 'mutt'. He'd dumb but very loyal and his name is Toby.

Here's two more shots:

The first is my son, and the second a pic of an RC truck, less the truck body, shortly after flying off a ramp.






-Rich

Rich,

Good to see that you are enjoying your new lens.

I looks awfully cool/cold where you are at the moment. Today in Adelaide it is going to be 34 degree Celsius = 93.2 degree Fahrenheit.

Have a great day/evening,
Cheers,