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This has probably been done before, and is probably a seemingly stupid thread to some of you, but here we go...

My plan was for my eventual lens purchases to be a good macro lens, and a big telephoto (400mm+), but I'm thinkin now would it really be so bad to skimp and buy one of these Sigma or Tamrons that are a compromise between both? They are only like $300 and do a little bit of both, which would be good for me to practice for the next 10million years till I can afford the real lenses I want.
Being so cheap I'm gonna assume there's no fancy glass or coatings, and noisy AF, and not the greatest image quality, but I'm not sure those things will bother me, being the complete beginner that I am.

My question is - is this a stupid idea? The $300 isn't thaaat much out of my budget towards the other lenses, but it is like 20% of one I guess....

I just think it'd make a good stop-gap to practice until I can afford 'real' lenses. By then with the experience I will appreciate the better lenses more than I would now too?

Thanks anyone in advance

Hi, I must be missing something as I am not really sure what you are asking here ?
your signature shows you already have a 50m macro which should be more than enough for great shots ...and if you need to extend at the zoom end try a 1.4X converter on the -200 (sure you loose a stop but you do have a tripod ). Looks to me like you have plenty to practice technique, composure, and getting used to the different manual options . I can only suggest you save for the best glass you can avoid, but before you make a big purchase read lots of reviews and if possible hire before you buy.
But of course I may be totally off topic so apologies if I misread/misunderstood your post
DebT

My opinion, yep go ahead. You'll soon know when you've reached the stage were that lens won't cut it anymore but by that time you will have learned lots and you will have taken a lot of photos that you wouldn't otherwise have taken. A mediocre photo is better than no photo.

I am guessing you are looking for something for your A300....I own and use the Tamron 70-300mm (1:2 Macro) and have to admit that this lens has gotten me out of trouble a few times before I could afford either my Sigma 180mm f/3.5 Macro (bought on the basis that it would give me good telephoto coverage, else I would have bought the Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 macro) and my Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR (i wasnt counting on buying this that quickly).

I have to admit I bought the 70-300 as part of the Tamron Action Kit (with the SP 17-50mm f/2.8 and a Cokin kit) and essentially saw it as a free bonus lens.

The following images were captured using this lens:

Up in the Blue Mountains....well before I had any good long lenses - my mate was standing there next to me with a Canon 100-400L so I guess I felt pretty outgunned as well...but I am pretty happy with this shot


At the Minimurra mini-meet when I was travelling light (Tamron 17-50 + Tamron 70-300) - shot wide open at 1:2 macro (ie at 95cm focal distance from sensor plane) note the bad CA


At a friends gig where this lens was complementing the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 - wide open in low light, ISO was ramped up


At a friends gig where this lens was complementing the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 - wide open in low light, ISO was ramped up

I should probably add that I still carry this lens with me more often than either the Nikkor 70-200VR or the Sigma 180 as it is light and takes up minimal space in my bag, taking one of the other two lenses just means i need a BIG bag.

Although I have better lenses, having this with me is better than having no lens at all. I am still very surprised how well this lens performs (even wide open). Chromatic Aberration is bad (note the damselfly shot) but I would not say that this lens does not cut it...even compared to my 'good' lenses the Tamron 70-300 still takes a damn good pictures when the conditions are right.

Go for it mate...I recommend the Tamron, I compared it to the Canon 75-300 and the Nikkor AF-D 70-300 and was pleasantly surprised that neither were any better.

The first lens I bought after I got the D70 was a Tamron 70-300 with macro.
It was very inexpensive, had good reach, and had the macro capability.

I had great fun with this lens, the results were better than expected, the macro
was fun to play with, it was all good. I have since purchased other lenses so the
70-300 has retired (actually I loaned it to someone), but my advice is - go for it!
You'll get great use out of it pending more expensive purchases later.

Wow thank you guys for everything, especially Cam After looking at alot of reviews and all your comments it looks like a good option.

Deb, sorry for the confusion, i didnt really make myself clear - my Olympus is an old film SLR that i bought second hand just to see if i could get into photography. And i loved it so i bought the Sony a300. Also the macro lens i have for it is only 1:4, bit of exaggeration on Sigmas part... Now the Olympus is in the back of the cupboard and i forget it even exists. For sale if your interested, $100 the lot [EDIT: alright, alright, $50 o.n.o] Anyway im only after lenses for the dslr now

BUT ive had a bit of a change of heart. Im now worried about buying lenses for my Sony and being stuck with them all when i upgrade to say a Canon or something. Dont like Sony's anymore lol.... Wishing id bought something like a 450D and could slowly build up lenses and just keep them each time i upgrade bodies..... Its not too late to get rid of this and get a 450d and start buying canon lenses, but it just seems a stupid idea, ive only had the Sony a week lol...

Anyway thanks for all the comments, might get the Tamron 70-300mm and just leave it at that for the Sony till i decide what im doing.

What's the return policy like from the place you brought the camera?
If you've only had it a week then you might be able to exchange it.

hmm good point Adam, ill look into it thanks! You recommend the 450D then?

In all honestly Eric i'm not experienced enough to make that call.
However there's a lot of knowledgeable people using the 450D and seem happy. There's also the 500D if you want to pay a bit more.

Can I vote the Nikon D5000? or the soon to hit stores D3000?

Cameron, are you starting a Canon vs Nikon thread? [* runs and grabs a front row seat *]

Eric, I think you need to slow down. You don't want to change between a few companies within few weeks!!

Before you make up your mind about canon, nikon or sony, go to the nearest hardly normal, handle each camera and see how it feels in your hand first. Then read up on the cameras that you liked. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Then come up with a short list based on your requirements. [Also check the lens lineup for each manufacturer to make they have the focal lengths etc].

surenj wrote:Cameron, are you starting a Canon vs Nikon thread? [* runs and grabs a front row seat *]

Eric, I think you need to slow down. You don't want to change between a few companies within few weeks!!

Before you make up your mind about canon, nikon or sony, go to the nearest hardly normal, handle each camera and see how it feels in your hand first. Then read up on the cameras that you liked. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Then come up with a short list based on your requirements. [Also check the lens lineup for each manufacturer to make they have the focal lengths etc].

Good advice the Surenj...and no I dont intend to start a Nikon vs Canon thread...just stating my preference on the bodies available. (do you want to start one??? )

Before you make up your mind about canon, nikon or sony, go to the nearest hardly normal, handle each camera and see how it feels in your hand first. Then read up on the cameras that you liked. Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Then come up with a short list based on your requirements. [Also check the lens lineup for each manufacturer to make they have the focal lengths etc].

I did half of that about 6months ago Surenj, and came up with the a200 (giving alot of weighting to price, and not looking at any lenses ). Six months later there i was with the money finally saved, and by then the a300 was now that price. So i ran out and bought one without re-evaluating, and now i wish i had The half i didnt do; looking at lenses and actually touching the cameras and playing with the menus, i have now done and thats why i dont like Sony now lol.

But i think ill just keep the Sony for the forseeable future, and just not make any enormous lens purchases. Also ive realised that compared to the price of all the lenses you will own in a lifetime, the price of a single body is almost negligible isnt it... so its not all that big of a deal if a save up and buy a new body.

...I dont intend to start a Nikon vs Canon thread...

if there isnt already one, I would love for you to start one to help me decide when the time comes! I dont like Pentax or Olympus, so itll be down to those two! My enthusiast friends and my uncle whose been a professional for like 20yrs all own Nikons, but i prefer Canons atm lol.... So go for it, convince me!

eric_r wrote:

...I dont intend to start a Nikon vs Canon thread...

if there isnt already one, I would love for you to start one to help me decide when the time comes!

I'd prefer that this not happen.

So go for it, convince me!

With respect, that would be the last thing that I think people here should do.

As has been mentioned, you need to wander into a store (or several) and have a play with the various cameras under consideration. What feels good in my hands might not work for you. That is perfectly normal, and perfectly acceptable. Whether you choose Canon or Nikon is largely irrelevant: they both make great cameras, and the both have extensive lens systems.

Either brand is capable of helping you make great images. You need to go forth and play, and then you need to make the decisions yourself.

ok sorry gary but yeh ive decided im going to keep the sony and get at least the basic skills downpat first, as it is perfectly capable of helping me achieve that

you need to wander into a store (or several) and have a play with the various cameras under consideration

and then i will be doing exactly that when the time comes

Thanks again everyone