Help me chose a lens

[NetMagi]

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

[MATT]

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

[fozzie]

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,

[MattC]

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

[mudder]

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

[nigels]

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

[dperrett]

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.

[fozzie]

Rich,

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

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


Cheers,

[dperrett]

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

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

[christiand]

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

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

Cheers
CD

[NetMagi]

thank you all very much for the replies.

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

-Rich

[fozzie]

Rich,

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.

[NetMagi]

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

[fozzie]

Rich,

Well done.

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

Cheers,

[NetMagi]

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

[fozzie]

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 .

[NetMagi]

YES!!!


Tracking info:

Feb 18, 2005
8:00 A.M.


HOMETOWN, PA, US


OUT FOR DELIVERY

[birddog114]

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!

[fozzie]

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,

[birddog114]

Rich,

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.

[NetMagi]

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

[fozzie]

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,

[NetMagi]

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

[fozzie]

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,