Zoom lens Question

[ozdragon]

Hi All

I am looking for a zoom lens somewhere around the 70-300 mark.
Can some one point me in the direction of some online reviews or personal experience.
The Tamron I have now came with the kit and its very soft at the top end.

Peter

[MATT]

All comes down to how much cash you have spare. Also what system.. What to you want to take pics of? Sports high speed birds..???


I have a 80-400VR Nikon , I havnt really give it a whirl yet, but initial tests seem favorable.

regards
MATT

[losfp]

By all accounts, the 70-300VR is decent, although it is expensive. Still not up to the quality of the 80-200 or 70-200 though.

[ozdragon]

Sports mainly. Wildlife etc. Nikon D70.

Peter

[MATT]

Peter , what sort of price range?

[ozdragon]

I haven't decided yet on price. If I can get a nice sharp lens then price is not relevant.

Peter

[losfp]

I haven't decided yet on price. If I can get a nice sharp lens then price is not relevant.

In THAT case, what you want for sports is a 70-200VR and a 1.7x teleconverter to use with it for wildlife.

Otherwise, the AF-D 80-200/2.8 is a great sports lens as well.

[blackD200]

I haven't decided yet on price. If I can get a nice sharp lens then price is not relevant.

In THAT case, what you want for sports is a 70-200VR and a 1.7x teleconverter to use with it for wildlife.

Otherwise, the AF-D 80-200/2.8 is a great sports lens as well.

hehehe - you might want to talk to cre8tivepixels he might have a spare 80-200mm..

I have the 80-200 and its an awesome lens - was bought second hand from one of the forum members - if your not quite ready $$$$wise for the 70-200 then the 80-200 is an excellent alternative...

[Eugene-K]

Tokina 80-400/4.5-5.6 produces good results, and it's not so expensive as Nikkor. However I don't know if it's posible to find one, as they are quite rare.

[shakey]

I'd agree with the 70-200 VR. The 2.8 aperture allows you to isolate subject from background.....and that's what often makes a great sports shot.

TC 1.7 is a great addition for the longer shots

[gstark]

I haven't decided yet on price. If I can get a nice sharp lens then price is not relevant.

In which case the question becomes one of how many times do you want to buy yourself this lens? If the answer is once, then you have but two options, depending upon your need for reach, and that (reach) is something you need to think carefully about.

Your two options are either the 70-200VR, or, if you decide that maximum reach is your paramount fundamental need, then the 80-400VR.

Every other decision will see you buying this lens, and then buying it again, until you get one of these.

So, the question really becomes one of "do I buy it now?" or "do I spend an extra $2000 or so in delaying this purchase only to end up buying it anyway?"

[ozdragon]

Hi All

Many thanks for your replys and help. That is good advice Gary. I have done that before..buying something other than what I originally wanted only to go and buy what I wanted later.
My wife hates when I do that. lol.

Once again many thanks

Peter

[Yi-P]

What about the cheaper alternatives of Sigma's offer? Sigma 70-200 EX HSM Macro DG? Its much less than the Nikkor 70-200VR, but Sigma has no VR, it might focus bit faster than the Nikkor 80-200ED.

[christiand]

My 20 cents,

My second zoom lens apart from the kit lens that came with the D70 was a Sigma APO II 70-300mm.
The SIGMA APO II 70-300mm lens with macro was great when the light conditions were right - I got some beautiful fotos with it and also enjoyed the macro capability.
When I had a lovely tax return, I decided to get the Nikon 70-200mm VR.
When it arrived, I thought: howly cow, this thing is massive, big and heavy - did I make a mistake purchasing it ?
My first photo was of a swan being some 6 metres away.
When I saw the result on the screen I was truely amazed.
Every strand in the swans's feathers was clearly visible.
I also got the TC 17E converter and the combination is sweet.

If you have the money - go for it. You will love the clarity of the glass
You will appreciate the VR and also the f2.8.
You might curse the weight but never the quality of the glass.

HTH,
CD