A complementary lens - DPChallenge Forums

01/12/2005 05:52:36 AM · #1

I am looking for a complementary lens for the 17-70 that came with the D70 kit.

I was thinking in onthe that could have some macro abilities.

My thoughts aer in the sigma 70-300 APO macro super.

Anyone have experience with it or have tryed it? Some pics would be aprecciated.

01/12/2005 06:37:25 AM · #2

no thoughts about it?

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

01/12/2005 06:43:41 AM · #3

Dunno. If you get an EX range Sigma they are going to be good, not sure if looking at pictures really helps one decide.

Just choose a focal length then go get it :D

I have the 24mm EX which has good macro. Also the 70-200 without macro but is a nice fat bastard of a lens.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

01/12/2005 08:19:23 AM · #4

I'ced eard good things about the EX series. But is it much difference in the price? Money is a issue, and I want a middle/low price item. About 250-300 euros (200-250 dollars).

joebok

Fujifilm X100F

01/12/2005 08:29:49 AM · #5

A week ago I got the 80-200 f/2.8 vibration reduction lens. It extends the telephoto very nice from the kit, and the f/2.8 is really awesome!

I have some extension tubes and close-up filters so I can use it as a macro lens as well.

I am very happy with it - BUT it is HUGE! I mean, like a foot long and a couple pounds.

I also have the 28-200 f/4-5.6 Nikkor. It's much smaller and more managable - but compared to the f/2.8 it really sucks. As it should, given the $1200 (US) price difference. The non-VR version is 5 or 6 hundred cheaper.

If you don't mind the huge size, I'd encourage you to hold out for the 80-200 f/2.8, but make sure you see one in person before you lay out the cash.

LalliSig

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

01/12/2005 09:12:57 AM · #6

I had the non APO version once. ItÂ´s allright, pretty good for the money you pay for it and I absolutely recomend this lens if you are on a tight budget. Just keep in mind that most people would only buy this off you at a much lower price you paid for it. Stopped down to f8-11 it can produce pretty good results but wide open itÂ´s just average. Flare is not good but not bad either and Sigma supplies a hood that should keep most of it out anyway.

However, it focuses pretty slow (simlar to the 18-55 kit lens from Canon) compared to other lenses and the max aperture is pretty small so itÂ´s pretty useless if you want to shoot in poor light. The macro function is useful and fun to play around with but if you want to get serious with macro I wouldnÂ´t recomend it.

I personally knew this was a temporary lens till I upgraded so I saw no reason to get the APO version and I sold it last summer for about 40% of what I paid for it and had no bad feelings about it, I knew I wasnÂ´t selling a piece of crap lens but neither a great one either and I made sure the buyer knew that.

Edit: Here are a couple of shots with the non APO lens and a 10D. These thumblinks are not going to work in a couple of days as I am currently redesigning my website. Anyway, they are only small "save for web" images of poor quality so keep that in mind.

//www.larus.is/Macro/1.jpg
//www.larus.is/Macro/2.jpg
//www.larus.is/Macro/3.jpg
//www.larus.is/Ymislegt/5.jpg
//www.larus.is/Ymislegt/7.jpg

Message edited by author 2005-01-12 09:22:24.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/12/2005 09:17:23 AM · #7

Originally posted by Nuno:

The Sigma is a good lens for the money. If you are shooting outdoor with plenty of light, it will do a good job. The macro feature is alright, but takes a bit of getting used to and is hard to do hand-held. If you want a low-cost zoom to hold you over until you can afford a more expensive one, I say go for it. I bought this lens right after my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8.

Edit: This is the lens I have: //www.sigma-photo.com/html/pages/70_300_ms2.htm

Message edited by author 2005-01-12 09:21:53.

MrYu

Nikon D70

Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 EX IF HSM for Nikon

01/12/2005 09:40:20 AM · #8

I just sold my nikon 80-400 VR. Only sold it because i don't need anything more than 200mm, really. Got a 17-35/2.8 instead. But it is the best lens in my opinion, considering focal range, weight, size and price. Admittedly, i haven't looked at 70-200/2.8, but i know it's too bid and too heavy for my liking, although it is said to be better. Either one of those may work for you, depending on your needs. I probably will never get another sigma lens, with the exception of 105 macro, which is on my wish list. Have had a few, including allegedly good ones, hated them all.

jxpfeer

Nikon D70

01/12/2005 10:53:31 AM · #9

i have the 70-300 APO Super II
i would highly recommend you get the apo super, not the regular version of this lense.
it's not a stellar lense, but for the price range, given the current selection of the 70-300 budget zooms out there, the sigma is the best buy, in my personal opinion.

you can also take a look at the tokina 80-400. fantastic quality, and if you find one used on like keh.com, you can get it for under 300. i got my sigma on ebay for 184 bux, and have taken some fantastic shots with it.

BADDBOYY21

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR

01/12/2005 12:22:31 PM · #10

I have both, the Nikon 24-120 VR and the 80-400 VR. I love both of them. It's great not having to bring the tripod for every shoot. I especially like them when I am walking along a rural road or on trails. The 80-400 is pretty large and heavy...but you can really reach out with it.

My next purchase will be the 70-200 2.8 VR.

I also have a 50mm 1.8 which is great at about $100 new, the 28mm 2.8 is also a nice lens.

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/12/2005 12:23:36 PM · #11

On a side note, I'm looking for a complimentary lens...please PM me if you can help!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/12/2005 07:13:41 PM · #12

And how about Tamron lenses, are they up with Sigma for qualaty and price? I haven't heard much from them arond my place.

cbeller

Nikon D300

01/12/2005 08:58:23 PM · #13

Originally posted by Nuno:

And how about Tamron lenses, are they up with Sigma for qualaty and price? I haven't heard much from them arond my place.

I just got the Tamron SP AF28-75MM F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) lens and it is excellent. It's not really a "compliment" to the kit lens, as I use this all the time unless I need the wide angle shot from the kit lens.

Prof_Fate

01/12/2005 11:55:42 PM · #14

My next lens will probably be the Sigma 70-300 APO super 2. (for a canon obviously).

I thought i would need a macro lens, but now i am not so sure - i have tehy canon 50 1.8 and a set of close up lenses - nothing special, just a set of 1,2,4X Quantarry ones. Got em for $20 off ebay. I can get in VERY close. Haven't had the camera for even a week yet and my only shot with the close up lenses are by bokeh entry and outtakes...