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06/19/2005 05:01:38 AM · #1 |
Hi there,
I'm new here and I'd like to ask you guys some advices.
I've just bought a shiny new Sigma 70-300 APO and I had a great
opportunity to test it yesterday at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget (yes
I'm french). I made some great shots however, I've found a lot of CA on my photos. When considering tele lenses, I wanted to buy the nikon 70-300 DX ED but it was too expensive for the money I had at the time.
I also wanted to buy a SB600 to train myself on how to handle a real flash, Yet I don't have enough money to buy both :s.
So my question is : Since I can bring the lens back, Should I :
* Wait to have enough money and buy the nikon DX ED lens ?
* Buy the SB600 instead, since I won't have many opportunities to use this Tele and eventually, buy another tele lens later ?
* Or finally, keep the sigma lens since the ED will produce the same quality of photos ?
I can't make up my mind !! please help !
On last question, Is a monopod worth buying one ? I really like shooting dark scenes, like dusk scene ... As I can't have a tripod all the time along, is a monopod a good intermediate solution ?
Thanks for your help ! By the way, I have a Nikon D70 with a nikkor 18-70 DX ED and a nikon 50mm F1.8. |
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06/19/2005 08:26:53 AM · #2 |
| I've never used the Sigma you mentioned, therefore I can't comment on that, although I find it strange that it produces excessive CA. Maybe it's a defective unit? In my personal experience, cheap telephoto lenses can still take decent images if you know and stay within their limitations. For example, the 70-300G Nikkor that I own is a very nice "zoo" lens. As long as there's bright sunlight, it's a pleasure to shoot zoo animals with it. But it's useless for action and somewhat acceptable for landscape if the conditions are right. "D" version of this lens might be a litter better but I wouldn't hold my breath. Long story short, if you can't live without a telephoto lens, I suggest you keep what you have, or get the Nikkor and work within their limitations. As for the flash unit; if you can't afford SB-600 but really want to learn how to use a flash, I believe there are some cheaper alternatives, such as Sunpak and Metz units, which many photographers use and are happy with. |
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06/19/2005 10:14:49 AM · #3 |
Neurowork,
I'm actually surprised that there was CA with the Sigma. I had it before and I've never had CA. The reason I chose that lens was because I heard it was very resistent to CA. Did you get the APO II Macro version with the Red Ring on the front part of the lens?
If you did, you might want to return it and get a DG version which is coming out. You can see the German Sigma site for it. The DG version is suppose to reduce CA.
Good luck.
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06/19/2005 11:01:40 AM · #4 |
Thanks for your answers,
I guess I'm going to go for the Sigma APO II macro and forget about the flash. Yet, I have checked with H&B in the USA, the SB-600 costs $194 whereas it costs 319 eur (about $390 with the current rate) in Paris, Can you believe that ??
You guys from the US are definetly lucky !
What about the monopod ? do you guys have one ? is it worth bying one ?
Thanks |
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06/19/2005 12:15:12 PM · #5 |
I don't know if this is available in Europe yet. It is not available in the U.S. yet. But consider waiting for the DG version of the APO Mark II Macro.
Here is a link to the German site.
//www.sigma-foto.de/cms/front_content.php?client=1&lang=1&idcat=43&idart=98
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06/19/2005 12:47:54 PM · #6 |
| I have the Nikon 70-300 mm and also the SB600. The flash is awesome and the lens is mediocre. I'd suggest you save your money for a VR lens and get the flash in the meantime. Unless you get the VR lens, you will be VERY limited by your light conditions and end up getting a VR lens anyhow. Had I been patient, I'd be much closer to getting the Nikon 80-400mm VR and the grin that comes with it. All in all, don't settle for second best. |
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06/19/2005 01:36:40 PM · #7 |
I have the Canon version of the Sigma 70-300 APO Super Macro 2. Nice lens, i have notced no CA...but how you use it can be an issue as i found out with terrible CA issues on a Canon 50mm 1.8.
An air show would be about the right conditions to show it at its worst.
as for the flash - Sigma EF500DG Super is very good and will do what you want for under $200 US. Check Ebay for new ones. I went with a Metz 54 MZ4 and a canon shoe, i got it used for under $300.
Ask me next week about the monopod - i have borrowed one and will be using it on vacation later this week..tests alst night show i can get acceptable shots at 1/15 sec with a 50mm lens - about 2 stops better than hand held and that is with minimal practice. I will visiting musuems where flash and tripods are gonna be a no-no...I have the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC lens...should work well.
Message edited by author 2005-06-19 13:37:48.
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06/20/2005 11:24:08 AM · #8 |
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06/20/2005 12:53:25 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by mcrael:
what does "CA" mean? |
CA stands for Chromatic Abberation (i.e. purple fringing).
With digital cameras, if you shoot a high contrast scene, such as the picture by Prof Fate (see picture two posts above), you can get purple coloring around the area of high contrast. Has to do with angle of light hitting the digital sensor. Generally you can get around it by increasing the f value or using lens that prevent it with certain designs (APO) or coating or both.
Message edited by author 2005-06-20 12:54:30.
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