Buying a lens - need advice. - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D

05/30/2006 09:08:28 PM · #1

I'd like to get a new lens on a $200 budget. I'm thinking of either

Tamron 75-300
or
Nikon 55-200

I currently own a 50mm and a 28-80. Which one do you guys think would be a better choice, or should I go with something else?

Also, as a side question, how is the focal length affected when a regular lens is fitted onto a digital SLR?

Thanks

dcano

Nikon D100

05/30/2006 09:12:00 PM · #2

I dont know much about tamron lenses, but it seems to me that it would be a better choice than the nikor. I think you would gain more focal length overall with the tamron. Much of the focal range from the nikor is covered by your existing lense.

samchad

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/30/2006 09:12:34 PM · #3

I'd go for the Tamron for 2 reasons:
1) the overlap with your existing lens is less
2) I shoot a lot at 200mm and regularly look for 'that little bit more'.

05/30/2006 09:14:41 PM · #4

You can check your camera and lens focal length here:
focal length calculator
(use the D70 setting for the D50)

Message edited by author 2006-05-30 21:22:27.

05/30/2006 09:25:30 PM · #5

Using that calculator, it seems that the 35mm equiv of 300mm is around 200mm. Therefore there's really no benefit in getting the Tamron as far as focal length is concerned.

05/30/2006 09:31:20 PM · #6

Originally posted by zheka:

Using that calculator, it seems that the 35mm equiv of 300mm is around 200mm. Therefore there's really no benefit in getting the Tamron as far as focal length is concerned.

(enter mm) 300mm (click the X) X Nikon D70/D50 1.6 Mpixel = 456mm (f35 equiv.)

Message edited by author 2006-05-30 21:44:33.

05/30/2006 09:41:44 PM · #7

Originally posted by undieyatch:

Originally posted by zheka:
Using that calculator, it seems that the 35mm equiv of 300mm is around 200mm. Therefore there's really no benefit in getting the Tamron as far as focal length is concerned.

300mm X Nikon D70 = 456mm

Does the fact that the Nikkor is made specifically for a digital SLR while the Tamron is made for a regular SLR have any importance here? I guess what I'm asking is whether dSLR lens specs are already converted...

05/30/2006 09:48:58 PM · #8

Originally posted by zheka:

Originally posted by undieyatch:

Originally posted by zheka:
Using that calculator, it seems that the 35mm equiv of 300mm is around 200mm. Therefore there's really no benefit in getting the Tamron as far as focal length is concerned.

300mm X Nikon D70 = 456mm

Does the fact that the Nikkor is made specifically for a digital SLR while the Tamron is made for a regular SLR have any importance here? I guess what I'm asking is whether dSLR lens specs are already converted...

No, dslr lens are not (usually) already converted for the lens specifications you are looking at.

Prof_Fate

05/30/2006 09:55:35 PM · #9

also check out the sigma 75-300 4-5.6 APO Super 2 DG.
DPC users with it

the lens at b&h

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

05/31/2006 04:58:12 PM · #10

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

also check out the sigma 75-300 4-5.6 APO Super 2 DG.
DPC users with it

the lens at b&h

Do you think its worth paying extra for the APO?

Prof_Fate

05/31/2006 05:09:21 PM · #11

Originally posted by zheka:

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
also check out the sigma 75-300 4-5.6 APO Super 2 DG.
DPC users with it

the lens at b&h

Do you think its worth paying extra for the APO?

as compared to...the non APO version of the same lens - 110% yes.
as compared to the tamron...hard to say as i've not used that lens. I generally prefer tamron over sigma lenses, but each company has their stars and dogs.

I used the sigma 70-300 apo and it's sharp, very sharp all the way out to 300mm. focusing speed seems normal/average.

k4rp

Nikon D200

06/01/2006 05:50:27 AM · #12

sigma 70-300 apo

killer lens for the price-tag it has

kteach

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6

06/01/2006 06:15:02 AM · #13

Originally posted by undieyatch:

I thought you only had to multiply the focal length by 1.5 to adjust for the sensor on the D50/D70. That would put the 300mm end of that lens at 450mm.

06/01/2006 08:36:32 AM · #14

Originally posted by kteach:

Originally posted by undieyatch:

Originally posted by zheka:
Using that calculator, it seems that the 35mm equiv of 300mm is around 200mm. Therefore there's really no benefit in getting the Tamron as far as focal length is concerned.

(enter mm) 300mm (click the X) X Nikon D70/D50 1.6 Mpixel = 456mm (f35 equiv.)

I thought you only had to multiply the focal length by 1.5 to adjust for the sensor on the D50/D70. That would put the 300mm end of that lens at 450mm.

I'd be the wrong person to clarify the how the calculator works, I don't know if the calculator is accurate. I assume it is, as the results corespond correctly for my Canon and Olympus hardware - The author of the page states "In case you notice any errors or omissions please drop us an e-mail. Thanks!" You might want to corespond with them if you see an error.