Got some money to burn - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/28/2009 02:09:11 PM · #1

I'd like to get a good macro and a zoom for around $700.

So I'm browsing different lenses and find that there are a couple of 70-300mm out there for under $200. AF Nikkor 70-300 f/4.0-5.6G and the Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD. Are either of these any good? If so, then I've got a couple macros in mind. Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro and Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8. I'd really like to get super cool bug shots, but I don't know enough about the macro lens to pick out the best one. Any suggestions?

I don't know what EX or DG or SP or LD stand for. LOL, I think I can figure out AF.

Intelli

Nikon D300

05/28/2009 02:17:02 PM · #2

I have the 70-300 4.0-5.6g... and I don't like it much. Slow focus.. bad focus.. on a 1-10 scale I would give it a 4.

I honestly feel like I wasted my money on the 70-300.. money that could of been spent toward the high quality 70-200 2.8.

I am currently saving for the 70-200 2.8 to replace it with. But that's a good chunk of money.

I couldn't tell ya anthing about the macro's

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

05/28/2009 02:17:30 PM · #3

Originally posted by cynthiann:

I don't know what EX or DG or SP or LD stand for. LOL, I think I can figure out AF.

DG is Nikon's digital-only spec, like Canon's EF-S; won't cover full frame sensors. LD is Low Dispersion glass. The others I donno, I'm not a Nikon guy.

R.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

05/28/2009 02:26:10 PM · #4

I have the Nikkor Micro 60mm and I love it - good for bugs and portraits as well.

I would also consider the 105mm. This is a great lens, but I already have a 105mm MF and decided to go with the 60mm AF

The 70-300 G lenses are not very good - i would steer clear of them - you will be dissappointed.
Go with the better glass (such as the 70-200 2.8) and get a teleconverter

The 80-200mm 2.8 is also a great lens and the 1.4 and 1.7 nikon teleconverters are really top notch... but this all will blow your budget...hehe

Message edited by author 2009-05-28 14:28:42.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

05/28/2009 03:07:01 PM · #5

Sounds to me like I should settle with 1 lens. I'm now thinking Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon.

But how did that lens capture this?

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

05/28/2009 03:16:52 PM · #6

I have the Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP, most of my flower shots in the May side challenge were taken with it. I haven't tried real close work with it yet as all have been handheld.

I also use the Tamron 70-300mm Di LD Macro lens, also a very good performer but the 90mm is a dedicated Macro lens with the added bonus of being nicknamed 'The Portrait Lens'.

Hope this helps.

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

05/28/2009 03:31:32 PM · #7

Originally posted by cynthiann:

I don't know what EX or DG or SP or LD stand for. LOL, I think I can figure out AF.

Here are links to Sigma and Tamron's abbreviations:
//www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/macro.asp
//www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp
And Nikon terms:
//www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm

I think Tamron's SP lenses are suppose to be their top of the line lenses (if that helps you.)
I don't have any experience with the lenses you're looking at, so can't help you there. Good luck in your research.

Message edited by author 2009-05-28 15:47:40.

cryan

Nikon D700

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

05/28/2009 03:35:15 PM · #8

Originally posted by cynthiann:

Sounds to me like I should settle with 1 lens. I'm now thinking Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon.

But how did that lens capture this?

This shot was probably cropped a lot to get in that close with that lens. It just can't focus that close. However, I would go for this lens over the Nikon 70-300. I have it and never use it. As said before, its slow and soft. For macro, all that have been recommended are great. I personally went with the Sigma 150mm 2.8 just cause I like the working distance, however you can pick up a shorter focal length lens and then get extension tubes. I have seen great results with the 90mm and a set of extension tubes.

05/28/2009 03:48:31 PM · #9

what is the difference between ...

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon and

70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon

The latter is the only one I can find at B&H.

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

05/28/2009 03:56:30 PM · #10

Originally posted by cynthiann:

what is the difference between ...

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon and

70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF Lens for Nikon

The latter is the only one I can find at B&H.

Looking at the Sigma website (I'm not a Sigma guy, just researching for you), looks like the top one is a discontinued model and the bottom one replaced it. Hope that helps...
//www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp