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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon mount 70-200/300, options??
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09/03/2006 11:05:26 PM · #1
Let's say I have a budget of $300.

I'd like to get approximately a 70-200mm zoom, though I wouldn't mind and extra 100... What are my options? I know Nikon makes a couple of cheap 70-300 lenses, there's the 70-210mm that Ken Rockwell loves so much, there Sigma's 70-300mm APO...

What's the best option for somebody who just wants the sharpest, best looking lense possible? (for $300 of course)
09/04/2006 10:31:44 PM · #2
bump...
09/04/2006 10:43:51 PM · #3
the tamron 28-300 is an ok lens for around 300 bucks if you are on a limited budget. lots of range. However it loses some quality when you zoom out to max range.

edit to say.

from past experience with the really cheap nikon lenses, I have a 70x300 that i picked up for 170 dollars. not a great lens. I think with Nikon glass you have to break out the gold bars if you want quality.

Message edited by author 2006-09-04 22:45:59.
09/04/2006 10:54:31 PM · #4
Sigma 70-300 APO DG or the Tamron 70-300 Di LD spring to mind.
09/04/2006 11:30:25 PM · #5
I used to have the Nikkor 70-300. It's pretty sharp in good light, but searches a lot and is marginally sharp in moderate to low light.

I hear the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 is as sharp as the Nikkor version ($1600 retail), but you can find them used for around $600. Not exactly what you wanted to hear, i know - but as they say...good glass ain't cheap, and cheap glass ain't good.

who are 'they', anyway?

*edited to add: I took the pic below with the Nikkor 70-300 in fairly low light. it took some work, but it's fairly sharp.



Message edited by author 2006-09-04 23:31:41.
09/04/2006 11:34:31 PM · #6
I recently purchased that Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 and I love it. It works great and definitely has a great sharpness to it. It doesn't hunt very much and does a great job. For the price, I recommend it.
09/05/2006 12:09:23 AM · #7


I think the 70-300mm that Pedro mentioned is a pretty good lens and sharp for the money.
09/10/2006 05:47:23 PM · #8
Ha, I am in the exact same dilemma. I have a choice of a Nikon 70-300mm 4-5.6 G Zoom lens, and a Quateray 70-300 AF Macro lens. Any suggestions, BTW, both are selling for about $120. which one should I get?
09/10/2006 05:57:34 PM · #9
Originally posted by ben4345:

Ha, I am in the exact same dilemma. I have a choice of a Nikon 70-300mm 4-5.6 G Zoom lens, and a Quateray 70-300 AF Macro lens. Any suggestions, BTW, both are selling for about $120. which one should I get?


NOT the Quantaray, previous suggestions by others and myself still stand.
09/10/2006 06:11:20 PM · #10
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO
I love it!! It is my current, though maybe not my future, walk around lens. I wish it were wider and had more light but like you the expense was the deciding factor for me for the time being.
09/10/2006 06:36:15 PM · #11
find a used 70-210mm - they will run your 250$ or there abouts
but it is a good lens (better than the plastic 70-300's)

i use mine for a traveling lens when the 80-200 is too big/heavy ..
09/10/2006 07:12:01 PM · #12
I had a Nikon 70-210/4 for a half year, and the only reason I sold it was because I didn't shoot enough with it to justify keeping it. I paid $200 for mine. The optics are great compared to anything else in its price range. It does tend to creep if you point down, though it never was really meant as a macro lens. AF is also slow on consumer bodies like the D70, but it's usable (besides there isn't much faster unless you're willing to pay more).

If you're looking for sharpest and best looking, also consider the 180/2.8. They can be found used in the $300-400 range. I still have mine and I love it. I demo'ed an 80-200 AF-S for a month and I still preferred the 180, especially wide open. I don't know how important the versatility of a zoom is to you, but if you can live with fixed focal length then give it a look.
09/10/2006 07:56:31 PM · #13
I have the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO and, like many peoples, I love it. For the price it's really good.

This picture was taken at full zoom (300mm), I think that it's sharp enough for me.


09/12/2006 10:01:41 PM · #14
Another vote for the Sigma. Top value for money.
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