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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Which lens should I buy?
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 02/27/2007 12:00:01 AM · #1
Hi everyone,

I want to buy a zoom lens for my Nikon D50. I currently have the 18-55mm kit lens. Since I don't have a $1,000 to spend, I am now considering these lenses:

1. Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ($172 CDN)

2. Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di AF Macro 1:2 Lens For Nikon ($256 CDN)

3. Sigma 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 DG MACRO Lens for Nikon ($195 CDN)

The Nikon comes with a lens hood as well.

I'd love to know what you think is the better lens to buy.

Thanks in advance.

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 00:44:10.
 02/27/2007 12:32:19 AM · #2
Well the Nikon glass will work out of the box no problems. Sometimes the Tamron's need calibration to help the auto focus work correctly. Not sure if Sigma is the same way or not. By the price the Nikkor is cheaper anyways. Normally Sigma and Tamron build a decent quality lens and price it competitively. Im getting ready to jump on the Pentax dSLR band wagon and dont have much in the way of after market lens experience.
 02/27/2007 12:38:22 AM · #3
hey tivo

i used to own the 70-300G ... i admit that i liked it very much, but for all practical purposes it was a slow ass lens.

however, it's a highly rated lens on the value/quality scale.

i know you're on a limited budget, but i've just upgraded my 70-300G to the 70-300 VR ... and it's wonderfully silent and fast. still not as fast as the dedicated f2.8 lenses, but a very quick lens ... and for about $550, it's priced to impress! :)

i can't speak for the sigma or tamron ... i've only ever bought nikon lenses.
 02/27/2007 12:43:17 AM · #4
I have the sigma 70-300 mm lens and have a heck of a time hand holding it. but with a tripod it gives some fantastic shots! It is well worth the money.
Michelle
 02/27/2007 03:09:41 PM · #5
keep in mind that the minimum focusing distance on the Nikon lens is about 5 feet, whereas on the other two it is much less (hence the Macro designations). That said, the Nikon is an excellent bang-for-the-buck lens. I went for the ED model at $250 US and it takes nice sharp shots.
 02/28/2007 01:57:35 PM · #6
Thank you all for your comments, they gave me a lot to think about. I think I should wait to see if I can buy a more expensive lens later with fast AF.

BTW, I found this site which someone in my position might find helpful.

Thanks again.

Message edited by author 2007-02-28 14:00:13.
 02/28/2007 02:26:51 PM · #7
If you're in a ahurry for the lens, the three listed are probably not too different - i'd go Nikkor or Sigma.

If you're simply looking to get big zoom under 400$, you might want to try an point-and-shoot camera as a short-term fix ... the new Lumix FZ8 has RAW and a 12x optical zoom lens for about $325-350$ american at most. It also has IS.

Then later go for a nicer lens when you save up some more dough (that's what I did).

Message edited by author 2007-02-28 14:27:45.
 02/28/2007 02:33:20 PM · #8
I have the Sigma. In my opinion, the price is so low it doesn't warrant waiting. Get one now, use it, see what you think, if you think you need to upgrade, e-bay it and lose a tiny amount of money. Think of all the shots you 'll miss!

Definately go for one with the macro. Doesn't replace a macro lens, but useful sometimes nonetheless.
 03/20/2007 12:30:32 AM · #9
I read this article on kenrockwell.com which says that a new Nikon 70-200 VR lens is coming out soon and its price will be $249 USD. That sounds very exciting - a VR lens with a price within my budget! I think I will wait for that lens to become available.

Message edited by author 2007-03-20 00:31:56.
 03/20/2007 10:41:32 PM · #10
I have the Sigma APO version and I like it a lot. If the macro versatility is important, go for the Sigma. It will focus at about 3 feet at 300mm and that allows you to almost full screen a US Quarter. It is definitely not a super high quality lens but for the money, or maybe almost twice as much, you can't beat it.
 03/20/2007 10:53:56 PM · #11
Originally posted by tivo:
I read this article on kenrockwell.com which says that a new Nikon 70-200 VR lens is coming out soon and its price will be $249 USD. That sounds very exciting - a VR lens with a price within my budget! I think I will wait for that lens to become available.


It took me awhile to find what you were referring to...and it must be the 55-200 VR, not the 70-200 VR.

BTW, a lot of people here don't seem to put much stock into what Ken Rockwell says.
 03/20/2007 11:04:41 PM · #12
i own the sigma and its definitly not as sharp as id like but for the price i wouldnt complain.
id say spend the extra bucks to get the APO version which is a bit sharper. focus speed isnt great either
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