Lens Question

Andy C · Lens Question

I'm just after a cheap 300mm zoom lens for the summer. Can anyone give me some advice about the 3 below on which one would be best.

Cheers

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/7...ma/70-300-mm-f4-5-6-apo-dg-m.html

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/7...ma/70-300-mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro.html

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/5...on/af-70-300mm-f-4-5-6-di-ld.html

Or shall I just pay a bit more for this:
http://www.jessops.com/online.sto...ts/ProductDetail.aspx?SkuId=29449

woof woof

If you're looking at Nikon fit lenses I assume that you don't have image stabilisation in body so why not look at IS lenses?

I used to have a Sigma 28-300mm and at 300mm with a relatively slow lens I'd struggle to avoid camera shake. Not too much of an issue if you're using a tripod though.

DarthBalls

The first thing is to settle on how much you really want to spend.

Then, as Alan says, maybe look into whether you can afford an image stabilised lens with the price bracket you settle on. Image stabilisation is more of an issue with telephoto lenses due to the increased effects of camera shake at the long end of the zoom range.

Another 'rule of thumb' with lenses is that those with a shorter zoom range (the 70-300mm ones) will produce better images than those with a longer zoom range (28-270/18-300, etc) as less compromises need to be made in the lens construction. Personally I'd stick with your current standard zoom and get a 70-300 or similar.

the old man

Of the four you have highlighted, the first one, sigma Apo 70-300 is the best of the bunch. Does it have to be a zoom as a prime lens would deliver better quality.

Big TC

I spent the day on saturday on a day's 'photographic experience' with a company called Lochvisions, photgraphing wildlife. The equipment was a Nikon D60 (isn't that what you've got, Andy?) with a Sigma 70-300 Macro zoom.

Now, it was actually the first time I'd ever used a D-SLR and found both the camera and lens to be superb and easy to handle. Can't give you advice, Andy, because I don't know enough about what's available, but I wish you luck and happy photography with whatever you choose...

Here's one of my pics from Saturday...

kraftwerk

Big TC

Andy C

Thanks for the advice about Image Stabilisation. I didn;t actually go for any of the lenses I listed, instead I went for this:

http://www.jessops.com/online.sto...6G%20IF-ED%20Lens-35945/Show.html

Bit more expensive, but it does have IS/Vibration Reduction etc which the others didn't.

Great shot btw Trevor. It's the D40 I have though, not the D60.

If it arrives by Friday, I hope to get some pics from the Mini United festival I'm attending over the weekend!

Big TC

I meant to say D40 - the one with 6mp. A great camera to use, I thought.

Please post some pics that you take with your new lens Andy - I'd love to see how you get on with it.

Nice Guy Eddie

I was bought a D40 by my missus for my Birthday last weekend. Now I know nothing about cameras but was thinking of going for the 55-200mm lens which seemed pretty good value at£150. Any Camera people at Prescott this weekend giving away free tips?

Chris M Wants a V-10

Andy - that's a cracking lens; I got mine a couple of years back for about half the price that appears on your link! Eddie - if you can afford a bit more, go for the VR version of the 55-200 if you intend hand-holding it at longer focal lengths. Both the Nikon 55-200's knock spots of the independent brand lenses in this focal length range. The non-VR version produces somewhat better results (according to the technical charts etc in reviews that I have read), but the VR version is not far behind, and still trounces the independent brands (and most of the copetition too)