70-300 Lens for D40

[Ste L]

Been looking at a few len's as i've only got the kit len's and want something with more reach...

The camera's a D40, these should all auto focus on it, apprently?

Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 Macro DG Lens - £94.99
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1008570

Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO Macro Super DG Lens - £148.99
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1008565

Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di with AF Motor - £111.99
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1030157


i know the nikkor 70-300vr would be best, but not really got a spare 350-400 at the moment, the above all come in under £150


which would be best to use, main use would be at oulton park for a bit of track action i guess


Cheers
Steve

 

[Boldonian]

I used to have the Sigma 70-300 APO DG for my old D40. It's an execllent lens for the price. AF is a bit noisy and slow in low light but the optics are good vfm. Edited to add...the APO lens with red ring on the end of the lens is by far better than the non APO version.

 

[Tractor Boy]

If you can wait and save the Nikon 70-300AF-S VR it is worth it. I have just got mine and it is fantastic, well worth the wait.

The problem is that you will only end up upgrading in the long term so I would say think how long you could wait and save for to get the Nikon.

If not the definatly the Sigma.

Good luck on your choice

 

[ricky1980]

get the 70-300 vr from nikon. you can't go wrong. I was almost tempted to buy this before deciding to go for a bit more money and got a 100-300 sigma

 

[foggy4ever]

can only agree with the comments above. have just got the nikon 70-300, it was recommended(for my D60 and budget) by Guy from CopeImages who was an official tog for British superbikes.

Part of his reply

'From the 3 lenses you’ve stated, I would be inclined to go for the Nikon AF-s 70-300mm. For starting out as you are, it would be the best choice in my view for offering you flexibility over image quality. I have used Sigma lenses on Nikon bodies before and versus the Nikkor AF-s stuff, the images did not compare. Some people get on well with certain Sigma lenses on Nikon’s but for me, the difference and superiority of the Nikkor stuff meant I only ever used Nikkor glass on my Nikon bodies. The focusing of AF-S was far, far faster than the Sigma, and that’s something you definitely need for bike racing shots.'

Although budget plays a big part

 

[Ste L]

might wait until next month and get the nikkor then...

will see if i can blag the missus to get it/pay for part of it for my bday present too

 

[foggy4ever]

Might have to wait a bit longer(for a strong pound), I bought mine from warehouseexpress for £345 they are now back in at £415 on ebay the are going for upto £360+ used crazy. With a bit of research I found one that went for £230 in december. Just used mine for first time at Whitby, shots at 300mm were excellent.

 

[fontmoss]

what about up against the 70-200 2.8 tamron? would people still go for the nikon 70-300? or is it a difference in criteria?

 

[puddleduck]

what about up against the 70-200 2.8 tamron? would people still go for the nikon 70-300? or is it a difference in criteria?

Really really different lenses - chalk and cheese question.

Need VR? - Nikkor
Need f/2.8? - Tamron

These are so different, you need to decide what is important to you.

Me? Tamron 70-200. Fast glass always beats a slow consumer zoom. But thats just me.

 

[Nod]

might wait until next month and get the nikkor then...

will see if i can blag the missus to get it/pay for part of it for my bday present too

If it's just a matter of a month or two, I would wait and get the Nikon but if it's more likely to be 6 months or more, I would go for a 2nd hand APO Sigma. When it's time to upgrade to the Nikon you shouldn't drop TOO much on a trade in deal, although you'll get more for the lens privately. According to a magazine ad, Mifsuds have a Sigma APO 70-300 for £99 (2nd hand) and they still appear to be selling the Nikon 70-300 VR for £379. They told me that current stocks will stay at pre-increase prices but anything that is new stock will reflect the rises. WHE have the same lens advertised for £344.99 but may not have it in stock.

 

[ricky1980]

am i corect in saying the sigmas won't autofocus on the D40 as they don't have motors?

 

[Ste L]

If it's just a matter of a month or two, I would wait and get the Nikon but if it's more likely to be 6 months or more,

well i want the lens before June (british F1), a 300mm will be pushed at silverstone so i've read too, but where im sat(luffield) should be okish, as im quite close to the track..

ideally wanted a lens earlier so i can get some practice in at outlen park

am i corect in saying the sigmas won't autofocus on the D40 as they don't have motors?

all len's in my first post, all auto focus on the d40, according to the site...