Buying a D80 - Lens advice please

[Ceege]

Hi everyone,

I'm taking the plunge and getting myself into SLR's after having a Canon Powershot Pro1 for a couple of years. Yes it was a nice camera for an introduction to the photgraphic world but the maximum zoom of 210mm on the lens got me down with its restrictions. I'm into wildlife shots, most specifically birds and am looking for a decent lens (combo) for a D80 so I'm guessing I'll need a zoom to about 400mm.

I have been advised that the Sigma range are good all rounders but having trawled a few forums have also seen there is much other good glassware out there.

So I guess I'm after some opinions on what lenses are on the ends of your cameras and are they any good or not?!! I'll could potentially be looking to spend over and above the price of the D80 body on "the" lens if it's that good! Also, are any of the lenses bundled with the D80 any good? Obviously this would be a wider angled beast for the less specific stuff!

Thanks in advance

 

[Joe T]

The 18-70 kit lens is very good, and you have to spend a fair bit more (like £1k) to get a similar focal-length zoom of better quality.

For longer lenses, you are looking at maybe a Sigma 70-200 2.8 plus 1.4tc or maybe a 2x TC. Alternatively, look at the Sigma 100-300 f4.

On a D80 a 300mm lens with have the effective angle of view of a 450mm lens.

If you want to go "proper" p) have a look at the Sigma 120-300 2.8. Its a massive, heavy lens which needs support but the results are excellent imo.

Does this help at all?

 

[Matt]

sigma are very good, not had any issues with them, service is very good from them too!

 

[TG.]

if your in to wildlife shots sigma also do a 50-500mm f4-6.3, it got some good reviews on the fred and miranda website coming in at an overall rating of 8.8, quite pricey though around £700, although www.onestop-digital.com sell it for £579. HTH

 

[Steveo_Hants]

I have just got a Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 for my D50. From the little I have played about with it its a very nice lens. The real test will be tomorrow when I take it to football for the first time.

I have got the Nikkor 18-70 kit lens and it is very good, as people say you have to pay a lot of money to get anything better.

 

[reddeathdrinker]

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 is an excellent lens, coupled with a TC, you'll get the reach. However, if, as you say, wildlife, and birds are your thing, the Sigma 50-500mm lens can't be beaten at the price.