Confused regarding Sigma 70-300mm lens

Katchit

Katchit

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Gaz
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Hi everyone.

Basically, im looking to buy a Sigma 70-300mm for my D3100.

I was informed that it was the HSM that i needed as that would then auto-focus with my D3100.

However, im finding actually getting hold of one quite difficult and wondered if it is the HSM that i definitely need in order for it to AF with my D3100.

If the Sigma lens is not a HSM, does that definitely mean it will not AF on a D3100 for example?

Really would appreciate any help and advice, as i am a beginner, so often the abbreviations confuse me and i am confused now :bonk:

Thanks all!
 
Katchit said:
Hi everyone.

Basically, im looking to buy a Sigma 70-300mm for my D3100.

I was informed that it was the HSM that i needed as that would then auto-focus with my D3100.

However, im finding actually getting hold of one quite difficult and wondered if it is the HSM that i definitely need in order for it to AF with my D3100.

If the Sigma lens is not a HSM, does that definitely mean it will not AF on a D3100 for example?

Really would appreciate any help and advice, as i am a beginner, so often the abbreviations confuse me and i am confused now :bonk:

Thanks all!
Click to expand...

The Sigma 70-300 with a built in focus motor will not be designated HSM. HSM stands for HyperSonic Motor which found only in the higher end Sigma lenses. The 70-300 has a cheaper type focus motor.

If you are buying a new Sigma 70-300 then it will have a built in focus motor unless it is very old stock. If buying second hand you will have to confirm with the seller that it has a focus motor.

I would advise you to go for the APO version of this lens over the non APO, it has better IQ. Alternatively, look for a S/H Nikon 70-300 VR or Tamron 70-300 VC. Both of these have better IQ than the Sigma.
 
Thanks a lot Mike for your reply.

So basically, any newer Sigma 70-300mm lens will auto focus?

The Sigma would be an APO version, thanks for that too :)

Thanks for the recommendations for the others.
 
Gaz,

Be aware not to confuse "newer" with "new". There are plenty of older non-focus motor lenses out there that are new (i.e. not previously owned). This was never a particularly popular lens and many have sat on shelves for years - but still count as "new".
 
plus they are rubbish :gag:

i bought a little used APO variant & actually gave it away!
i was too embarassed to actually charge any money for it :bonk:

save your pennies for the 70-300VR or alternatively try the surprisingly good 55-200VR :thumbs:
 
Tirpitz said:
plus they are rubbish :gag:

i bought a little used APO variant & actually gave it away!
i was too embarassed to actually charge any money for it :bonk:

save your pennies for the 70-300VR or alternatively try the surprisingly good 55-200VR :thumbs:
Click to expand...

You must have had a bad copy. I found mine to be quite good, especially taking the price into consideration. It is not sharp at 300mm wide open, but stop it down to about f/8 and it is sharp, in the centre anyway.


Crowned Plover by jomike, on Flickr
Exif data
Camera Nikon D90
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture f/9.0
Focal Length 300 mm
ISO Speed 200

The "macro" function got me some nice shots as well.


Banded Demoiselle by jomike, on Flickr
Exif data
Camera Nikon D50
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/13
Focal Length 300 mm
ISO Speed 400

I do not dispute that the Nikon 70-300VR and 55-200VR are better lenses, but for its price the Sigma can give decent images as well.
 
Nice pics - I'd be happy if I could take something like that in the future.
 
Thanks for your replies all!

Lovely photos, Mike, thanks for posting those!

I am so confused about which lens to buy!
 
Katchit said:
Thanks for your replies all!

Lovely photos, Mike, thanks for posting those!

I am so confused about which lens to buy!
Click to expand...

Thanks Gaz.

It all depends how much money you can/want to spend.

If I was in the market for a 70-300mm at this point I would go for the Tamron 70-300 VC. This one.
It gets good reports for IQ, has stabilisation and goes new for about £300.

Else the Nikon 55-200VR also gives good bang for the buck if you do not need 300mm. There is also a Nikon 55-300 VR that is supposed to be quite good for its price.
 
Thanks Mike!

Very true!

To be honest, at the mo, i wouldnt want to spend more than £170 on my next lens, which is why those lenses i have mentioned above, would be handy, its just that there are still so many to choose from, even in that price range! :)
 
In the same boat gaz.
Blew all my disposable income for the month on my d3100.
Next month a 300mm lens and looked into it and i am leaning towards the tamron.
Also mike i am from hartley wintney (small world)
born in frimley green
 
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