First lens purchase question (70-300) - Nikon D60

Daysleeper40

Daysleeper40

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Hi All,

I have tried searching this but as the search function won't accept numbers or "D60" it's proving a bit tricky - so I'm sorry for asking a question that I'm sure has been asked hundreds of times before.

I have recently aquired my first DSLR - a Nikon D60 with the VR kit lens. I am now looking to add a longer zoom to my kit bag and think a 70-300 is the way to go. I am mostly interested in nature photography and macro. I'm getting a bit confused about all the options and would appreciate any suggestions on which lens I should buy - the budget isn't huge (£400 ish is probably my max).

Options so far include:

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 f4.5 -5.6 - price £429
Tamron 70-300mm F4/5.6 DI LD Macro - price £169
Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO Macro Super DG Lens - price £180

Should I play safe and opt for the more expensive Nikon or is there a bargain to be had from tamron / sigma? Am I way off the mark or missing something obvious? Please help me! :help:
 
A lot of the reviews I've read say that the Nikon 70-300 VR is excellent value for money. Don't know about a macro though.
 
hi, i've got the sigma 70-300 which i think is not bad for the money but id probaly go for the nikon because of the vr. with the sigma at 300mm you need really good light or a tripod. the sigma is not really a macro lens either, 1.2ratio, i can get similar results with my 18-70 only not as soft !
 
The Nikon is way better than the others for IQ and its the only one with a built in focus motor. i used to use one with my D300 and i had the sigma with my D70
 
Thanks all -one thing I should have mentioned is that I have the Raynox DCR 150 & 250 that I could use with any of these for macro shots - not sure which lens would be best for this either though :thinking:

I have pretty much decided on the Nikon 70-300 VR as I'm sure you get what you pay for and I may as well buy the best I can afford now rather than going for the cheaper option and then wanting to upgrade.
 
I recently got the Nikon 70-300mm lens, not a range I normally shoot in but used it for the first time at the weekend with my D700. I was very impressed with the picture quality, I have heard it gets a little bit soft after 200mm but didn't really notice it myself. Would highly recommend it. :thumbs:
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
The Nikon is way better than the others for IQ and its the only one with a built in focus motor. i used to use one with my D300 and i had the sigma with my D70
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It's interesting you say that as for both the third party lenses is says on the websites that they do autofocus with the D60 :thinking:

How can I know for definate?
 
Willo said:
I recently got the Nikon 70-300mm lens, not a range I normally shoot in but used it for the first time at the weekend with my D700. I was very impressed with the picture quality, I have heard it gets a little bit soft after 200mm but didn't really notice it myself. Would highly recommend it. :thumbs:
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Thanks Willo - it's looking like I'm going to be £429 lighter soon!
 
Snownation said:
Why not get a prime 1.4 or 1.8 if you're into nature and macro?
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I thought it would be best to go for something with a bit of versatility initially and then start building up my kit with more specific / dedicated lenses after that. It's going to be a pretty slow process as I'm not exactly rolling in cash so it is difficult to know where to start. What would you suggest?
 
I'm new myself actually, so my knowledge is limited.

From my little experience though, I found that if I wanted to go up close and personal, like a flower, or a bumblebee, filling 80% of the frame, it almost never focuses. I have the focal length for it, but not the macro ability to take the shot.
 
Daysleeper40 said:
It's interesting you say that as for both the third party lenses is says on the websites that they do autofocus with the D60 :thinking:

How can I know for definate?
Click to expand...

There are different versions of the Sigma you will need the HSM version, i don't know about the tamron - but my Bro got one for his Canon and the IQ was appalling the CA and softness made it un-un-useable at 300mm
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogfish_magnet
The Nikon is way better than the others for IQ and its the only one with a built in focus motor. i used to use one with my D300 and i had the sigma with my D70

It's interesting you say that as for both the third party lenses is says on the websites that they do autofocus with the D60

How can I know for definate?
Click to expand...

They do both autofocus with the D60.

I have the Tamron version and think the image quality is reasonable for such a cheap lens, however have found the autofocus to be somewhat below par. Also, as has already been mentioned, the third party lenses claim to be macro when they are only 1:2.

I'm looking to upgrade my Tamron to the Nikon lens as soon as funds allow. Seen a few sell in the classifieds here for around £300 if you are interested in a second hand one.
 
The Nikon 70-300VR is an excellent lens for the money - small, light, great bokeh wide open. I think you'll be very pleased with it. Your Raynox will sit on it and let you get closer, but not to 1:1 I dont think as the minimum focus distance (naked) is 4.5 feet. I assume you have the 18-55VR kit lens? I'd have thought the Raynox on that would be excellent for macro?
 
I have the Nikkor 70-300 VR and it is SO good to see the VR kick in and the image steady,even hand held (sometimes :p)

I also have the Sigma 1.4 converter and the VR and focus work perfectly with it.
As for a next purchase after the 70-30 I would really go for the sigma 1.4 converter if you do wildlife.........
 
davekiddle said:
The Nikon 70-300VR is an excellent lens for the money - small, light, great bokeh wide open. I think you'll be very pleased with it. Your Raynox will sit on it and let you get closer, but not to 1:1 I dont think as the minimum focus distance (naked) is 4.5 feet. I assume you have the 18-55VR kit lens? I'd have thought the Raynox on that would be excellent for macro?
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I've got to be honest I havn't tried it on the kit lens yet - got the D60 for my birthday at the end of august and have just got back from two weeks in Turkey (I didn't take it with me) so I havn't had a chance to get the Raynox out yet. For some reason I have it in my head that 70-200 + Raynox is a good combination - I must have read that somewhere. How true it is, I don't know :shrug:

The good thing is that I am decided on the lens - Nikon 70-300 VR it is. I've never been so happy about spending money - I can see this hobby getting very expensive very quickly! :D

Thankyou for the advice everyone :thumbs:
 
towershot said:
I have the Nikkor 70-300 VR and it is SO good to see the VR kick in and the image steady,even hand held (sometimes :p)

I also have the Sigma 1.4 converter and the VR and focus work perfectly with it.
As for a next purchase after the 70-30 I would really go for the sigma 1.4 converter if you do wildlife.........
Click to expand...


Thanks for the tip towershot - I'll look into that.
 
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