Multipurpose lens for Newbie

Xplosion

Xplosion

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Hey,

Recent newbie and I'm getting married soon and going on Safari to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, I am also interested in photography so was looking at general usage lenses for my Nikon D40 - The choices are endless so any help would be great

Budget - £100-£200 quid

Saw a few interesting buys on Ebay but any advice would be well appreciated, below are the links

Nikon 55-200 mm
-http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI...m=170224339274&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007

Sigma 70-300
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=250253811923&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015

The Sigma seems to include Macro Photography as well which sort of throws me off? Also I would like AutoFocus on the lenses as it makes like easier when out in the field,

Any Advice would be appreciated!! I have a kit lenses of 18-55 mm at present
 
How come the sigma allows Macro Photography, will the Nikon allow this as well? just slighty confused in that aspect
 
The Sigma is designed that way but don't buy it! if you want a Sigma 70-300 buy the APO version, it's the same lens, more expensive but has better optics.
 
There should be a Sigma 70-300 version out with it's own focus motor now - costs about £180 I believe.
 
You could always go to
www.lensesforhire.co.uk and hire a lens for your honeymoon.

You might get some extra length over that you can otherwise afford to buy.
 
Sorry to bump this but any idea whats different between

-55-200mm 200 mm F/4-5.6G
-70-300mm AF ED f/4-5.6D

With regard to the D & G suffix's at the end
 
Not sure about the D/G suffix' at the end, but the f/4-5.6 represents the largest aperture available at wide andle & telephoto, and so both are the same.

My father-in-law has the Nikon 55-200mm on his D40 and it's a nice lens, looks pretty sharp what I have seen.

I had a Sigma non-APO 70-300 on my 300D and it was pretty soft above 200mm.

I'd go with the Nikon, it has a good range for almost everyday use, it's smaller/lighter, and will probably have a closer min. focusing distance which will also aid it's use as an allrounder.
 
"Macro" on zoom lenses tends to mean that it can focus quite close, so it's good at taking pictures of smallish things. But you won't get a lens that's a 'true' macro - the kind you need for taking pictures of bugs' eyes - unless it's a dedicated macro lens, which are prime and a good deal more expensive than these.
 
Thanks for the advice, sometimes I think that i'm still a newbie so should refrain from splashing out on lenses as kit doesn't make the photographer..any advice?
 
I think you'd find either of the Sigma 70-300s disappointing. I speak from bitter experience.

If you're looking for a lens that you can use on safari then I don't think a 55-200 will be long enough. If you're just lookig for a general lens, then I'd go with the Nikon.
 
I have the 55-200 VR lens on the D40x and it is a superb lens with a good reach for the price. The one on E-Bay looks suspiciously cheap and is either an import or will not be a VR lens when it arrives. The feedback for this seller needs reading.
 
That is pretty cheap, we paid £90 for a non VR 55-200mm that was a factory refurb, this one reads as brand new!
 
If your safari shots are a few animals per image then 200mm is enough, but if you want single animals or parts thereof you need something longer i'm afraid.

You might be better hiring a lens as suggested earlier - it puts you in the best position to get some nice shots, nothing worse than a great holiday but coming home with disappointing pics.

Anything under £130 on ebay is either poor quality or not compatible i would suggest.
 
I think you will find 200mm to short on safari, 300mm + would be far better, I have done several and shot around 300mm in the past Last years was shot using 400mm.

If it is a one off trip the hire option may well be the best, I cannot comment on the Nikon lenes as I shoot Canon
 
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