Sigma + Nikon 70-300?

redhed17

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Hello, I've got the Sigma 70-300mm APO and a Nikon D200, and I'm not happy with the quality of images from it. The images seem a bit soft. :(

Is the Nikon 70-300mm VR better glass, or is the extra money for that lens taken up with the VR?

Has anybody had both and got any opinions on these lenses?
 
I had the Sigma but it was the none APO version, I know stupid me :bonk:. I have had the Nikon 70-300 VR for a few months now and I cannot fault it. Its light, quick and quiet focusing and the image quality is much much better than the Sigma. It suffers from almost zero chromatic apparition and the VR can allow you get a shot when sometimes it should be impossible (like hand held 1/60 sec at 300mm).
Heres a picture for Sunderland airshow using the Nikon
Red_arrows_-_small.jpg
 
Thanks Wile E. :)

I wish we all 'suffered' from zero chromatic aberration. ;)

I was trying some low shutter speed panning images on the weekend, so the VR is a welcome feature.


Anybody else had both lenses and has an opinion?

£300+ for a new lens, and the problem of disposing of the Sigma is a big decision, and I'd like to be a certain it's a good idea. :help:
 
I only have the Sigma, but I think it's fairly sharp.
Then again, I have the D50 to go with it and I often have to sharpen my images quite a bit regardless of the lens I use, but if used properly, my Sigma is quite sharp even at 300 mm and it definitely does capture a lot of detail.
I wouldn't mind having the VR Nikkor, though... mostly because of the VR and the same reach. In a few years, maybe.
 
Thanks for the reply Slapo. I may have got a bad version of the lens, because it is certainly not sharp, not at the 300mm end anyway, though you do get what you pay for with lenses. :(

I've had it a couple of years, so it'll have to be a new lens, hence my query about the Nikon lens. I wondering whether the actual lens quality would be better than the Sigma.
 
Never owned the Sigma though I know it has a huge fanbase - I have the Nikon VR & its a cracking lens which I have taken most of my best shots on - without heading into "Pro" lens territory (which will ravage your wallet!) imho its the best value for money in a 70-300 yet ... Paul ;)

One of mine using the VR ...

vulture1_800.jpg
 
I have the Canon 75-300 4-5.6 USM which was a cheapish lens £150ish. I was quite happy with it until now that all my other lenses are a bit more expensive and F2.8 and now all of a sudden this lens seems really soft and Im not happy with it!!

Could that be what is happening with you??
 
Thanks for the reply Slapo. I may have got a bad version of the lens, because it is certainly not sharp, not at the 300mm end anyway, though you do get what you pay for with lenses. :(

Mine was the same at 300mm wrecked some great shots of a red kite, wasn't happy. You'll be glad to here the nikon is sharp all the way through the zoom. Like Paul says its the best buy below the pro 2.8 lenses.
 
Thanks for the replies people. :)

That is a very nice pic Paul. I'm getting very tempted by the Nikon 70-300mm VR. ;)


Just need to make the mental leap to add £300 or so to the debt mountain. :( :lol:
 
I had mine mounted during Liverpool's 800th, could have let you try it on yours. Also used it during Brouhaha on that overcast day, the VR seemed to work well enough. Overall I am happy with it and don't regret purchasing it.
 
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