Zoom Lens Advice

lou447 · 14 Jan 2012

Hello!

At the moment I have a Nikon D60 and a Sigma 70-300 which I have owned for a couple of years. I am into wildlife photography and am up on Mull at Easter. Last time I was there, the Sigma Lens just wasn't quite good enough, particularly in the light conditions.

I have tested the Nikon 70-300 VR, which is sharp and compared to my current Sigma shows the colours much better. I have also tried the Sigma 120-400 OS but found there didn't seem much difference between 300mm-400m, although the shop is surrounded by buildings, so I wasn't able to test it properly. The other problem was that I tried the lenses in different weather conditions, so it is hard to compare them.

I am getting so confused about which lens to get. The sigma is an extra £250 and can't decide if the extra length is worth that money.

Anyone got either of these lenses? Or are there any others I should consider? Budget is £700.

Thanks!

PickleB · 15 Jan 2012

Hi - I have the 70-300 VR and think it's great, but reviews do point out that it is not at it's best at 300 mm (see here). I don't know anything about the Sigma lens, but you might have a read of this thread.

The Nikon lens is FX and so will still be OK if you ever upgrade to an FX body and you'll still have some cash for something else (or the photo funds piggybank for a full-blown 300 mm or 400 mm lens).

Now, if you were to look out for a 2nd hand lens ... you might find something like a Nikkor 400 mm f/3.5 IF-ED within your budget. It's manual focus only and not in the same league as today's AF-S telephotos (see review 3/4 of the way down the page), but it's a lot, lot cheaper and at f3.5 it'll help with your problems with the light; so you'll get some shots you won't get otherwise.

lou447 · 15 Jan 2012

Thanks for the detailed advice. I'd prefer to get a lens that will autofocus with the D60, which unfortunately means many used lenses are off the list.

I considered swapping the D60 for a newer model with AF built in, but this seems an expensive route.

I have now seen the Sigma 150-500 in a local shop for £720 and may go and try this out today. From looking on t'internet I think it gets a bit soft after 425mm but at 300mm it seems as sharp as the Nikon 300mm f4.

Sir SR · 15 Jan 2012

I've got the 70-300 vr on a D90. Great lens, a tad soft at the extreme end! I got it new last year for under 400 so it was a no brainer. Had good fun around a safari park in France with it. I tend to shoot more portraits and events so looking to upgrade to the f2.8 70/80-200 depending on available funds!

Trig's · 15 Jan 2012

If your into wildlife then have you considered the Sigma 100-300 f4 hsm ex dg apo? I've had one which I sold to get the Nikon 2.8 70-200 vr (now the VRII) I used mine with a sig 1.4 ex apo dg tc attached...

Both will come within your budget (used of course)... Tis just another lens to throw in more confusion for you

edit:

Yes it will af on your body as its an HSM lens....

PickleB · 15 Jan 2012

lou447 said:
...I have now seen the Sigma 150-500 in a local shop for £720 and may go and try this out today. From looking on t'internet I think it gets a bit soft after 425mm but at 300mm it seems as sharp as the Nikon 300mm f4.

That Sigma (review) is f5-6.3 ... best hope for sunny days, even with image stabilisation. But it should do quite a good job for what you want to spend.

lou447 · 15 Jan 2012

Thanks guys.

I've been out today photographing short eared owls. Got a couple of Good shots but have decided I really want further reach.

Obviously to do this without comprising on quality is meaning I'm going to have to spend more money! I can afford more, just couldn't justify it. Think I am going to look at the nikon 300 f4 with teleconverter or try and find the sigma one recommend here second hand.

Alternatively look for a second hand body with motor built in so I can look at the full range of used lenses.

Louise

modchild · 15 Jan 2012

I've recently got a Sigma 150-500 OS for Canon and used it in decent light for the first time on friday. I've got some pictures of birds that are a lot better than I would of expected. One of them especially was a blackbird in amongst lots of branches and twigs from around 120ft at the 500 FL. Excellent results from a quick wander and I'm sure I will improve as I get to know the lens better.