I`m planning to buy 70-300mm lens. Which is a better choice: nikon , sigma or tamaron?

Question

I own D50 with 18-55mm nikon kit lens. It seems that both sigma 70-300 and tamaron 70-300 offer macro mode.

Answer 1

I have used Sigma lenses with Nikon SLRs and found them excellent for quality and better value than Nikon manufactured lenses. My last Sigma 28-80mm lens was bought secondhand from Jessops. It has a very good macro facility and has performed faultlessly for an outlay of well under half the price of a new Nikkor lens.
I have a Sigma 70-200mm lens bought new that has also been excellent but I did find that the Nikkor 70-300 lens I tested beforehand was difficult to use handheld without camera shake problems, i.e. needed a tripod! Also with the digital SLR 1.5x magnification factor for focal length, such problems would be much greater.
I am planning to buy a D50 and would be interested in hearing of your experience and any advice.

Answer 2

The Sigma f/4-5.6 DG, the Tamron, and the Nikon f/4-5.6 G are all 'cheap reach': slow AF, poor image quality (soft at large apertures, soft beyond 200mm, CA/ fringing), and flimsy build quality.
Two others, the Sigma f/4-5.6 APO DG and the Nikon f/4-5.6 D are better, but still budget lenses.
As for the macro mode: both Sigmas list a minimum focus distance 3.1' and for the Nikons, it's 4.9' / 5.0'.
So pick your poison. Also consider that the Nikons will hold their value better if/ when you decide to upgrade. Or you could simply buy a used copy to begin with.
The only 70-300mm worth ordering for the long run (it's not shipping yet) is the Nikon f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR, but this lens costs as much as your D50 body... then again, that's still only a mid-priced lens.
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It just occured to me that most of those Nikon lens codes won´t ring any bells. Here's what they mean:
G: no aperture ring - the aperture is controlled by the body
D: aperture ring on the lens, but still controlled by the body
IF: internal focussing - the front element doesn't rotate
ED: one or more glass elements have a special coating
AF-S: fast auto-focus
VR: vibration reduction

Answer 3

The original manufacturer, be it Nikon or Canon, the kit lens are generally not the best the manufacturer has to offer but are going to be the best quality lens in that price range. If you want better lens, buy the higher grade Nikon lens.

The only reason the others (3rd party) are in business are because they offer "acceptable" results for less money. Just about every comparison I have seen over the last 40 years between original manufacturer and 3rd party lens, the manufacuterer's lens wins. Better (less) aberation, higher center-to-edge resolution, truer color, and higher build quality.

Many people buy the good body and a 3rd party lens because they can't afford new from the manufacturer. I have always advised people to buy a used lens before going to a 3rd party. As long as the glass hasn't been damaged or the body dented (indicating a possible drop) or fungus growing between the glass lens, then there is no reason not do buy used. Over the years I have probably bought 15 used Nikon lens and never been disappointed.

Norm

Answer 4

Since you Nikon body better go for Nikon Nikkor lens 70-300 mm ED. Go for Nikkor 70-300 mm G lens if you've a tight budget.

Answer 5

The VR can sometimes be a very good feature to have. Even if you use a tripod ALL the time (in which case you should leave the VR turned off), if you are getting a Nikon 70-300mm get the VR version, because it is a better quality lens than their cheap versions.

Answer 6

Nikon is for advanced lensmen
It is best among the choices listed

Macro mode is inferior to Microshots in digital photography

Answer 7

from past experience I would always choose the Nikon. You can do a search to check them out also.

Answer 8

Hi,
I shop a lot and I always use cheapest prices search engine for all they offer. Almost every regular store and online merchants is listed there, lots of consumer reviews and a lot of other ways to save time and money.
I hope I helped you and good luck to you.

Lisa

p.s. check out the consumer written reviews, they should really help you!

Answer 9

nikon