Help !

[ChloeM]

HI, i new to this site, and photography. i need help in buying a new lens for my camera. I got myself a D40, I was looking at Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL-M "Motorized" DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens with Built-in Motor Drive, has any one got any advice.

thank you x

 

[Uneducated_Rick]

What do you plan on using your new lens for?

 

[Martyn...]

In that range the Nikon 70-300VR is the lens to go for.

 

[seriousrikk]

In that range the Nikon 70-300VR is the lens to go for.

It may be the best quality, but not for everyones budget.

When buying a Sigma 70-300mm make sure you get the APO version. It is £20 or £30 more but the image quality it delivers is better than the non APO

 

[Martyn...]

It may be the best quality, but not for everyones budget.

That is a fair point Richard, however it is the best quality, and will hold its value.

After my disappointing experience with a rather expensive Sigma, I could not recommend them to anyone.

However if the OP lets us know what she intends using the lens for, and her budget perhaps we could advise accordingly.

 

[ChloeM]

its for taking moving and nature pictures, thanks for the help people

 

[ChloeM]

Its for taking moving/nature pictures

 

[Martyn...]

Its for taking moving/nature pictures

Still none the wiser sorry Chloe, can you expand on what you mean.

 

[Garry79]

Its for taking moving/nature pictures

For moving pictures you'll need a video camera (or something like a 5D MkII)!

 

[ChloeM]

it so i can take a picture of somethink moving, from a distence, eg a running dog

 

[Martyn...]

it so i can take a picture of somethink moving, from a distence, eg a running dog

What lens / lenses do you already have?

What is your budget?

Would you prefer a zoom lens to a prime fixed focal length lens?

 

[seriousrikk]

The telling question is definitly what is your budget.

Running dogs are no mean feat, so autofocus speed is key. You can usually get a side on view of a runnong dog without issue, but as soon as they turn in towards you cheaper lenses autofocus will not keep up so well. Hell my 120-300 only just keeps up with my lurcher when he's at full tilt!

 

[PsiFox]

I'd echo the sentiments re animals approaching you quickly.

When I had the 70-300 VR it would get some but not all.

The more expensive glass does do a better job.

go for the best you can afford you'll keep it longer.

Can you save up a little longer , ask for early birthday/xmas present find a 70-300 VR second hand. It's AF-S so will AF with your D40

Below is what the 70-200 VR 2.8 can do and it gave me a full sequence all perfectly in focus