Lens comparison - views please

staffitaxi

staffitaxi

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Andrea
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I'm in a quandry. I'm wanting a new zoom. I have a very basic Nikon 55-200 DX lens at the moment and I'm wanting to get something a bit better.

Sigma EX DG 70-200 F2.8 MACRO II HSM For Nikon

or

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300MM F4.5/5.6 IF ED

Can't really afford to spend much more than the top one. Would it work well with a converter?

I have a Nikon D90, I guess I'm looking for someone to say go for this one and why. I just don't know whether to go for speed or zoom? Should I not even be considering SIGMA?

Thanks for any help.

Andrea
 
Both of those lenses are very good and very capable at doing what they do. One question to ask is whether you would benefit from the constant f2.8 aperture that th sigma offers. I have the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 and I use it at f2.8 more often than not. However if the 300mm reach is more important to you then there is your answer.
 
Thanks Rob

The problem is I'm just not sure.

I have taken what I think to be some fairly decent shots on the 55-200 using my D40. However, there has been occassions when I've wanted a bit more reach.

But now I have the D90 body I feel I should be aiming for better quality lenses.

I really don't know what to do for the best.
 
Another lens to throw into the mix is the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8, a secondhand one of those would just about be within budget and is miles ahead of both of the other lenses in both build and optical quality...
 
I have the 70-300 but with a converter on it it's not too hot. I can reccomend it but even with VR on its still quite a handfull to hand-hold for sharpness.
If you use it with a tripod or even resting it on a fence post, the difference is amazing. When on a tripod, don't forget to switch off the VR as it will look for vibrations that arn't there.
As with all lenses, you will allways want better, so don't expect National Geographic images from lenses of this quality.
Oh! and I use it for outside portraits when I have the room and it gives amazing depth of field.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Another lens to throw into the mix is the Nikon 80-200 f/2.8, a secondhand one of those would just about be within budget and is miles ahead of both of the other lenses in both build and optical quality...
Click to expand...
I would take the 80-200 f/2.8 over the two above :thumbs:
 
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