Zoom lense confusion.

andy5452 · 31-07-2006, 21:15

Hi

Thanks for all the advice I`ve had so far!

So, I`m looking for a decent "starter" zoom lense, for around the £200ish (if there is one) for an S2 pro. Local shops have recommended: Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro Lens : (£169 from one stop digital) (or more from the actual shop) Also :Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6 G Lens £70 ish online and more in the shop. What do you think? I saw the online quick review for the Nikon as an "ok" budget lense. Is the extra £100 on the Sigma worth it?? The basic lense I got with the camera is a 28mm - 70mm (wuth Macro) so there would be some overlap. Tamon AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 (IF) Nikon AFD is another that was mentioned at £70ish I also asked the advice of a keen photographer who dismissed these as rubbish and suggested I invest a grand on some huge telescope thing! (which I`m not).
Any views out there?? Anything better??

Andy

**stepheno** · 31-07-2006, 22:49

Hi Andy - IMO and generally speaking, you get what you pay for in a lens. The trick is to get the balance.I don't rate either the two lenses you mentioned but on the other hand you don't have to spend silly money (£1,000 etc). For the sort of dosh you mention I don't think you'll get a quality zoom up to 300mm. So......to get you going I can recommend the Tamron 18-200 at about £270, cheaper off someone like OneStop. I have this lens and use it as my all-purpose, walkabout.

If you are looking for more zoom, eg 300mm, then be prepared to up the ante , mavbe £400+. Hope that helps some.

**Sonsey** · 31-07-2006, 23:20

Most if not all the major lens makers have "budget" zoom lenses in your price range, one of them, the Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 APO DG gets good reviews (if you get a good copy) and comes in nicely under budget, might be worth a look

Three of our members have posted reviews in the "Equipment Reviews" area, here:- http://www.pixalo.com/reviews/showpr...uct/133/cat/14

andy5452 · 31-07-2006, 23:21

Ok thanks, so next question: Does a lens such as the one you mentioned effectivley replace my current lenses (the 28 to 70 and the 100mm fixed?) I have heard that "fixed" lense are better than zooms?? does the 28 - 70 warrant no more than a trade in against a larger range zoom??

Andy

**Sonsey** · 31-07-2006, 23:45

I don't know the lens model's you currently have so it's a bit hard to advise. You have said the you allready have a 28-70mm lens, so you have that zoom range covered... the lens I mentioned would compliment this lens, not replace it.

Regarding the 100mm "fixed lens" you have (or prime lens as they are more commonly refered to)... you'd really need to post it's make and model number before anyone could advise it's use to you.

***Dave*** · 01-08-2006, 11:02

You might find this thread of interest re quality of lenses (prime vs zoom) Budget prime vs Premium Zoom vs Pro Zoom lens

Ref which zoom lens I would take the view point of what realistic end budget you have for such a lens. That way you can try to minimise financial loss on lenses whilst upgrading. For example I have seen the £70 70-300 Nikon lens go for over a £100 on EBAY second hand. This could be a great way to prove to yourself if you use that lens range that much, before deciding to spend more money, knowing you'll get your money back on this lens.

andy5452 · 01-08-2006, 20:06

Hi the 100mm lens I got with the "job lot" of camera gear I bought is a Sigma 105mm 1 :2.8 D Macro. I`ve only really used the Macro on it so far, though I`m still very much in the learning/experimentation phase.

I`ve asked a local few shops ref the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Lens as a poss "starter" zoom and all have given the thumbs up, though no one can match the price from "Onestop Digital" Are these guys ok? Anybody had any problems ref delivery or quality??

Andy

**stepheno** · 01-08-2006, 20:20

I've never used them but I heard a lot of guys use them and speak very highly. It's probably one of the best HK suppliers, and apparently they will pay your import duty if you get stung.

I'm sure someone who's used them will come along.

silkstone · 01-08-2006, 20:42

I've used Onestop and I had a VAT bill from FedEx a week after delivery. I posted it off to HK and they credited my PayPal account, so no problems.

The savings can vary quite a lot, and I usually prefer to buy from the UK in case there's a fault. Also you often get a better warranty. I bought a Sigma 150mm macro lens from Onestop because nobody in the UK had one.

andy5452 · 01-08-2006, 21:11

Can anyone recommend a UK supplier?? - That may get near one stop prices??

AND can anyone just clarify "walk about lens"??

Ta

Andy

**stepheno** · 01-08-2006, 21:35

I'm not sure which one you're going for now the cheapest Sigma f4-5.6 APO DG Macro I can find is £155 at Camerabox. They also do the Sigma f3.5-6.3 DG Macro for £179.99.

Edit: Forgot about your second question. A walkabout lens is one you have on your camera, whilst walking around, (sorry) and it can cover a reasonably good range. It saves having to carry your whole kit or bag around with you. For example my walkabout is a Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II. It will open up, in theory, to 18mm for a good wide-angle scenery shot but it will also zoom out to 200mm when you want to take close-ups. Basically, if I am in the car, the whole caboodle goes in the boot, if I am walking I take just the camera with the Tamron. HTH.

andy5452 · 01-08-2006, 21:58

So does the "walk about" lense lack the clarity of the individual lens selection?? Or why bother with more than one?

asd · 01-08-2006, 22:18

i have tamron 28-200mm bought second hand before i knew more about lenses, it has its limitations, so would stear clear of it, although i have taken reasonable shots with it, it will now become a paperweight after buying canon lens, my 2 pics of swan and toads mating in wildlife/animal section in members gallery were taken with tamron, check the jagged edges out around the swan, ie , you get what you pay for

good luck, the guys here will get you sorted out in no time im sure

**stepheno** · 01-08-2006, 22:24

Oh yes.....missed that bit. You have got to have some compromise and that's it. A "fast" lens is one that has a wide aperture eg f2.8 allowing you to have faster shutter speeds but you are talking high quality glass therefore high price. A Tamron 18-200 will give good IQ across the range but non of it excellent - therefore it's better in good light.

The best is a good prime lens eg f2.8 throughout the zoom range but...more money.