Which lens to go for to get it all a bit closer by

Dutchie · 16-05-2007, 15:34

Ok, i am thinking of buying a new lens. What has been doing my head in is that i can't get close enough to my objects from far away. Portraits are fine, but when i'm on a mountain and want to make a nice picture of something I can see I just can't get it close enough.
Now I just guessing that the 70-300mm would be a good option. Anybody knows a good deal and which one to go for.
I've got a nikon D80

**Dabhand16** · 16-05-2007, 16:19

Nice to see you again Dutchie

DP Mag tested 70-300 zooms in the April edition and the Nikkor and Canon got gold awards - Nikkor guide price was £340, but the Sigma 70-300 APO macro got the silver at £160, so seems to be VFM.

I think there are a lot of members who use the sigma and I'll bet they will be chipping ito this thread soon.

JMitchell · 16-05-2007, 17:18

And here they are !

I have it. Great lens, I got it for £179 HIGH STREET PRICE!!!! at Jessops, for the APO version (don't get the non APO [mark

]) Really good value for money. Take a look at some of the images in my gallery, I know they're not the best, but they give you an example. Will also PM you link to some other examples...

Jack

**Markulous** · 16-05-2007, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMitchell

..... (don't get the non APO [mark

])

You can go right off some people, you know!

Tho' it pains me to admit, Jacks's right - get the APO version!

kjbkix · 16-05-2007, 18:46

If you are going for a cheaper, entry level lens, especially for landscape/stationary shots, try the Nikkor 70-200mm 4.5/5.6. It isn't the highest quality lens but it is compact, very light, and focuses quickly. Biggest selling point here is the $199 (99 quid) pricetag at retail. I wouldn't reccommend the lens for low-light or sports (due to the max aperature being slow) but for what you descibed it could do the job.

Best of luck finding the right lens!
Kyle

JMitchell · 16-05-2007, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markulous

You can go right off some people, you know!

Dutchie · 17-05-2007, 17:52

Interesting. Thanks. I will have a look in your gallery later JMitchell. It was just that you see the lens offered for £120 but knew that was not one of the best once to go for. £180 sounds good from Jessops.

And i've got the 18 135mm lens with my d80. Nice lens and it didn't cost me much more then the other lens the 18 70mm.

JMitchell · 17-05-2007, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchie

Interesting. Thanks. I will have a look in your gallery later JMitchell. It was just that you see the lens offered for £120 but knew that was not one of the best once to go for. £180 sounds good from Jessops.

And i've got the 18 135mm lens with my d80. Nice lens and it didn't cost me much more then the other lens the 18 70mm.

Just one word of advice with the 70-300, try it out before you buy it, even if it seems awkward! This may be your standard practice, but for many it isn't. I didn't try it, but I was lucky and didn't seem to get one that goes 'soft' at the long end. I have heard that there are good copies and bad ones, so try and determine as best you can before making the investment. Not putting you off I hope

!

Dutchie · 17-05-2007, 21:03

No that sounds like a good idea actually. I want to make sure it's gonna be a good lens.
Thanks for the advice

Dutchie · 19-05-2007, 08:35

Just had a look at onestop digital and they are selling the sigma apo lens for £115.99

If that is the one you guys meant, then that will be the next one. Good price compared to the nikkor which costs £340

JMitchell · 19-05-2007, 09:37

Yes it is the lens I meant, however, bear in mind that you wont have a chance to try this one

A good price nontheless...

shaver · 19-05-2007, 11:28

hi
ive been using a tamron 70- 300 tamron om my canon 400d mainly for birds etc its very good but not easy to hand hold on full zoom but its a lens i really like