need some input on Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL lens
Oct 12, 2012 18:15:47 #
Help. I normally don't stray away from Nikon glass, but I also don't like to spend money on something I will seldom use. From time to time I would like the reach of a lens that zooms to 300mm. I have an older Nikon af 70-300, the one without the drive motor in the lens and basically it belongs with the rest of the barn yard "litter", if you get my drift.
Has anyone had any experience with the above mentioned Sigma lens. I know that Sigma has developed a good rep lately for quality glass and it can be bought for much less than the equivalent Nikon lens. I think this is an older Sigma lens, the one without the wave motor. Any help would be appreciated. I see this lens sometimes new for as little as$155.00, freight payed.
Has anyone had any experience with the above mentioned Sigma lens. I know that Sigma has developed a good rep lately for quality glass and it can be bought for much less than the equivalent Nikon lens. I think this is an older Sigma lens, the one without the wave motor. Any help would be appreciated. I see this lens sometimes new for as little as$155.00, freight payed.
Oct 12, 2012 18:27:29 #
I own the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro. Like the reviewers say, it is not terribly sharp at 300mm, but not horrible. I think it focuses well and quickly, but not silently, like a Canon USM. At 300mm it's really best to have a tripod, except in really strong light. I do get some good softball and baseball photos on a sunny day. I wish it had stabilization, because I find it hard to hand-hold well enough at 300mm in anything but sunlight. It does do 2:1 "macro" very nicely. The front element rotates, which makes a polarizer difficult to use. I bought mine used for $160 and I certainly don't regret it. From my research there didn't seem to be a better zoom in the range for the money.
Oct 12, 2012 18:34:38 #
Designerfin wrote:
I own the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro. Like the re... (show quote)
At 300mm do you think the lack of sharpness is because of the lenses inability to achieve sharp focus at that length or do you think it is because of movement. It sounds like if you got good stuff on a sunny day, the problem could be motion blur from shooting without a tripod. I can deal with that, I just don't want to spend money on a lens that won't focus at all focal lengths.
Thanks for the feedback.
Oct 12, 2012 18:53:57 #
Yes, I think often times I cannot hold it steady enough at 300mm, because shooting ball games in bright sun with fast shutters it is really nice. But, even when I put it on a tripod I can seen the difference in sharpness between 200mm and 300mm. The inverse rule concerning shutter speed and focal length applies, just like in film days before IS, VR, OS etc.! I would say if you shoot in the daytime with good light, or shoot static scenes with a tripod you won't be disappointed. Just avoid dim light and wide apertures at 300mm. I don't fault the lens, really. It's only about $240 brand new and is not stabilized, so it has some limitations, but is also capable of some really nice images if used carefully. The quality of construction seems to be very good, and I really like the matte black finish Sigma uses.
Oct 12, 2012 19:53:22 #
This shot was taken with that same lens....its not bad....but I found mine on CL for 60 bucks....so.
Oct 12, 2012 23:49:20 #
Sigma makes 3 70-300mm lenses. One is crappy at best, one isn't too bad. One is very nice but is about the same price as the Nikon.
Ever consider the Nikon 28-300mm VR II? An absolutely wonderful lens for the money!
Ever consider the Nikon 28-300mm VR II? An absolutely wonderful lens for the money!
Oct 13, 2012 04:50:50 #
So which is the crappy one, i hope not the one I bought for 50 bucks.
Oct 13, 2012 05:55:20 #
Bucks I'd say mount the thing up...and have a go with it. You just mite be surprised.
Oct 13, 2012 06:38:28 #
It is not sharp at all should have been taken with a tripod sorry to say this but when taking insects with a 300mm lens it is good advice.
Oct 13, 2012 06:47:37 #
Very true roger....however field macro work lugging a tripod around can be a bit cumbersome...think I mite try a mono pod with a pistol grip....and see how that works out.
Oct 13, 2012 07:44:25 #
alf85
Loc: Northumberland, UK.
I have the Sigma 70-300mm macro, for both my Nikon and Canon, and think they are a great lens.
Alf.
Alf.
Oct 13, 2012 08:11:45 #
Oct 13, 2012 08:17:45 #
Oct 13, 2012 08:18:52 #
NO CL scares me I don't like the idea of someone coming to my house to buy or sell me.
Oct 13, 2012 08:21:42 #
nikon_jon wrote:
Help. I normally don't stray away from Nikon glass... (show quote)
If the lens is not scratched or fogged up, I will buy it from you. Do not put it out in the barn.
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