Lens advice

[mh68]

I`ve (finally) bought myself a DSLR body .
I managed to get a mint Fuji S2 pro body very cheap indeed, and i`m currently after a lens of 300mm or so as a walkabout lens. The camera is based on the Nikon F mount/lens system.
The only lenses of this size I can afford at present are the Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 DG, the Nikon AF 70-300 f4.5-5.6 G and I believe theres a similar Tamron lens too. Obviously I wont be expecting mind-blowing results from such cheap lenses, but something along those lines will do for now until I can afford something better next year( maybe a VR lens of similar length). As these are all similarly priced I`d be grateful for any feedback on these models, are they generally similar in quality? or is one a better option than the others?

cheers,
Mark H

[HowlinWolf]

Most lenses give similar results when stopped down to f/8, so you would probably not notice any difference in performance from either lens at this aperture. I would go for the Nikkor, especially if you intend to upgrade next year. This lens will hold its re-sale value over the Sigma, assuming you will be trading-in the lens to offset costs. After that, I'd recommend a second-hand Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF-S. It has superb optics, is built like a tank (all metal) and gives excellent colour and contrast. It will also take a TC with virtually no loss of quality. The only drawback is that it's a prime lens, so you would loose the zoom capability.

HW

[matt_xyz]

excellent Mark, I knew you'd cave in eventually I hope you enjoy it.

I have no experience of any of those lenses so can't help you with lens choice I'm afraid.

Matt

[mh68]

Thanks HW.
The Nikkor lens did look a good choice to me, as it communicates distance info to the camera aswell, which supposedly helps with accurate metering(does the Sigma also do this? ).I`ve just been looking at the Tamron which seems very plasticky in comparison. To be honest, i`d probably keep it as a spare when I upgrade, for what they cost online. Theres a cracking 400mm sigma prime on a certain auction site at the moment going very cheap, but its a canon mount I`d have been tempted at the price had it been suitable for my camera.

Mark H

[mh68]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

excellent Mark, I knew you'd cave in eventually I hope you enjoy it.

I have no experience of any of those lenses so can't help you with lens choice I'm afraid.

Matt

At the price I got it for i couldnt not buy it Matt, especially as its taken very few frames and has been a backup in a studio so hasnt even been outdoors.It`ll be a whole new learning curve for me so be prepared for lots of questions

Mark H

[HowlinWolf]

Yes, Mark, the Nikkor does communicate distance information to the camera, thus increasing exposure accuracy. Nikon doesn't share any of its technology with third party lens makers, and as far as I'm aware the Sigma does not have the same capabilities in this respect.

HW

[mh68]

Thanks. Looks like another plus point for the Nikkor then

Mark H

[The Black Rabbit]

Judas!
Doug

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by mh68

It`ll be a whole new learning curve for me so be prepared for lots of questions

Mark H

Mark, I think you'll adjust very quickly since the FZ50 handles and operates very much like a DSLR. When I made the transition the only 2 real differences I noticed were (a) the much shallower DOF at wider apertures and (b) the much greater ISO range available to you. Once you allow for those differences the rest is much the same!

edit: oh, the other thing you'll have to watch is the lack of IS on the DSLR. You won't get away with such slow shutter speeds anymore!

Matt

[mh68]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

Judas!
Doug

Still keeping the fz50 mate so only half a Judas

Mark H