I need lens advice

[Jamie.RN]

Hello! I'd like to hear your recommendations/opinions about a good lens for my D50. I have the 18-55mm kit lens and I recently bought a Nikkor 50mm f1.8D lens, which I loooove.

I'd like to get an additional lens to use on my upcoming Hawaiin cruise and at the races at Southland Greyhound Park. In Hawaii, we'll be going to the zoo and a rain forest and other various tours. I'm seriously considering the Sigma 70-300 APO Macro DX as recommended by others in this forum, although I know it won't be ideal to use in the shady rain forest nor for the fast moving greyhounds.

I'd rather not spend over $300 and I'm very open to buying a 100mm, or greater, prime if you know of one that might perform better than the Sigma APO zoom.

Thanks!! Jamie

[Jamie.RN]

Ugh. The more I look at the photos on PBase that were taken with the Sigma 70-300 APO, the more I dislike it's results.

Okay can anyone recommend any other lens that will give me sharper results at a long focal range? I'm beginning to realize that I am going to have to pay a little more to get what I'm wanting. Let's increase my spending range to $600. Eeeek!

Suggestions?

[britkev]

Even doubling you budget doesn't really help if you are looking for really good long lenses. The ED glass version of the Nikon 70-300 at just over $300 is better than the cheapie G version, but still not that highly rated. You need to go to 4 figures to get good lenses of that kind of length.

[thebac]

If so, I'd take a look at the 80-200 ED f/2.8 older one-ring/push-pull versions, or if you prefer primes, either the 180 ED f/2.8 or 300 ED f/4.

Any of those are within reach for your stated budget. All of the above will deliver professional grade image quality (and have a professional build as well). Where they fall short is in AF speed, as they are really slow. Also, the 80-200 is considerably heavier and larger than a 70-300. For zoos and in other environments where the subjects are stationary, AF speed will not be an issue (and with the proper technique, you will be able to track some moving subjects as well), but at a racetrack, the AF will probably not be able to keep up.

I'm not sure if a used Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM is still within your budget, if so, that might be an option (even a used Nikkor AF-S 80-200 ED f/2.8 will be beyond your budget).

[Bullitt]

Well, I think I would just lay off a couple bets at the track and go for the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 :D

I was told here that it goes for 724.00 new at Sigma4less

[Jason25]

Well, I think I would just lay off a couple bets at the track and go for the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 :D

I was told here that it goes for 724.00 new at Sigma4less
Check KEH.com as well, as that lens goes for about $570-$600 used. Great place to deal with, too :)

[Jamie.RN]

Yeah, the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 APO DG EX HSM is calling my name! I've been eyeing it for the past few days.

Gonna start a specific thread about it, as I have a few questions.

Thanks for your help, guys! Jamie ;)

[Bullitt]

Jamie,

If you get this Sigma 70-200mm f2.8, keep us posted as to how you like it. It is next on my wishlist for the reason being I don't think I would like to handhold any lens longer than 200mm without VR or IS, so I think this would be a good lens to go along with my 18-50mm f2.8.

[Jamie.RN]

Bullitt - I'll be sure to post when I get this lens. I'm hoping to order it today or tomorrow. I'm gonna get down to the greyhound track ASAP and really test it out!