PDA

View Full Version : lens recommendation plz

Esoterra
03-10-2006, 09:12 AM
I have the Sigma 18-200 and now want to purchase something around 200-500mm. My budget is around 500 any suggestions??
George Riehm
03-10-2006, 10:04 AM
I have the Sigma 18-200 and now want to purchase something around 200-500mm. My budget is around 500 any suggestions??

Save up another $500 and buy a Bigma (Sigma 50-500) or the Sigma 80-400 OS. Either will run a hair under $1000. I don't recall seeing anything in the 500mm range for less than $650 (Sigma 170-500 non DG version).
britkev
03-10-2006, 10:07 AM
Can't comment, because I've never used it, but Sigma do make a 170-500 f5-6.3 that goes for about $700US... other than that I think you will need to keep saving for quite a while, even for used Nikon lenses in that category.
George Riehm
03-10-2006, 10:11 AM
Second Note:

Looking at the MTF data for the 170-500 it appears that this is a pretty sharp lens, especially when used on an APS-C sensored dSLR. After I pull the coin together for the 70-200 f/2.8 this looks to be the long tele choice (on paper).;)
coldrain
03-10-2006, 10:32 AM
The Sigma 135-400 lens may be of interest. It does not reach 500mm, but it is a surprisingly capable lens for the money.
Payne
03-11-2006, 06:38 AM
The Sigma 135-400 lens may be of interest. It does not reach 500mm, but it is a surprisingly capable lens for the money.

Do you own one? any test to share?
George Riehm
03-11-2006, 07:29 AM
Do you own one? any test to share?

I think coldrain was recommending this lens as the only one that meets the cost criteria and is close to 500mm.

The next one up the chain is the 170-500 in the $700 range.

The MTF data on both is pretty good when using an APS-C sensor with the 170-500 being the better of the two. Check it here:

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp

The MTF charts are under each lens. Zoom for better viewing. For APS-C digitals data after 15mm is meaningless.
Payne
03-12-2006, 11:00 AM
there are many lenses with excellent MTF charts, like the 17-85IS, however real life pics show the contrary.....with poor performance.
I've heard good things about the 170-500mm and many critics on the 135-400mm, unfortunately there are just a few tests on these lenses....so, I thought Cold might have tried one.....or maybe own one....and perhaps he could have sent me some sample images to judge the overall performance...thats all..Im also interesting in a loooooong zoom lens.