Greetings all, a new poster here

[Suprpntr]

Im new to all this, just bought a d-50. Trying to learn about it. Seems in all my reading, that 18-55mm seems to be a pretty good all around lens. Certainly better than a point and shoot, right?

Is there really a difference between a sigma 70-300 and the nikkor 70-300 G?

Unless you are a pro, is it really worth it to buy $800.00 lenses? Looks to me like most of the problems are with the user, rather than the lens.

[rawpaw18]

Is there really a difference between a sigma 70-300 and the nikkor 70-300 G?

Unless you are a pro, is it really worth it to buy $800.00 lenses? Looks to me like most of the problems are with the user, rather than the lens.

First of all welcome to the show.

I don't have either lens but, the Sigma seems to get recommended the most around here, the APO version.

As far as $800 for a lens, I am about to do just that. I am in no way a pro, not even close. Sure the photographer is the biggest factor in a good shot, but it helps having a faster, sharper lens just in case I get lucky.

If you are happy with your results, save your money. Your camera is capable of some really good shots with lenses you have. Have fun!

[D70FAN]

Im new to all this, just bought a d-50. Trying to learn about it. Seems in all my reading, that 18-55mm seems to be a pretty good all around lens. Certainly better than a point and shoot, right?

In most cases using 3x as the multiplier... sort of. Your equivalent focal length is 27mm-82.5mm. A typical 3x zoom p-n-s is 36mm to 108mm.

Is there really a difference between a sigma 70-300 and the nikkor 70-300 G?

Yes. Spend a few bucks more ($184 @ sigmaforless) and buy the Sigma. The new version (APO DG Macro) also offers a 1:2 macro function.

Unless you are a pro, is it really worth it to buy $800.00 lenses? Looks to me like most of the problems are with the user, rather than the lens.

Lenses can make a huge difference, and there are some good, inexpensive, sharp and contrasty, lenses from Sigma and Tamron in the $200 to $400 range. I've never used the Nikkor 18-55 kit lens, so your judgement is better than mine on that one.

I use a Sigma 18-125 DC ($230) as my walk around lens. A Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 ($350) for constant aperture low light and high contrast, and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 when the Sigma f/2.8 isn't fast enough (rarely). The budget is being groomed for a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 ($725) and a Tokina 12-24 f/4 ($500) to fill the pro-grade lens gaps.

Hope this helps.