p.1 #1 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
I once again seek your advice Nikonians.
Trying to help my step father pick out a new lens for his new D5100. It's narrowed down to the two in the subject. Did a search here and didn't come up with much. Would like to hear from those of you who have used either, or both preferably.
I appreciate all input, however, the choices are pretty firm on these two in specific. The Tamron VC maybe an option, but not sure if he wants the hassle of dealing with a mail-in rebate.
p.1 #4 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
I recently sold my Sigma 70 macro, as i downsized do to health reasons. Theres nothing out there for that price that is as sharp. The zoom however may be a better choice for your fathers needs. The Sigma 70 was the sharpest medium tele-lens that a leading photo magazine said they had ever tested. I owned the Sigma 50, 70, 150 and 180 macro lenses. That 70MM lens is screw, worm drive and gets rather long during focusing. This might be a problem with his D5100 , if it wont do screw drive AF.
Good Luck
Harry Palmer
p.1 #6 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
I have the 55-300, as well as the Tamron 70-300 VC. I use them on a D7000, and my son uses them on his D5100. The 55-300 focuses slow. Really really slow, and it is nowhere near as sharp as the Tamron. Its only positive, in my opinion, is the size. It is tiny compared to the Tamron, and weighs quite a bit less.
I used to own the Canon 70-200 f/4 L... Only lens I ever missed after switching to Nikon. The Tamron comes close to filling that void in terms of image quality and focus speed. I'm sure the Nikon 70-300 would also be awesome, but I found a really good deal at Adorama for a used Tamron... under $300.
I've thought about selling the 55-300 on Craigs List, but it's not worth that much, and it doesn't hurt to have duplicate focal lengths in the house.
p.1 #7 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
Very nice shots, David. You are getting more out of that lens than I ever did... How do you find the focus speed? For me, that was/is the biggest drawback.
p.1 #8 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
stevemacko29 wrote:
Very nice shots, David. You are getting more out of that lens than I ever did... How do you find the focus speed? For me, that was/is the biggest drawback.
Steve
Thanks!
I didn't think the AF speed on the 55-300 was to bad, faster then the 80-400 and almost as fast as the 70-300.
p.1 #10 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
Tommy_D wrote:
How about a used 70-300VR Nikkor? Those are like $300, and they are awesome.
He's really weird about used stuff. But I'm trying to actually talk him into considering that as well. Because I, even though a Canon man, know that's a great lens.
p.1 #11 · NIKKOR 55-300 ED VR or Sigma 70-300 DG OS
Thanks for all the input folks. A refurbished Nikkor 55-300 VR has been ordered with a 2 year warranty. Works out to about the same price as the Sigma. Appreciate the input.
