nikon 70 -300mm lens

[Shutter_priority]

hi,

i am a newbie to photography
i am really confused with opting a lens of the above range for my
Nikon D90
My main intention is to take landscapes
i have seen that lens that that vary in cost too much:
is really vr required,because i do my photography using tripod
someone also suggest "Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO"
I Didnt get it does the term macro means its meant for macros
is there a difference between macro and telephoto macro

other Suggestion include:

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Zoom
Tamron SP70-300MM F/4-5.6 Di VC USD

finally my range is $350-400
please educate me and suggest a good model

[TCav]

The primary difference between expensive lenses and inexpensive lenses is optical quality. The Sigma 70-300 APO, the Tamron 70-300 Di LD, and the Nikkor 70-300 G AF all will produce images that are about equally as good. That is to say, not very good. The Sigma 70-300 DG OS is better, but not as good as the Tamron SP 70-300 Di VC USD. Better still is the Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR.

If you'll be doing most of your shooting from a tripod, you can switch off the optical image stabilization in the lens, but just because you won't be using the VR (or OS, or VC) doesn't make those less expensive, non-stabilized lenses as good as the more expensive, stabilized ones.

[TCav]

The term "Macro", in the case of the Sigma APO and the Tamron Di LD, means that those lenses can create images with a magnification ratio of 1:2. That means that the lenses can project an image onto the image sensor that is 1/2 lifesize. That is, a subject that is 48mm wide will fill the 24mm wide image sensor. The Sigma DG OS, Tamron Di VC USD, and Nikon AF-S VR, all have a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, which means that images projected onto the image sensor can have a maximum magnification of 1/4 lifesize.

For landscape photography, all that really doesn't matter.

[Shutter_priority]

Originally Posted by TCav

That is to say, not very good. The Sigma 70-300 DG OS is better, but not as good as the Tamron SP 70-300 Di VC USD. Better still is the Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR.

So can i finalize that the best i can get under my price range for Nikon D90 IS

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Zoom

Originally Posted by TCav

The term "Macro", in the case of the Sigma APO and the Tamron Di LD, means that those lenses can create images with a magnification ratio of 1:2. That means that the lenses can project an image onto the image sensor that is 1/2 lifesize. That is, a subject that is 48mm wide will fill the 24mm wide image sensor. The Sigma DG OS, Tamron Di VC USD, and Nikon AF-S VR, all have a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, which means that images projected onto the image sensor can have a maximum magnification of 1/4 lifesize.

For landscape photography, all that really doesn't matter.

Thanks now i got it.

[TCav]

Originally Posted by Shutter_priority

So can i finalize that the best i can get under my price range for Nikon D90 IS

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Zoom

For a 70-300 zoom, yes, the Nikon AF-S VR is the best there is. That is not to say that it doesn't have flaws, however. The Tamron has less chromatic aberration at the long end, but the Nikon is slightly sharper.

Plus, the Tamron is about $100 less expensive (in case that matters.)

And, depending on what you want to shoot, there may be other focal lengths and other lenses that you might consider.

[nitti48]

OK great info..I have a Nikon D5100 with a Nikon 18-200mm lens..I had my eyes on a Sigma I believe 200-400 mm for animal shots etc..Do u guys think I would be better off with the Nikon 70-300mm lens..Maybe the 200-400 is a bit much for what I want and the price of the 70-300 is like half..Any help in choosing would be greatly appreciated

[tclune]

Let me just mention that I recently bought the factory-refurbished Nikon 70-300 VR from Adorama for $380. In addition, I was able to get a 7-year warranty from a third party (Mack camera) through Adorama for $27. The lens is still under the 90-day Nikon warranty, but I am pleased with the purchase so far. FWIW

[nitti48]

Do you think that would be a better fit than the 200-400mm and the price is alot cheaper eh??

[Bob Nichol]

You be the judge if the 70-300mm meets your needs. Check out the lens simulator at http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens...ator/index.htm

[nitti48]

OK when I use the lens simulator..My d5100 is DX...could u explain the diff between DX and FX in the lens I assume..Thanks