Nikon or Sigma Zoom Lens for D40

[dibdab]

I am thinking of buying a zoom lens but can't decide between the Nikon 55-200mm f/4.-5.6 AFS DX VR Lens or the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro DG.

The Nikon 70 -300 VR is out of the question due to cost. I guess what i am most worried about with the sigma is lack of VR.

Do the two lens have pretty much the same image quality?

I have looked through all the posts but still can't make my mind up.

[sdb123]

What will you be shooting? I would have thought this would dictate the focal length you need.

I haven't used the Sigma however can highly recommend the 55-200m VR, it really is a good lens for the money.

[johnaalex]

The Sigma does have a pretty good reputation, I had one with my D80 for the macro capability. I would go for the Sigma, but as sdb123 says it really does depend on what you want to shoot. For general shots go with the Nikon, for shooting wildlife and macros go with the Sigma and for shooting children I suggest a 44 Magnum

[dibdab]

Well it's more for the trips to the park where i need that little extra length to get photos of the squirrels and birds in the trees.

I can see that i would use it to get closer pictures of my cats without having to get so close to them as well.

So i am wondering if for those types of pictures i could get away with the Nikon 55-200 VR.

Really want to buy one today if i can make up my mind.

[booyaka]

tough one - the 70-300mm Sigma is very good at the price. Good macro options as well. (make sure you get the version that has the build in motor drive for the d40)

£145 from onestop-digital.

Well worth a purchase for the extra length over the 200mm one but the vr is very appealing.

i was very happy with it (70-300m apo dg sigma) but got the upgraditous and sold it to fund the 70-300VR

[senu]

If you can afford the one with VR it will help you get more handhheld shots in poorer light
If not don't sweat it, get the Sigma and enjoy it till upgraditis moves you along
The sigma is hard to use hand-held if lighting forces the cameras shutter speed to drop but it is otherwise a great cheap and cheerful lens

[dibdab]

Thanks for all the replies, I went for the Nikkor 55-200 VR in the end (mainly due to the fact that my local Jessops didn't have the Sigma in stock and i couldn't be bother to get on a train)

I am very happy with my purchase and the zoom is more than enough for what i wanted it for, only had the chance to really take photos of my cats so far, as i won't be able to get out in daylight till the weekend. I am very happy with the sharpness of the lens.

[johnaalex]

Nice and sharp indeed.

I look forward to seeing more samples.

[dibdab]

Thanks.

[Zone]

dibdab
nice photo's, can I ask you to just keep an eye on file sizes though please, 300KB and under for embedding, also if you wish to by-pass the forums re-sizing software, edit the [IMG) tags to [IMGLINK]

[dibdab]

Thanks for the advice zone, all sorted now.

[TG V1P3R]

Wow, that first cat picture is really nice and sharp - looks a cracking lens!! Looking forward to seeing more samples of your work

[protector]

Just ordered the sigma 70-300 for my D60 along with an eye one display 2 monitor calibrator.. I would have liked to just get the Nikon VR version of the lens BUT for the same price I got both of the other items.
I felt the Nikon lens would be heavy on the front of the camera too stressing the connecting point very much if not held properly which would in my mind rule out tripod use!!! Maybe I am paranoid but from a science point of view I thought it might damage my camera body