[3canaries]

I am very new to the world of DSLR. I purchased a D50 from stock left over within our business and it came with the standard 18-55mm lens. I feel I need a further lens so that I can enhance my photography, through macro and zooming.

Having looked, I feel I have two choices, which won't break the bank. The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 AFS G or the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro DG.

I don't know much about lens' at all and I'm looking to this forum to give me some laymens terms on both of these Len's and tell me which would be the better by.

I like the option to zoom in on things and also the option to take close up photos - but which is the best for my needs.

Your responses would be much appreciated..!!

[julian_fraser]

I've owned both, the Nikon was my first purchase to compliment my 18-55mm kit lens but I soon changed it for the Sigma and found that I didn't miss that 55-70mm range at all.

I like the option to zoom in on things and also the option to take close up photos - but which is the best for my needs.

Both lens will (obviously) allow you to zoom in, the Sigma a little more than the Nikon...but it's the macro capability of the Sigma which makes it the winner for me. It has a dedicated switch which allows you to shoot 1:2 macro images (true macro lenses are 1:1) when using the 200-300mm focal lengths. The setting also allows you to get physically closer to your subject - you can be as close as 95cm instead of 150cm during normal use.

Does the D50 have a built-in autofocus motor? If so, the APO Sigma lens you'd need (without it's own internal motor) is only £119, as opposed to £159 with built-in autofocus motor.

Hope that helps.

[dazza74]

In hindsight 1/30 second shutter speed is maybe a bit to slow but might help a little bit. I've taken these on my 70-300mm VR (if you can find another £150 I would get this over the other two mentioned personally but appreciate it's a lot more money to find)

[DaveM]

Hello,
I own a D50 and unlike the newer D40/60 it has its own motor so wider choice of lenses.

[meansizzler]

I was thinking about the Sima 70-300MM as I need Zoom and macro, but I didn't like the look of the lens, and no VR or Autofocus...

[jomike]

I got a Sigma 70-300 APO when I got my D50 just over two years ago, and I would recommend it. As dazza74 says, the Nikon 70-300VR has VR which is nice to have when shooting in low light at 300mm, and the image quality is slightly better at 300mm. However it is quite a lot more expensive than the Sigma 70-300 APO, and also I don't think you will get shots like this one taken with the D50 and the Sigma 70-300 APO in 1:2 close up mode. (Nikon 70-300 VR does not have a close up mode) That is if you like this kind of thing, of course

[IMGLINK]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1290/1020175239_3459a5837b_b.jpg[/IMGLINK]

[jomike]

Originally Posted by meansizzler

I was thinking about the Sima 70-300MM as I need Zoom and macro, but I didn't like the look of the lens, and no VR or Autofocus...

The OP has a D50, so all Sigma 70-300 versions will autofocus on his camera, no VR though as you say.

[Ned Senior]

Beautiful

Originally Posted by jomike

[IMGLINK]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1290/1020175239_3459a5837b_b.jpg[/IMGLINK]

[Ned Senior]

Originally Posted by julian_fraser

Does the D50 have a built-in autofocus motor? If so, the APO Sigma lens you'd need (without it's own internal motor) is only £119, as opposed to £159 with built-in autofocus motor.

Hope that helps.

To anyone else reading this thread looking at the Sigma Lens there is infact a £150 one that does NOT have the autofocus function for D40/D60

I nearly made the mistake of buying one today.. lucky we tested it in the shop!

[Boldonion]

Originally Posted by Ned Senior

To anyone else reading this thread looking at the Sigma Lens there is infact a £150 one that does NOT have the autofocus function for D40/D60

I nearly made the mistake of buying one today.. lucky we tested it in the shop!

Heads up.....There is a mint Nikon mount APO DG 70-300mm with built in motor available in the for sale section for £115 .

[Ned Senior]

Originally Posted by Boldonion

Heads up.....There is a mint Nikon mount APO DG 70-300mm with built in motor available in the for sale section for £115 .

Great but am gonna try and get a nikon vr jobbie before they all go up to £365 as they have at my local store

I prefer new anyway with hi tech items.

dvds books etc are fine used tho'