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01/11/2006 10:38:34 PM · #1 |
I am very dissapointed with the image quality of my Nikon Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Autofocus lens. The noise level and clarity is terrible at all lengths, in my opinion. Yeah, I know, I got what I paid for.
I like the flexibility of a zoom, but appreciate the clarity of a fixed length lens. Would I see a noticible difference by going to the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6D ED version? Any other suggestions?
I would appreciate your opinions. Bob |
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01/11/2006 10:44:07 PM · #2 |
My ED is alright but I don't think you'll gain much by upgraiding. If you want something long get 70-200 2.8 VR or 80-400 VR. I heard that focus is somewhat slow on 80-400.
Nick
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01/11/2006 10:50:37 PM · #3 |
The 70-300 is definately capable of taking good picture, under the right conditions.
There is no doubt that a 80-200 (or 70-200) f/2.8 would make things easier to work with in worse conditions, but with the right conditions, your lens will perform just fine.
In my opinion, no the D ED will not give you that much of a noticeable improvement in image quality. The quality really starts to become available in the pro-line of lenses...in which case you could basically take a shot with a 80-200 2.8 at 200mm, and a shot with the 70-300 at 300, you would more than likely get a better large print from cropping the shot with the 200mm -- and yes, I speak from experience.
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But anyway, like I was saying, if you are constantly getting bad results, I'd have to side on user error, or not properly knowing your equipment. That lens is definately capapble of producing stunning results for all intents and purposes...you just need really good lighting to use it to its potential.
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01/11/2006 11:11:15 PM · #4 |
| I'm also open to non-Nikon lenses, if the quality is right. Suggestions? |
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01/11/2006 11:33:21 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by BRCPRES:
I'm also open to non-Nikon lenses, if the quality is right. Suggestions? |
If you cruise over to DPReview and check out the D70 forum you will see that MANY people (including myself) use the Sigma 70-300mm APO Super II Macro lens. It's still in the realm of "cheap" but it has quite good quality in terms of the images it produces. It's focusing isn't particularly fast (compared to AF-S lenses), but for it's money it produces some lovely shots.
You can see the lens here as well:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=1132
It is also available for Canon mounts (and several others):
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=545
After that I guess you are moving up into the world of expensive lenses - flat F4 or flat F2.8 even, and quite possibly vibration reduction.
One other option you might consider is the new 18-200MM Nikon with VR that's just being released. It is publicly available and initial results look very good (sharper than kit lens). It's technical name is a mouthful: Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II. (I'd just ask for "the new Nikon 18-200" at the shops - something I hope to be doing when it arrives here in Australia)
Because it's only a week or so old there aren't a lot of users here yet:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=1265
Regards,
Mark.
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01/11/2006 11:48:27 PM · #6 |
I just read some nice stuff on the 18-200 AFS VR also...at like $700 or so, that would be hard to pass up.
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01/12/2006 12:16:15 AM · #7 |
| Speaking of alternatives- I've gotten some real good deals at eBay on used equipment. Check out my profile, all my lenses except the kit lense I got with the D70 were bought used on eBay. You just have to be careful and buy from reputable sellers. Take your time and bid wisely, with patience, you will get some good deals. Tokina and Sigma make some good glass (in their "pro" grades) that can be bought used quite cheaply because people are always upgrading or switching to Canon, etc. |
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