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10/15/2007 11:36:04 AM · #1 |
Hello all. I'm looking to add a 70-300 lens to my bag. I've heard that the Canon 70-300 isn't the greatest.
I don't have a ton of money to spend, so I'm considering the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Tele Zoom Lens and the Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di LD 1:2 Auto Focus Macro Zoom Lens.
Whew. That's a long name for both of those! Do any of you own these lenses and/or have an opinion on them? Is there another lens I'm overlooking that I should consider?
I'm looking to use it for street photography, maybe some (city) wildlife, definitely some experimentation with macros. |
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10/15/2007 11:52:52 AM · #2 |
They're both quality lenses for the price. I have the Sigma but have heard/read good things about the Tamron also.
make sure when you go get the Sigma, that it is actually the APO DG version, not the other versions of it.
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10/15/2007 12:29:49 PM · #3 |
If it's of any interest, one of the current photomags here in the UK put the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro top of the pile for that price range.
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10/15/2007 04:33:53 PM · #4 |
I have the Sigma and I enjoy it. For $150, how can you go wrong? My main complaint is that it focuses a little slow. I enjoy it in daylight, ie at the zoo.
I recently used my 50mm f/1.8 reversed on the front of it, though, for a pretty cool macro experience. I'll post more about this when the macro challenge is over. |
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10/15/2007 04:42:32 PM · #5 |
When I bought, the Sigma APO version was the highest rated. It's fine for the price, but not about to win any sharpness awards, especially at 200 and beyond, or when used as a macro lens. As time passed, I've completely eliminated any reason to use this lens, but it makes a good low priced telephoto until you get more cash.
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10/15/2007 04:44:25 PM · #6 |
I had both, actually I had Tamron, now I have Sigma, and for the price they both very similar, quality wise. My feelings is that Sigma somewhat better lens than Tamron, no offense to Tamron users it's just personal feeling.
I would look at the images came from those two in DPC, and I think this examination should get you better idea for those lenses. |
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10/15/2007 05:35:26 PM · #7 |
I had an older version of the Tamron (the LD, not the Di). Great starter telephoto lens, but it has limitations, especially at the long end and not stopped down. Hopefully the Di fixed some problems (probably chromatic abberation) but not everything.
My Tamron 70-300 review |
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10/15/2007 09:37:09 PM · #8 |
| I wondered the same thing before I got my SLR. I decided to buy the Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG because of reviews and certain opinions I got on here. For the price (I paid $190) I would say it is a very good deal. I have been quite pleased with it so far. More expensive glass would definetely give you better results but some very nice images can be made with this lens also. I would recommend it. |
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10/15/2007 09:41:02 PM · #9 |
| I'll throw in another vote for the Sigma. For the price it's a really good lens. I've been very happy with mine. As Smurfguy pointed out, it does have a slow focusing rate, but I'm happy with the image quality. |
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10/15/2007 09:49:56 PM · #10 |
I just bought the Tamron three weeks ago. The macro range was marginalyl larger than that of the Sigma, and I've had great experience with Tamron lenses in the past. I couldn't really tell you if it's better than the Sigma, but I like it - it's a bit slow, but good quality.
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10/15/2007 09:56:40 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
make sure when you go get the Sigma, that it is actually the APO DG version, not the other versions of it. |
I'm pretty sure I got the non-APO version a while back. Non APO is currently $139 at B&H (out of stock), while the APO is $219. Prices are currently a bit less at Sigma4Less.com, which is where I think I bought mine. |
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10/16/2007 12:02:23 PM · #12 |
| Thanks everyone! I think I'll go to Adorama today to pick up the Sigma! |
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