Which lens will give me the better quality image

I am still considering the Nikon D5100. I am fairly happy with the 18-55 lens that comes as a kit. But when it comes to a longer lens do I go for:-

Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED Lens or Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG OS Lens?

Price isn't the issue both are within my budget. If anyone has any firm useful knowledge then your thoughts would be appreciated.

Trust Nikon to confuse me even further by launching D3200 in the middle of my deliberations.

it really boils down to what distance your thinking about to photograph and your budget.Out of the choice of the two you posted go for the Nikon version. I say this because I have that lens the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED Lens and had good results from it.

Tip

with that lens everywhere says you can't add a teleconverter, BUT YOU CAN. The reason why I say you can is because depending on the f stop which make the lens a manual or auto focus. The actual amount of room in the lens barrel allows me to add my Sigma Tele converter to be used without being hit.

Notice the lens is in its 70mm position without any problems. I use the combo when I want that bit extra reach so now with this I can go from 70mm to 420mm without going to the expense of buying another lens to get the 400mm + range

Thank you Bazza much appreciated.

Right thats my combo, so why not go for the 2x Tele converter to work at 600mm? Answer is light loss at the sensor is the big problem ( I had one), also even with a tripod and wireless remote keeping it steady ain't easy and my tripod/head is rock solid. so you really have to seriously bump up either the ISO and get pixelation or the f stop and slow the shutter speed so it is almost unworkable. The 1.4 TC works great




Taken hand held 420mm with a little editing thrown in as this wolf was at the extreme far edge of the large wild life compound and any shorter mm lens would not manage it. Times like this is when I wished I had my tripod with me


Just be careful if considering Nikon lens/TC combos most consumer Nikon Lenses don't accept this.

Phil actually purchased the same lens non VR version from me and got excellent photos so if money is a concern have a chat to Phil about that lens as well

If your thinking of taking fast moving subjects the f4-5.6 range won't really cut it so I went for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 ( the VR version wasn't on the market then) and I get some great shots with it, the Nikon version was out my price range. Bought mine in Sept 2008 for £465 so a good second hand one should now be as cheap as chips.




Just one photo plucked at random

The Nikon VR is pretty good, so I'd probably personally be tempted that way - also, being a Nikon it might hold more value.

I would also look at photos taken with both on pbase.com - and go with the one you prefer the look (of the photos) of

Goto dpreview and compare them. They also have a scale so you know the sweet spot of the aperture for that lens. You'll also find out where aberration and defecation may happen with the lens.

Gentlemen thank you all for your valued input, much appreciated.

Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM - Nikon Fit

£899.00
In Stock

Not sure if this was the lens you were refering to Bazza, I assume not looking at the price.