Nikon 70-300mmf4.5-5.6G IF-ED AFS VR

9designs2 · 29 Apr 2007 at 20:28

Anyone tried one or read reviews etc...... sold my old Sigma 70-300APO, and was thinking of a 80-200F2.8 Nikon (non VR) but this caught my eye as it's cheaper, longer and has the stabiliser.

Also thinking of one of these
Nikon 12-24mmf4DX AF-ED AFS

Currently have a 18-70, 28-105 Nikon and 135-400Sigma for my D70

Cheers
9d

robmiller · 29 Apr 2007 at 21:04

I've heard cracking reviews. Was going to be my tele of choice, but then I opted for the 18-200 since I'd rather have a do-it-all zoom and lose the focal length (I value the 18-70mm range without changing lenses much, much more than the 200-300mm range).

Don't think you'll be unhappy with the 70-300 from what I've read, though.

bigredshark · 29 Apr 2007 at 21:37

I can't speak from experience about the 70-300, from what I hear however it gets a little soft at the long end.

The 12-24 is excellent though, really good lense!

9designs2 · 29 Apr 2007 at 23:20

Thanks for the feedback, even thinking of purchasing online, from HK !!

The 12-24 was been on my want list for sometime, 18mm on a DSLR "crop frame" is just not very wide..... (I'm use to an 18mm on a full frame 35mm)

Hmm 80-400 ED VR looks tasty as well, could then loose my Sigma 135-400.
A great Motor sport/Airshow lens me thinks

So many options :confused:

bigredshark · 29 Apr 2007 at 23:33

be careful of the 80-400 VR, it's a huge range but it's not AF-S and AF on it is incredibly slow. I'd read a review or two and try and check one out before you buy it.

Still, it's very good value for what it is, but be careful about the AF speed.

divine` · 30 Apr 2007 at 00:13

Unless you're going to be dumping the 135-400 the 70-300 seems to me to be just a little bit of a waste of money...

SilverPenguin · 30 Apr 2007 at 00:17

I have a 12-24 and rate it very highly. The Tokina 12-24 is supposed to be %95 as good but half the price or something like that so that might be worth looking at unless that extra %5 is worth it for the price premium. I've never tried the Tokina but the Nikon is excellent thats for sure!

9designs2 · 30 Apr 2007 at 00:25

The 135-400 is huge, and I don't carry it around, only take it to events, motorsport/airshows etc... and the jump from 70 to 135 is a bit big.

As for other brands, I had always thought of the Sigma ultra wide zooms, but variable quality reports put me off if I was to buy online. So was thinking the safe but expensive route with Nikon.

How's the lens distortion on the Nikon12-24, for things like buildings, can it achieve straight lines !!!! much barrel and pincushion ?

divine` · 30 Apr 2007 at 00:51

9designs2 said:
How's the lens distortion on the Nikon12-24, for things like buildings, can it achieve straight lines !!!! much barrel and pincushion ?

You'll never get 'straight' lines on an ultra-wide, just wont happen. can be *slightly* fixed in photoshop with the use of the distortion filter...

9designs2 · 30 Apr 2007 at 06:59

divine_madness said:
You'll never get 'straight' lines on an ultra-wide, just wont happen. can be *slightly* fixed in photoshop with the use of the distortion filter...

hmm... I'm spoilt by the 18mm prime on my Contax !

Spuds · 30 Apr 2007 at 08:21

The 70-300 VR is a cracking lens and I've been very impressed with it. It handles well, feels pretty solid and the image quality is excillent. This is probably my best shot using mine

ICE Master · 30 Apr 2007 at 13:05

im going to be getting the 70-300 vr af-s in the next 2 weeks.

Is this a good lens for motorsports i.e enough zoom on it etc?

Wile E. Coyote · 30 Apr 2007 at 14:36

I'm going to be getting this lens very soon, have read loads of rave reviews about it

9designs2 · 30 Apr 2007 at 21:03

You all may know this site, but some info here
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
They all seem of a similar spec and performance, all have some distortion , and CA seems a regular issue.

ICE Master · 2 May 2007 at 22:30

received my 70-300mm today.

Cant use it though, dont have camera and not my bday for a few weeks yet