More newbie advice please

[gareth h]

I bought a D70s a couple of weeks ago which came with a 18-70 lens, have been looking at buying a lens with a little more magnification, the 18-200 appeals because it appears to be a 'do everything' lens (from my inexperienced angle) but it is nearly 200 quid dearer than the 70-300 both shown here.

http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/lenses.asp?CAT_CODE=2...

Any views/advice greatly appreciated.

[GetCarter]

The 70-300 is a crackingly good lens. Also, the ED version is only very slightly better than the G version (which is really cheap). Also, the 300 is a damn good length for motorsport, wildlife etc.

The only downside is you'll have to change lenses, carry more kit and when you change lens you'll inevitably start to get some dust into the camera (which is a right pain).

Pays your money, takes your choice.

FYI - Most of my wildlife shots have been with the 70-300 www.stevecarter.com/wild/wild.htm

Steve

[Furyous]

If you want a 200, then I would say go to 70-300 as well, the extra length is always usefull.

This was taken with a D70S and Sigma 70-300 APO....

[gareth h]

Thanks guys, most helpful, what is the difference between the G and ED lenses?

[GetCarter]

The G has no manual overide, is made of lighter less knockproof / waterproof material - but I think the optics are almost identical. It really is a very good lens ED or G... very sharp. Only let down by the time you spend 'seeking' (for instance, if you are trying to track a seagul accross the sky, the autofocus keeps trying to locate the focus point, and it's a pretty slow process on this lens - not a fast autofocus lens)

Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 28th August 13:41

[hugh_]

GetCarter said:

The G has no manual overide, is made of lighter less knockproof / waterproof material - but I think the optics are almost identical. It really is a very good lens ED or G... very sharp. Only let down by the time you spend 'seeking' (for instance, if you are trying to track a seagul accross the sky, the autofocus keeps trying to locate the focus point, and it's a pretty slow process on this lens - not a fast autofocus lens)

Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 28th August 13:41

I'm also considering a similar lens purchase. Are there any lenses which have faster AF without going for the extra expense a 80-200 AFS and a 1.4x teleconverter?

editted to add: any thoughts on either the Sigma 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG APO or 100-300mm f4 EX IF HSM DG??

Edited by hugh_ on Tuesday 28th August 21:08

[Furyous]

Not quite the same, but well happy with my Siggy 70-300 APO.