Shoot for the moon

[dizzyg44]

My first serious attempt at shooting the moon. Making me think twice about parting with my DX body.

Please C&C

D90
300mm (sigma 70-300 APO)
F5.6
1/50th
-2EV
Spot meter
UV/Haze Filter

The first real scenario I've had the live view was a must (no Mup mode) and zooming 100%.
1.

2. Same except 1/20th and -1ev

 

[avilamillar]

I like the first one, did you crop it?

 

[astrostu]

Tripod!

 

[dizzyg44]

Yes, these are both 100% crops.

This was done on a tripd, Velbon 530 Carbon fiber, used ml-3 remote for release/

Thanks

 

[avilamillar]

Oh ok ok, i want to buy that lens for my Nikon D60, are you happy with it?

 

[astrostu]

This was done on a tripd, Velbon 530 Carbon fiber, used ml-3 remote for release

It sure looks like the 1/20-sec image has motion blur or bump.

 

[dizzyg44]

I see what you mean, but it's so slight that it could've been wind, camera strap waying, shutter, who knows. It's a surprisingly stable tripod for what it is but it's more geared for portability.

Given the results from the equipment available, still rather pleased.

Avi, For the price, I'm really pleased especially with the colors this lens achieves. I can't remember if the D60 has a focus motor so you may have to go manual only.

this particular copy has a tight spot between 70-105, but past that the zoom ring is smooth. The lens is really light weight.

It's an awesome sub$100 lens but naturally doesn't compare to my 70-200/2.8

 

[avilamillar]

I can't remember if the D60 has a focus motor so you may have to go manual only

Is this the lens you have? Amazon.com: Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Motorized Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo because this one says "has a built-in motor that allows autofocus with all Nikon digital cameras"

I'm not sure if i should buy this one or the Nikon 55-200mm VR. thats why i was asking you

Thanks

 

[dizzyg44]

Hey Avi,

sorry for the delay.

Mine is not the motorized version. I've also had the nikon 55-200vr you mention as well as their 70-300VRII.

If I was restricted solely to the choices you ask I would go with the sigma (because I can use it on my FF body, where as the nikon is DX). If I was DX only, then the nikon.

But also, what is your intended purpose for the lens and your photography. I ask as I've been through several bodies, and lenses and should've "bought it right, bought it once" My preferred lens is 70-200 2.8 HSMII

 

[avilamillar]

If I was restricted solely to the choices you ask I would go with the sigma (because I can use it on my FF body, where as the nikon is DX). If I was DX only, then the nikon.

Well i'll use it just in my D60

But also, what is your intended purpose for the lens and your photography. I ask as I've been through several bodies, and lenses and should've "bought it right, bought it once" My preferred lens is 70-200 2.8 HSMII

I want a zoom lens to take animal pictures like birds, squirrels etc. but also i like that the sigma can be used for close-ups.

oh and the 70-200 seems to be a GOOD lens hehe, but i cant afford it

Thank you for the help!