Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro

avik · Nov 26, 2010

Hello friends,

I recently bought a Nikon D5000 with a 18-55mm kit lens. I am just starting to warm up to SLR photography and now I feel the need to get my hands on a tele-zoom lens, primarily for nature and macro photography. As I am a beginner I do not wish to spend much on my 1st telephoto. I zeroed in on the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro as a prospective buy. Anyone using this, or willing to suggest a different one in that price range? Also, does this lens have a motorized autofocus option?

Thanks in advance.

Stormchase · Nov 26, 2010

welcome Avik,
not sure about the AF on nikons. It should be an ok telephoto lens to get started with for wildlife and such but not too much for macro. You really want a prime lens (non-tetephoto) for macro work. A dedicated macro lens, teleconverter, or extension tubes. on the side you can get a cheap 50mm prime for cheap and some tubes cheap. I dont suggest it for macro tho. Others may disagree...
It will say "Macro" on the lens. It really means "close up focusing" not macro 1:1. Its confusing but a false indication. The set up i mentioned above is a good start point for macro. For wildlife and nature 300mm is good. Stabilizer is a nice thing too.

avik · Nov 26, 2010

Thanks Bryan! I get your point. I think that the extender tube option is a nice one for macro, but still I'd like to own a telephoto lens that is cheap yet gives good value for money.

I like the Sigma one I noted above and there's one by Tamron (AF70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di). Anyone with experience with these?

Namibia · Nov 27, 2010

I am not professional - but use the sigma 70 - 300 for long and find that it is a bit slow and not too good for close up shots!! Mine is stabalised but still needs a tripod for the most part.

avik · Nov 29, 2010

Thanks Namibia! But considering the price would you say its a good buy?! Also, anyone has an idea about the Tamron 70-300 lens?!

sleist · Nov 29, 2010

I used a version of this lens this past summer for a couple of days. The one I used did not have stabilization. This was missed at the long end. I found IQ to be lacking from 200-300. The macro feature, while not 1:1 was fun for flowers and butterflies.

Bottom line is that it really doesn't measure up to more expensive offerings. Only you will know how frustrated you will become and how soon.

I would get a dedicated macro like the Tamron 90mm which is on sale for $400 after $50 mail-in rebate. On the long end, there are much better options for 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 - but they have a higher price tag as well. I would not get a 300mm lens (450mm on a crop sensor) that did not have VR. If you don't NEED this NOW, save up for a dedicated solution. Cheap glass is rarely a bargain in the long run.