Budget Lenses (under $200.00 US)

[MarthaT]

Originally Posted by FreedomFighter

Any reviews on this lens? $200 at best buy. And I can only find the Sigma 70-300 NON APO version for under $200. The APO version is around $270, everywhere I look.

Nikon - Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens - 2156

It's pretty good from what I read on another site

[mymaison97]

Any reviews on this lens? $200 at best buy. And I can only find the Sigma 70-300 NON APO version for under $200. The APO version is around $270, everywhere I look.

Check amazon...prices around $204 or so for the APO version. My question is...is there really THAT much difference between the SLG dg and the APO dg on the Sigma 70-300mm? For a beginner or first time buyer of a telephoto? My mom is buying me one for my bday and wants to know if the $50 or so is worth the difference. I've gotten some great shots with the lens that I have, but want more distance now. I haven't been able to find a "suitable" explaination (or cannot explain it as I know it) well enough to her.

[SpAcE126]

Well after a couple of weeks of deliberation, I'm also considering buying a new lens. I was wondering if the Sigma would be a better purchase then a Canon 75-300MM F/4-5.6 III USM lens that I can get used for 200$? And also, is a mirror lens a good investment, I keep finding them at extremely low prices (especially the Opteka lenses which start at 75$ on Ebay)?

[Aegea]

Mirror lenses have a few quirks. First, the aperture is fixed, you can't stop down. Second, strange donut-shaped bokeh. Third, generally low contrast (because of obstruction of the light path by the secondary mirror). I have never used an Opteka version, but from what I have read, they aren't even very good examples of mirror lenses.

[SpAcE126]

Thanks for the reply, I think I better get the Sigma then!

[Aegea]

Definitely the better choice!

[vipatel]

Hi,
I want to get this lense, but am concerned that will it work with my Nikon D60.

I know that It will not auto focus.
But will I be able to use Shuter Priority, Aperture Priority modes on it.
Or will it be completely manual including exposure and all.

I am not able to use my kit lense on complete manual Settings.

Thank you

[inkista]

Actually, Sigma now makes a version that autofocuses on Nikon bodies without a focus motor.

[kurtwall]

Originally Posted by vipatel

Hi,
I want to get this lense, but am concerned that will it work with my Nikon D60.

I know that It will not auto focus.
But will I be able to use Shuter Priority, Aperture Priority modes on it.
Or will it be completely manual including exposure and all.

I am not able to use my kit lense on complete manual Settings.

Thank you

I have this lens and this body. The f1.8/50mm works fine. It won't autofocus, as you note, but it meters just fine and all of the other functions you mention work as you would expect.

[Mr.Intensity]

I got a 55-250mm IS canon that's going for way under 200. (that'll have to be 'Dollars'. it fell off of my coffee table- to my carpet, the lens barrel felt sludgy, I put the caps on and tapped it and... normal again? But I don't like it and the long end, and I'm using my 50 f=1.4 a lot more. make me a reasonable offer, live in the states and you got it.
I got the invoice =$240. @ a year ago. Adorama refurbished- how's that for truth i'm building an asus quadcore- so I need the loot.