Sigma zoom lenses

[GreatMoloko]

I'm looking to get a new zoom lens, I currently have the 55-200 Nikon lens that comes with the D60 but I want a little more zoom without a crazy price tag.

I've been looking at Sigma lenses and they seem to get good reviews but I'm kinda confused about all the different options or types or whatever.

Please check out the links below and explain the differences if possible. Thanks!

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DG OS SLD Super Multi-Layer Coated Telephoto Lens for Nikon AF Mount Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO-M "Motorized" DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens with Built-in Motor Drive for Nikon SLR Cameras Including D40, D40X, & D60: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Motorized Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

[Digidave]

Here's a link to tell you what all those letters mean.

Sigma - Lenses - Overview

It appears, in this price range, that you will have to give up something. The first one is the only one with Image stabilization(OS). This is highly recommended if you are going to handhold the camera at 300mm. You give up the internal motor though, which means you will have to manually focus on the D60. The others have the internal motor(autofocus) but you don't get the OS system.

#3 has a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches while 2 & 4 are 59.1 inches. Don't know if that matters to you.

[acedrew]

The lower end Nikons, like the D60, do not have motors to operate the focusing mechanism in the lens, thus the lens has to be motorized. The D90 is lowest end Nikon that includes a focus motor for the older lenses. You would need one of the motorized lenses for the D60. The OS designation indicates that it is an "Optically Stabilized" lens, Similar to Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction). SLD (Special Low Dispersion) is a type of glass used for correcting chromatic abherration in lens buildups. DG is Sigma's designation for lenses with coating optimized for digital cameras. A quick Wikipedia of these terms will yield more info.

Also check out DSLRGEAR.com for reviews and testing of the lenses.

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | http://twitter.com/acedrew | Login | Facebook

[GreatMoloko]

Thanks for the info guys, sounds like I should probably just drop the coin and get the real deal nikon huh?

If I read this one right, it should have the internal motor and the vibration reduction.
Amazon.com: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Do you think it's significantly better then those sigmas? And worth the extra $150 or so?

[kirbinster]

That Nikon lens is probably one of the best values in zoom lenses. It is super sharp at 200mm and not bad at 300mm. The VR allows you to get good shots hand holding the lens that you would otherwise need a tripod for. It is much better than the sigma lenses, and much better than the older Nikon 70-300 without VR. You can pick one up used for about $400.

[Digidave]

Personally, I think you would be a lot happier in the long run. There's nothing worse than saving a few bucks & then regretting it later.