SANParks.org Forums

hi JV, before buying a 2x converter take your lens to the dealer. I recently found out that the Nikon converter does not fit all Nikon lenses. (see the various comments under my topic Nikon 18-200ml lens).
regards
adw

Here are some samples of results I get with my Sigma 170-500 mm DG in combination with either the Nikon D50 or Nikon D70s.
Just have a look at the EXIF informations.Most of the pics are taken with this lens.
The Sigma 50-500 mm is a very nice lens as well.
Maybe you got the chance to test them with your cam.

Katy

Thanks Katy. I think your pictures were super. That more or less settles it. At the price I have been quoted I will now purchase the Sigma lens which is less than one tenth of a Nikon lens.
best regards

I have the 50-500mm sigma, I get good results but a word of caution, this lens is heavy, you will not easily hand hold so a monopod or long beanbag will be needed. The lens does have a tripod collar but if you do use a quick release mount, make sure it is capable of being locked as the weight could pull it out of the mount.

I can second that for the 170-500 mm lens as well.
With 1,345g it's a bit less heavy than the 50-500 mm (1,840g), but I recommend a beanbag as well.
Have a look here for the facts about the 50-500mm and here for the 170-500 mm.

The sigma 50-500 is by far superior to the 170-500 .

Only a few people are happy with there 170-500's and by far the bad copy's outweigh the good ones .
I had a bad copy and I have very few decent pics taken with it .
I was ready to throw it away .

I would pay the bit extra in and get the far newer , optically superior and greater zoom of the 50-500

The 170-500 is a lens that you buy, use for six months and then sell to get a 50-500 or a Nikon lens. It is OK for static items but is way too slow for BIF or any action shots. See how many come up for sale on www.outdoorphoto.co.za

Rather get it right and buy a used 50-500 or Nikkor AF-S 300 with a TC for the same money.

PS: You did not mention what camera you have. Remember the 170-500 will not autofocus with the D40 and D40x as it does not have HSM.

We were stuck in the same situation, sigma / Canon – your case Nikon. The sigma is a great lens, but just too heavy to hold up. Landed up buying the Canon 100 – 400, and have no regrets

Imo you are just wasting your money, the 170-500 is not a great lens and if buying sigma rather go for the 50-500, although a bit heavy.

Thank you all for your sound advice and comments. This forum certainly proves its worth.
regards to all

DPreview has just released a review on the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX. (A shorter name would be handy!)

hi all,
i have nikon d40x and have recently bought a Nikon AF-S 70-300mm VR lens.
Pictures seem great but when i put the vr on active,after i have taken a picture and am still looking through the lens the picture seems to jurk,as if back into position.
Is this normal ?
Please help.....I am a novice!

john

You mean the view jumps a little to left or right when VR starts or ends? That's normal. (Well, for my Canon it is..)

thanks Duques,
for putting my mind at rest....
john

There's been mention on this thread of a Nikon 70-700mm f2.8 V.R. lens. Does anyone know anything about it? I'm a Nikonian myself and but have to admit, I've never heard of such a lens. Can anyone help?
Also, I used the 70 -300 f4.5 - F5.6 V.R. on my last trip to KNP on a new D300 and found the results pretty good however, I wished I'd used a longer focal lenghs for a few of the pics I had the opportunity to frame up.
My fave lens at the moment has got to be my Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8. I used it in KNP for the most part and it handled the light beautifully.