For those who already have a first DSLR, the lens can be held is the kit lens range from 18mm begins and ends in 55mm or 70mm. To get the telephoto capabilities of DSLR cameras certainly another option is to buy a telephoto lens-lens type that is relatively expensive. For users of Nikon D40 in particular, the problem will be getting worse because of a telephoto lens, the D40 must be match the lens that has a focus motor in it. The most economical solution of course is the Nikon 55-200mm lens for 187 U.S Dolar (non-VR version). This lens is very good even with no less optical sharpness of the Nikon lenses more expensive. But needs a telephoto every person is different, where the maximum focal length this lens at maximum 200mm (or 300mm equivalent) has not been deemed sufficient for some conditions long-distance photos. For that choice-telephoto lens 70-300mm is considered more appropriate because the focal terpanjangnya, this lens will be equivalent to 450mm.
Nikon 70-300mm lens is actually not expensive, it’s just that this lens does not yet have the focus motor so that the user D40 can only focus manually when using this lens. To have a Nikon 70-300mm AF-S VR that can auto focus on D40 it was still too expensive with the price range of 500 U.S Dolar. For that alternative lenses such as Sigma and Tamron also has a 70-300mm lens becomes a target for those whose funds are limited, considering the price both of which are under 200 U.S. dollars (or cheaper than the Nikon lens 55-200mm VR). By taking the hearts of the owners of D40, Tamron and Sigma both have now been invested in the motor 70-300mm lens so that they can be used on the D40.
- Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro On (U.S $ 137). This is the cheapest telephoto lens, which can be used in the Nikon D40 because the lens has been modified so that the version now available that have a focus motor. Which has the smallest lens aperture at f/32 it has a diameter of 62 mm, and 1:2 macro reproduction capabilities. LD code declared an optical element LD (low dispersion) function to prevent distortion of color. The weight of this lens is very light with only 435 grams, but the models and the design looked handsome and did not seem cheap.
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro (U.S $ 142). As competitors Tamron, Sigma also has a 70-300 lens which is also equipped with a motor on the lens focus (though not the HSM system is fast and smooth). The ability of this lens for macro shooting is quite good, with a macro ratio of 1:2. With a diameter of only 58mm, the smallest aperture the lens is located at f/22. Sigma major mainstay in this lens is the optical elements of SLD (special low dispersion) to reduce color aberration. Lens which weighs 540 grams is believed to be in some testing sharper than Tamron 70-300mm, especially when used above 200mm.
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro (U.S $ 182). Code carrying the APO lens has better optical quality, marked with a red band that encircled the tip of the lens. This lens also has a diameter of 58mm and three SLD optical elements. Weighs five grams heavier than the non-APO version, and the price is up to 400 can be attached to thousands. Again, the focus motor in the lens is not HSM motors but considering the price was below U.S $ 182 seemed too ‘grandiose’ when you want to be 70-300mm lens with ultra-sonic motor SWM motor in the lens like Nikon or Canon USM lenses.
What about the third optical quality of this lens? After all of the highest quality will be obtained when using the lens of ‘real’ as the Nikon 70-300mm. But when price becomes a problem, a compromise that can be done is to consider an alternative lens that gives the same focal range, optical quality approaching, and the price is much cheaper than the original lens. As for some of the problems often experienced when using alternative lenses are:
- Blur caused by hand vibration because without the stabilizer on all three lenses above.
- Not the type of HSM focus motor so that the speed of auto focus a bit slow and rough voice.
- Quality Control weakness makes many lens ‘bad copies’ escaped into the market.
- Decrease the sharpness when the maximum aperture is opened or when the maximum telephoto.
- Like a lens ‘slow’ in general, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 not to photograph during low-light or sports photography.
- Alternative lens layer is more sensitive to scratches and mold.
Then, if all three deserve selected? For optical satisfaction with the fund $ 200 U.S. dollars, choose the Nikon AF-S 55-200mm VR or the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS. For the telephoto range further afield but with limited funds, I think the best option is the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro for U.S $ 182 (read REVIEW here and here). Acuity and performance commensurate (even more) when compared with the price.
