I have plans on picking up a D50 here soon and would rather get a more all purpose lens than what comes with the outfit. In particular, I am looking at a 18-70mm+ range lens. Nikon's offerings are a bit pricey, so I have zeroed in on Sigma's 17-70mm, 18-125mm, and 18-200mm. Can you offer any feedback on these particular lenses or Sigma lenses for Nikon's in general. Also, will I be losing any functionality with Sigma vs Nikkor lenses?

TIA fellas

 

I think most of the people here use Canon bodies, so I'm not sure how many Nikon people will be able to comment on anything made for that path.

Check out Fred Miranda.com.

 

I use a sigma 70-300 on my D50 and have been pretty happy. Its my first autofocus SLR though, so I can't really compare it to other similar lenses. I do know at times it seems a bit slow to focus at times. seemed like it was hunting for focus. only real issue I had was when I had a polarizer on it, and the focus was a bit off. I'm not sure if it was from the polarizer or if I had 2 filters on at the same time.

 

I recommend the D70's kit lens (18-70 mm). It is a huge bargain for how good that lens is. It crushes the others in its price range. You can get a new grey market version at Sigma4 less for $270!

 

I recommend the Nikon 18-70, describes exactly the range you want and has very exceptional quality. It can be had at a bargain price and youll have a Nikon instead of a Sigma

 

Thanks for the advice fellas! I purchases a second hand setup today off of eBay: D50 + Nikon 18-55 + Sigma 55-200. I got a quality Nikon lens for the majority of my shots and the Sigma to take those occasional telephotos. I really wanted one lens like the 18-70 or the new 18-135 (both $400 at Ritz Camera BTW), but I found a deal, so I jumped on it.

You'll be seeing me in here a lot more

 

I shoot Canon...but

the 17-70 EX 2.8 is a nice lense for the money. A tad soft on the corners at both ends. 5.6 is it's sweet spot.

70-200 EX F2.8 is a GREAT LENS (at least on my camera).

The 105 EX Macro is a GREAT LENS (at least on my camera)

 

I shoot Nikon.. Nikon 18-70mm is great for the price... I own some sigma's as well. these can be great lenses at usually better prices than Nikon's for the equivalent range of lens. Quality can be more variable on some sigma's and you can get bad samples..

 

The camera arrives today...