DG vs DX for Nikon D200

Nikonzoom · November 16, 2008

Hi;
I want to purchase a zoom tele (w macro) lens for my Nikon D200.
On the B&H Photo website, I found what I believe to be the lens best suited for my purpose and my budget.

The Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 DG Macro AF lens for Nikon.

I have pretty much decided against spending an extra $60 to get the APO lens, since my use is not so critical (and I can probably use Adobe PS to get rid of most chromatic issues).

My question though, is what can I expect from the DG lens compared to a DX lens on my D200?
I understand that the DX lenses are specifically designed for digital cameras with their smaller than 35mm sensors.

The only other lens I own is the Nikon kit lens, 18-70 DX AF which came with the D200 kit.

Thanks for your help

FW

Art Scott · November 16, 2008

According to the Sigma Lens cat...DG lenses are for all slr cameras...digital and film....35mm to ApS-c......so what you are gaining is a lens that if you decide to go to FF (FX Sensor) then that lens can move with you and you will still have a fine lens to work with....also the new lenses have SLD glass to minimize the chromatic aberration.....the difference in this lens and one one marked as APO is the amount of specialty glass in the various groups....the 70-300DG just has SLD and the APO version has SLD, ELD and other special Low Despersion glass and deliver the best image quality...........

If a Sigma Lens carries the DC marking it is will not work on a FF camera without vignetting....it is for APS-C sensored cameras.

So if you are just a hobbist or your clients will never no the difference....then the cheaper model is great for you.

ziggy53 · November 16, 2008

Nikonzoom, welcome to the Digital Grin.

The Sigma 70-300mm, f4-5.6 DG Macro is a nice zoom used as a 70-200mm, f5.6-f8. That makes it a pretty slow lens and not at all suitable for low-kight photography. The APO version is a bit better but probably not worth the extra money.

I think the best value in a tele-zoom is probably the Tamron SP 70-200mm, F2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro. It's not cheap but a very good value. Coupled with a quality 1.4x teleconverter will give you acceptable range and speed for many applications.

The Sigma 70-200mm, F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II is another good performer that many people like.

Nikonzoom · November 16, 2008

Hi Guys;
Thanks for the advice.
At this point, money is a big factor, so I think that any lens with a 2.8 is going to cost in the $500 range, which is out of my ballpark.

I am planning to use this lens for personal use, not pro, so I don't think I need to spend a lot right now. I am just looking to add to the single 18-70 kit lens that I have.

FW

Manfr3d · November 17, 2008

I own the Tamron 70-300mm/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2 for
Pentax. It is a bit cheaper than the Sigma but absolutely
on par (if not better) opticaly and constrction wise.
That would be my recommendation.

Qarik · November 17, 2008

I don't think that is going to work well as a macro lens. You really need prime lens with very short focal distance for macro..like the sigma 105mm

Manfr3d · November 17, 2008

Qarik wrote:

I don't think that is going to work well as a macro lens. You really need prime lens with very short focal distance for macro..like the sigma 105mm

I think you are wrong, both are at Macro 1:2:

2102668791_07e06f2854.jpg?v=0

The nice thing is the working distance is 90cm at macro 1:2.

Cygnus Studios · November 17, 2008

I own the Sigma, and it is wonderful on DX and FX camera's. While not the fastest lens, it works well in well lit situations. The macro is okay 200mm-300mm. The glass is sharp and steady.

Nikonzoom · November 17, 2008

I think considering my very limited budget, I want a lens that will give me both telephoto and macro. When I am in better financial straits, I can then spend some real money on lenses.
I do need another lens though, considering that I have a D200 that is only being used to a small percentage of it's ability with the one lens I now own.
Perhaps I can take some courses on photography, and try to do a few pro shots, get paid, and buy the lenses

Manfr3d; Great shots! Were those taken with the Sigma 70-300 macro tele?

Frank

Manfr3d · November 18, 2008

Nikonzoom wrote:

<g>

Manfr3d; Great shots! Were those taken with the Sigma 70-300 macro tele?

Frank

They were taken with the Tamron 70-300mm/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2. <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/mwink.gif" border="0" alt="" >

</g>

Nikonzoom · November 18, 2008

Manfr3d wrote:

They were taken with the Tamron 70-300mm/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2.

And what does "LD" specify? Is that something that Tamron uses, whereas Sigma uses GD?

Frank

Art Scott · November 18, 2008

Nikonzoom wrote:

And what does "LD" specify? Is that something that Tamron uses, whereas Sigma uses GD?

Frank

LD should stand for "LOW Dispersion Glass" .....Sigma's DG signifies it as a lens compatible with both crop and full frame cameras, film or digital.....All of the new sigma lenses have low dispersion glass in them with the APO versions having more than one type of LD glass in the various groups of glass.

Nikonzoom · November 18, 2008

I just ordered the Sigma 70-300mm zoom tele w macro from B&H for $149, plus the UV filter of course.
Since I live only a few miles from NYC, I should have the lens on my camera by Thursday, Friday at latest.
I was even considering making a trip to NYC to pick it up at the store, but commuting cost is higher than shipping

FW

DG vs DX for Nikon D200

Comments