Hi everyone!
I am going to buy one more lens for my Nikon D70 camera with Nikon 18-70 mm lens, and need your advice. I can spend about $300, and always dreamed about something like 70-300 with macro. Guy from the Ritz Camera Store recommended me Nikon 55-200 mm lens http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13272609
The autofocus motor was very quiet, and fast enought for me in most cases, but it was squeaking while focusing from the end position, and looks like this lens has some problem with focusing in low light. Also it does not have a macro mode. I tried some other lenses, but most of them so noisy, and more important, I don't know how good or bad they are. I realize I don't have enought money to spend for some good lens, but anyway. Maybe someone can help, and share his/her experience with me. Wat should I do? Try to buy Nikon - 55-200MM F/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Lens again or something else? I will gladely apresiate your help!

I would get this lens if a 70-300 with "macro" is what you want!

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/Sigma/PRD_83600_3128crx.aspx

BTW... I read a review of the SIGMA 55-200 on pbase (I think) that said the sigma was better than the NIKON hands down AND FAR CHEAPER TOO!

I'm sure any of those optics will be good. But you need to decide exactly what you are doing.

If you are using a lot of zoom on moving objects or without a tripod, you need to make sure you have a fast lens.

Generally for 35mm format slr, the minimum shutter speed should be 1/focal length of the lens (as a rule of thumb). Thus, a 300 mm lens needs 1/300 of a second shutter speed hand held for no blur. With a lens speed of f5.6, that is going to limit a lot of shooting situations.

However, if most of your shots are in bright daylight or you use a tripod, this might be a perfect lens for you. But don't expect to go out and snap shots of flying birds in a dark jungle!

good luck

The Nikon 70-300 AF lens - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=149607&is=USA&addedTroughType=search is noted for its macro ability with a closeup lens.

Jim

BTW.... The sigmawas reviewed as only being beat by the NIKKOR in focus speed. 1 reviewer's thoughts though.