Nikon Lens question

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jamezynj@aol.com - 26 Apr 2006 17:59 GMT

I am looking at the following 2 lenses:

Nikon Zoom Telephoto AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED
Autofocus Lens (Vibration Reduction)
AND
Sigma Zoom Telephoto 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG APO OS (Optical
Stabilizer) Autofocus Lens for Sigma AF

Which do you think is the better lens? Is there a big difference?
What does the group/elements mean? Thank you.

These are the specs:
NIKON SIGMA
price $1429.95 $999.00 (difference is
$430.95)
Filter size 77 77
F/Stop 4.5-32 5.6-22
min focal distance 7.5' 5.9'
magnification 1:4.8 1:5.6
Zoom/Focus Control 2-touch 2 touch
Angle of view 30 to 6 degrees 30.3 to 6.2
group/elements 11/17 14/20
tripod collar yes yes
length 6.7" 7.5"
max diameter 3.6" 3.7"
weight 2.9 lb 3.6 lb

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Rob Novak - 27 Apr 2006 19:30 GMT

>Which do you think is the better lens? Is there a big difference?
>What does the group/elements mean? Thank you.

I don't own either, so I can't speak to their comparitive optical
quality.

Elements are pieces of glass - individual lenses. A camera "lens" is
a compound optical device made up of multiple simple lenses, which are
assembled in "groups." The more glass, the better it has to be to
ensure that you don't lose contrast/saturation, and that you don't get
extra aberration or internal reflection due to the extra material.

At first glance, the Nikon is slightly faster (has a larger maximum
aperture - 4.5 vs. 5.6 or two-thirds of a stop), shorter, and lighter.
The Sigma's cheaper and has a closer minimum focusing distance.

If one can afford the Nikon, one should buy it IMHO. With fewer
elements/groups and ED glass, you're likely to get sharper, more
saturated pics with good contrast. Since it's smaller and lighter (by
more than 1/2 lb.), it'll make for easier handling as well.

>These are the specs:
> NIKON SIGMA
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>max diameter 3.6" 3.7"
>weight 2.9 lb 3.6 lb

Signature

Central Maryland Photographer's Guild - http://www.cmpg.org
Strange, Geometrical Hinges - http://sgh.rnovak.net

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jamezynj@aol.com - 27 Apr 2006 21:23 GMT

thanks for the info. I guess I'll get the nikon unless I see something
better.

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jamezynj@aol.com - 27 Apr 2006 21:28 GMT

What about this one. How does it rate compared to the nikon?

http://www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=sg50500apohsm

Sigma is proud to introduce a new addition to our EX series of lenses,
the 50-500mm f/4-6.3 APO EX Hyperzoom. This magnificent new superzoom
encompasses all popular focal lengths from the 50mm "normal" to 500mm
ultra-telephoto; a 10:1 zoom ratio, providing tremendous versatility.
The use of an apochromatic design and four elements composed of SLD
(Special Low Dispersion) glass, plus a seven group zoom system and
multi-coated optics, enable this wide-ranging zoom lens to provide a
high level of performance, as well as versatility. It also employs a
rear focus system to insure quick, convenient manual focus and a
non-rotating front barrel. This, coupled with Sigma's HSM (Hyper Sonic
Motor), provide quiet, responsive autofocus function, plus "full time"
manual focus. This lens also features a Zoom Lock mechanism to help
eliminate "zoom creep" when the lens is tilted up or down. The use of
magnesium in the tripod mount helps reduce the weight of this lens,
while maintaining the strength and rigidity necessary to support it. A
custom bayonet "Perfect Hood" is provided to protect the front of the
lens from extraneous light. Nature and sports photographers will
appreciate the performance and versatility of this amazing new
superzoom lens from Sigma.

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