I am writing this review for all the " Newbies" out there owning a Nikon D3100 who gets tired of the supplied kit lens since it cannot make additional " Reach " for subjects. This review also goes for people who have written, writes, and will be writing reviews for lenses that details the specifications of this lense as compared to "high-priced" lenses. You keep on whining BLAH BLAH BLAH! Save us from our precious time and if you have the money, go buy the high-priced lenses. That is pretty much simple. You all well know that at this price-range it is highly leaning on consumer and pr0-sumer markets. If you are a "pro" then go with high-end lenses,i'm sure you are making enough money with your photography. Also, perhaps you would like to add what kind of Camera Body or even just the model type of your DSLR so that future neophytes will have a better idea if this lense or whatever kind of lense will support the functions of their DSLR body.
First question, will this lense 'auto-focus" with my Nikon D3100. The answer is YES! It has the HSM feature which is actually a counterpart of the Nikon's AF-S. It does also have an inner motor which produces sharp and quick "auto-focus". It does auto-focus on a Nikon D3100. Second, will it support Vibartion Reduction feature? The answer is YES! It has the Optical Stabilization ( OS ) feature which is a counterpart of Nikon's VR. The OS feature of this lense is well appreciated in longer focal lengths with poor stability positioning as it reduces camera shake amplified in the lense. Third question, will it fit in Nikon's D3100 F mount? The answer is YES! It definitely fits! It has also the SLD feature ( a thing with how the optics are made whatever!) which produces high and quality images. The Nikon's counterpart for this is the ED. Don't worry about the DX ( a kind of format ) thing since Nikon D3100 is DX formatted and this lense is designed for digital. These are basically the "primary" similarities with the Sigma 50-200 SLD HSM OS DC mm as compared to Nikon's 55-200 mm ED AF-S VR DX. In as much as these two have pretty much in common. They too also have differences. The first primary difference, of course is the price. Nikon is $50 more. The second,the mount plates. When I had the chance to go to Best buy and have an actual feel and touch of Nikon's 55-200 mm, it was more of a plastic and the mount plate was also plastic. hmmm! not tough enough. Well, Sigma has a better built ( I think )in terms of the mount plate since Sigma has a metal plate! wowoweee!! The Built is strong and didn't feel "plasticky" which of course is much heavier as compared with Nikon's. The product comes also with a lense hood (just in case you might ask).
With results? hmmm! As a " newbie", I am satisfied with the outcome of the results of my shots taken. Check-out my uploaded pictures of the squirrel and a front porch statue. The details are quite crisp and clear even at longer focal lengths.
So what's my take for this? All in all, judging from the built, features, price and quality of the results...this is much better at this price range. I got 4 stars for the features since I would like it more to have the minimum focusing distance improves to a much shorter one.Do not be intimidated with " high-sounding" reviews of " pro's" or "acting like pro's". As far as a neophyte owning a NIkon D3100, this lense is just perfect for my needs! Plain and simple!
First question, will this lense 'auto-focus" with my Nikon D3100. The answer is YES! It has the HSM feature which is actually a counterpart of the Nikon's AF-S. It does also have an inner motor which produces sharp and quick "auto-focus". It does auto-focus on a Nikon D3100. Second, will it support Vibartion Reduction feature? The answer is YES! It has the Optical Stabilization ( OS ) feature which is a counterpart of Nikon's VR. The OS feature of this lense is well appreciated in longer focal lengths with poor stability positioning as it reduces camera shake amplified in the lense. Third question, will it fit in Nikon's D3100 F mount? The answer is YES! It definitely fits! It has also the SLD feature ( a thing with how the optics are made whatever!) which produces high and quality images. The Nikon's counterpart for this is the ED. Don't worry about the DX ( a kind of format ) thing since Nikon D3100 is DX formatted and this lense is designed for digital. These are basically the "primary" similarities with the Sigma 50-200 SLD HSM OS DC mm as compared to Nikon's 55-200 mm ED AF-S VR DX. In as much as these two have pretty much in common. They too also have differences. The first primary difference, of course is the price. Nikon is $50 more. The second,the mount plates. When I had the chance to go to Best buy and have an actual feel and touch of Nikon's 55-200 mm, it was more of a plastic and the mount plate was also plastic. hmmm! not tough enough. Well, Sigma has a better built ( I think )in terms of the mount plate since Sigma has a metal plate! wowoweee!! The Built is strong and didn't feel "plasticky" which of course is much heavier as compared with Nikon's. The product comes also with a lense hood (just in case you might ask).
With results? hmmm! As a " newbie", I am satisfied with the outcome of the results of my shots taken. Check-out my uploaded pictures of the squirrel and a front porch statue. The details are quite crisp and clear even at longer focal lengths.
So what's my take for this? All in all, judging from the built, features, price and quality of the results...this is much better at this price range. I got 4 stars for the features since I would like it more to have the minimum focusing distance improves to a much shorter one.Do not be intimidated with " high-sounding" reviews of " pro's" or "acting like pro's". As far as a neophyte owning a NIkon D3100, this lense is just perfect for my needs! Plain and simple!
