Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro (Nikon AF)

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro (Nikon AF)
anyone ever tried this lens?
i have a nikon D50,
anyone knows if this lens will allow pictures of insects? or should i be
looking at something else?

the details i have found about this lens is as follows
---------------------------------------------------
High performance lens optimized for use with digital SLR cameras

Capable of macro photography, this lens has a 1:2 maximum close-up
magnification at the 300 mm focal length. It's the ideal lens for portraits,
sports photography, nature photography, and other types of photography that
frequently use the telephoto range. It also has a switch for changeover to
macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a maximum
close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2.SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass
in this lens provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration.

Coating reduces Ghost and Flare
The multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which
is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum colour
balance through the entire zoom range.

SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass
SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass is used in this lens for correction of
chromatic aberration. This also corrects for fluctuation of aberration due
to focusing. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire
zoom range.

Macro shooting with maximum magnification 1:2
This lens is capable of macro photography with a 1:2 maximum close-up
magnification at the 300mm focal length. The minimum focusing distance is
1.5 m at all zoom settings. It also has a switch for changeover to macro
photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a maximum close-up
magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2 and a minimum focusing distance of 95cm.
Without changing the distance between camera and subject, you can change the
shooting magnification.

Specifications:


a.. Lens Construction: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
b.. Angle of View 34.3degrees - 8.2degrees
c.. Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 Blades
d.. Minimum Aperture: f/22
e.. Minimum Focusing Distance: 150cm / 95cm(Macro mode)
f.. Maximum Magnification: 1:4.1 / 1:2(Macro mode)
g.. Filter Size: Diameter 58mm
h.. Dimensions: Diameter 76.6mm x Length 122mm
i.. Weight 545g



---------------------------------------------------

The APO version of this lens is much better, I would definitely choose the
APO version over the non-APO version that you're considering. For good
macro shots of insects, a proper macro lens like the Sigma 70mm or 105mm
will be far, far better. But they'll cost a lot more.

" banjo" <-deeenoregistrar.TakeThisOut@hotmail.co.uk_no> wrote in message
news:EKluh.59213$1W1.8259@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>
> Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro (Nikon AF)
> anyone ever tried this lens?
> i have a nikon D50,
> anyone knows if this lens will allow pictures of insects? or should i be
> looking at something else?
>
> the details i have found about this lens is as follows
> ---------------------------------------------------
> High performance lens optimized for use with digital SLR cameras
>
> Capable of macro photography, this lens has a 1:2 maximum close-up
> magnification at the 300 mm focal length. It's the ideal lens for
> portraits, sports photography, nature photography, and other types of
> photography that frequently use the telephoto range. It also has a switch
> for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and
> 300mm with a maximum close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2.SLD (Special
> Low Dispersion) glass in this lens provides excellent correction of
> chromatic aberration.
>
> Coating reduces Ghost and Flare
> The multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which
> is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum
> colour balance through the entire zoom range.
>
> SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass
> SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass is used in this lens for correction of
> chromatic aberration. This also corrects for fluctuation of aberration due
> to focusing. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the
> entire zoom range.
>
> Macro shooting with maximum magnification 1:2
> This lens is capable of macro photography with a 1:2 maximum close-up
> magnification at the 300mm focal length. The minimum focusing distance is
> 1.5 m at all zoom settings. It also has a switch for changeover to macro
> photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a maximum
> close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2 and a minimum focusing distance
> of 95cm. Without changing the distance between camera and subject, you can
> change the shooting magnification.
>
> Specifications:
>
>
> a.. Lens Construction: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
> b.. Angle of View 34.3degrees - 8.2degrees
> c.. Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9 Blades
> d.. Minimum Aperture: f/22
> e.. Minimum Focusing Distance: 150cm / 95cm(Macro mode)
> f.. Maximum Magnification: 1:4.1 / 1:2(Macro mode)
> g.. Filter Size: Diameter 58mm
> h.. Dimensions: Diameter 76.6mm x Length 122mm
> i.. Weight 545g
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
>