Nikon SLR Cameras

Are Sigma lenses good?

Sam
26.07.2015
Sam

I'm thinking about buying a Nikon D3300 w/ 18-55mm lens,

http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au/nikon-d3300-digital-slr-body-red.html

Are the lens that come with the camera better or worse than these:

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/cameras/Lenses/sigma/sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro-telephoto-lens-nikon-mount/440413/

I will mostly be taking pictures of buildings, landscapes, nature scenes, close ups and general pictures.

Thanks

Added (1). Or would this be better:

https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/nikon-af-70-300mm-f456g-lens/

Andrew
26.07.2015
Andrew

The 18-55mm is a good place to start, I suggest you use it to build up experience before looking at other lenses, and learn to avoid the more obvious pitfalls.

For instance, did you know that this Sigma 75-300mm won't allow autofocus on your D3300 (come to think of it, nor will the Nikon) ?

If you'd gone for Pentax or Sony (all models have body motors), or Canon (use lens motors exclusively), this wouldn't be a problem, but stick with your 18-55mm until you know which lens will help you advance your photography.

fhotoace
26.07.2015
fhotoace

First you need to get the 18-55 mm lens that comes with the kit.

Why?

Because it is the lens you will use the most as you learn the fundamentals of photography and all the popular techniques discussed here like star and light trails, light graffiti, stopping the action when shooting sports.

Since you are mostly interested in shooting buildings, landscapes and nature scenes, you want a wider angle lens than the 18, not a longer lens like the 70-300 mm. The Nikkor AF-S 10-24 mm or 12-24 mm lens will be what you will find will do the best when shooting your first choices of subjects. The 18-55 mm lens is perfect for "general pictures". For closeups, you need to consider a macro lens like the Nikkor AF-S f/2.8 macro.

There are some excellent new Sigma lenses with the term "ART" in their descriptions.

If you are considering a third party lens, look at the ones made by Tokina. Of the third party lenses, they have the best reputation for both quality of build and optics

I think you need to visit the link below to see how different focal length lenses "see"

thankyoumaskedman
26.07.2015
thankyoumaskedman

The cheapo Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens will not autofocus with your D3300, lacks image stabilization, and is soft at the longer focal lengths. To get good results, save up for the Nikon 70-300mm AF-S VR. You don't save money by wasting it on junk.

keerok
26.07.2015
keerok

The lens that comes with the camera is a standard zoom lens that goes from wide to normal/standard to short telephoto. It was built for all those shooting scenarios you mentioned.

The 70-300mm lens is a long telephoto which is for making distant objects seem near. It is helpful in outdoor sports, some nature, wildlife and sleuthing.

As much as possible, stick to Nikon for best compatibility. Only go to a third-party brand if you can't afford the original. Among third-party lens brands, the best is Tokina followed by Sigma. A lagging third is Tamron.

BriaR
26.07.2015
BriaR

Their budget lenses (sub £$200) are OK.
Their top end lenses are as good as or better than the Canon/Nikon/Pentax equivalents.