Which Kit to buy: Nikon, Sigma

[KevinZ]

I am a relative beginner when it comes to photography, but I'm tired of getting mediocre results from my current Nikon Coolpix 4300. I have a friend that has a Nikon D70 and has been very happy with the quality of pictures.

My question is which kit should I buy? I've been looking and have seen there is a kit that includes the Nikon D70 body and a standard Nikon 18-70mm AF-S DX f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED Nikkor Lens. For around $1000. But, I've also seen a kit with the Nion D70 body and two Sigma lenses Sigma 28-80mm and a Sigma 70-300mm. My buddy said he ordered a sigma 70-300mm lens and was unhappy with it because it was not a digital lens and did not take very good pictures. I can't tell from the description if these lenses are digital or not, there is no model number on either

www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13129501&bct=%3Bc5767556

I just want a good setup without having to worry that I get something that I'm not going to be real happy with, versus spending a little more and buying the Nikon 70-300 lens...

..again, I'm a beginner, so I'm not real technical with what everything means..

THanks for any input... especially those who may have experience with either setup.

[famjad21]

Kevin,

I recommend you get the minimum number of lenses as changing them leads to dust on the sensor. You will have to clean it sooner or later but later is better.

I have a Fuji S2 with a Sigma 28-300 which I like (I don't love it). It fits most of my needs..it's just not mechanically as good as I hoped. I also have a Nikkor 60mm micro (which I love) for macro work.

They are both 'film' camera lenses but they work in digital very well.

My brother purchased the D70 with the 18-70 and it looks like a really good lens and gets good results.

I think either choice will work as long as you learn to use the equipment well; steady aim, good focus, bracket your shots and use a higher shutter speed as there is a multiplication factor on the focal length of about 1.5 to equal 35mm. 17mm is like a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera and 300mm is like 450 (minimum shutter speed of 1/500).

Good luck and let's see some pictures when you get it.

Frank

PS Check out all the vendors for consumer complaints.

[KevinZ]

I ended up purchasing the Nikon D70 kit with the 18-70 Nikon lens, and then later I purchased the 70-300 Nikon lens as well. I've been really happy with this setup.

[famjad21]

I think you did the right thing. Have fun with it and post a lot of pictures.

Frank

[clayton89]

Not a bad choise, I got rid of the 70-300 personally. Depending on your budget the new 18-200 VR is a beautiful lens it's probably the sharpest I've seen.

[m3b]

My 80-200 lens died this last year and I saved for 6 months to splurge on the 70-200 VR. It is amazing - I only buy one lens a year because I would rather build a high quality setup slowly.

I just believe that when purchasing photography or electronics in general it is better to stay brand faithful if it is possible - less chance of glitches and better interfacing.

[ratcheer]

I think you made a good decision, Kevin. In my opinion, the main reason to spend the extra money on a Nikon camera is to be able to use Nikon glass. (The same goes for Canon.)

Tim