Battle of the Budget Zooms

Both Sigma and Tamron make very cheap 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 1:2 macro zoom lenses. These seem like good "starter lenses", since they give a decent reach as well as a decent macro. They don't go all-out in any direction, but they will give you a taste for what you should invest more money in.

Note: These notes are primarily intended for Canon users, as I am one such, but AFAIK the lenses are the same for other models.

Specifications

These are the producers specifications, additional technical notes from users will be marked as such.

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro

Preisvergleich.de: [[][143 euro (w/o shipping)]]

Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2

Pricewatch.com: [[][$150 w/shipping]] Preisvergleich.de: [[][128 euro (w/o shipping)]]

[[http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3303&navigator=3][Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro]

Supposedly better optics, but also more expensive.

Preisvergleich.de: [[][209 euro (w/o shipping)]]

Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2

Supposedly better flare control, but also more expensive.

Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6

Older lens without macro. No longer produced, but can be found used. Not worth going for.

Compared

This just lists the differences I know of.

Exit strategies

Once you've lived with either of these lenses and want to get something better, here's a sampling of ideas for where to go, depending on what you find you lack the most.

Better macro

More light

More sharpness

Longer reach

Better AF

-- LarsClausen - 21 May 2006
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