advice for 70-300 mm

[Valerio Tarone]

I need to cover the focal 70-300mm, I've Nikon either dig either analogic. 70-200mm is good for my use(flowers, composition, macro and close-up, landscape). Would compare:Nikon70-200IF ED Vr f2,8 Nikon 70-300 IF ED VRf4,5-5,6 Sigma70-200Ex DG Apo Hsm II (it costs 3 times less than Nikon!)
Thanks if you would like to experience your own experiences.

[Nancy A Elwood]

I have the Nikon 70-300VR for my handholding walk around lens, which is used for BIF's quite often and find it excellent. I usually have it set at f7.1 or f8, but have used it at less, and find the quality quite good. I have not tried the Sigma or the Nikon 70-200 2.8's, but without having to use a TC I am very pleased with my 70-300VR. I use it on my D300.

[Ed Grella]

I agree with Nancy. Nikon's Vr 70-300 is suprisingly sharp and focuses fast in decent light. It is light weight for it's power and the VR works well. This lens is a bargain!!
Ed

[Rob Mckenzie]

The Nikon 70-300mm VR is my only lens (perhaps only by limit of budget at the moment). I have never tried any of the other lenses you have listed but just from my experience with the Nikon I would have to say it is an incredible lens for the price. The only thing I do find a little limiting is the largest aperture of 5.6 @ 300mm. This is obviously due to its cost.

[Juan Aragonés]

Valerio I have a 70-300VR since a few weeks ago for general purpose shooting and I am really happy with its performance. I had a 80-400Vr for a couple of years and I have to say that the 70-300 VR is a serious improvement over the 80-400. Focusing is fast, as fast as an AFS lens would work. Of course my 300VR is fast thatn the zoom lens but it is on other league. I am having very decent results with the 70-300VR, surprisingly good I have to say. I have a 40x50 cms print that I made with the 70-300VR and a D2X and the result is top class. I try to avoid the maximum focal lenght and I use it like a 70-200 or 70-250 and stoping down the lens to get the sweet spot of the lens. It is a bargain lens for the price and I recomend to you for sure.
Juan

[Valerio Tarone]

Thanks to everyone. Juan, Vitantonio Dell'orto, professional nature phtographer wrote: 70-300VR excellent till 200mm, no flares, but the quality decrease at 300mm. I think I'll buy it. Did you my thread in Europe? in other words do you know Canary Islands? How to see the Fuerteventura's bustard? Do you have any advice about?
As alternative I would go to Andalusia or to Hungary.