For photographers on budgets who crave the benefits of a super bright aperture, this SP (Super Performance) lens is sharp with very well-controlled distortion, and among the least expensive in its class.
A sturdy, older APO lens with convenient features such as a focus-limiter switch, as well as broad zoom and focus rings. Sufficiently light, so there’s no need for a tripod mount.
An excellent tele step–up zoom (85–310mm equivalent) with light weight and good magnification at a very attractive price. The hitch: Somewhat sluggish, whiny autofocus.
For the enthusiast craving pro-grade features, the D700 offers a full-frame sensor borrowed from the D3 supercamera, sensitivity to ISO 25,600, 51-zone AF, and a pop-up flash with wireless flash control.
Second version of the legendary “Bigma,” “Son of Bigma” offers image stabilization, an ample 10X zoom range, a nifty tripod collar, and a strong 1:2.7 maximum subject magnification.
Well-suited to wildlife, sports, and portraits, it scales up to 105–300mm on most DSLRs. Autofocus is fast and quiet, and the build robust. Sorry, though—no extra moisture or dust resistance.
Well-positioned, large zoom and focusing rings, a tripod collar with finger channels, and OS make this the rare long tele lens that’s almost handholdable.
At 500mm, the lens will magnify to a satisfying 1:4.9. SQF tables showed Excellent results at 200mm, but sharpness dropped at the longer focal lengths.
