Sigma 70-300 APO, Nikon 70-300 VR, or Nikon 1.7TC?

[03SVTCobra]

I'm looking to extend my range a bit beyond my 55-200 VR. I'd LIKE to spend as little money as possible.

The leading option I think would be the Nikon TC. It'd give me the most range and probably better optical quality than the Sigma.

Most likely not as sharp as the 70-300 VR but would the 70-300 VR really be that much better optically than the 55-200 VR with 1.7 TC?

[Powercube]

Well, this is an easy choice for you. The 1.7TC II is not compatible with the 55-200VR, and not even incompatible in a marketing sense. The rear-element of the lens protrudes so far back that it touches the TC glass, to say the least- a very bad thing.

[NeilA330]

TC's are only compatible with select lenses, and even then, only produces good results with high-end lenses.

[Powercube]

TC's are only compatible with select lenses, and even then, only produces good results with high-end lenses.

And most of the ones that produce decent image quality with TCs are not zooms.

[03SVTCobra]

Well that is a very good thing to note.

I guess to my next question then.

Is the 70-300 VR really worth $350 over the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro.

I've heard when the Macro mode is switched on, even for no Macro subjects, the Sigma can produce some sharp images between 200-300mm.

[Jet-fighters.Net]

If you go with a sigma lens i would go with an EX lens over the APO lenses They do cost more but the image quality is much better as they are professional quality lenses. my suggestion would be the the 100-300 f/4 EX HSM

http://sigma4less.com/sigma-zoom-telephoto-100-300mm-f4-ex-apo-dg-if-hsm-autofocus-lens-for-nikon-af-d.html

With this lens you will have a field of view of 150mm to 450mm on your D60. Also you can use the Sigma 1.4X converter to give you extra reach.

Another popular lens with spotters is the Sigma 50-500 EX HSM

http://sigma4less.com/sigma-zoom-normal-telephoto-50-500mm-f4-63-ex-apo-dg-hsm-autofocus-lens-for-nikon-af-d.html

[03SVTCobra]

If you go with a sigma lens i would go with an EX lens over the APO lenses They do cost more but the image quality is much better as they are professional quality lenses. my suggestion would be the the 100-300 f/4 EX HSM

http://sigma4less.com/sigma-zoom-tel...ikon-af-d.html

With this lens you will have a field of view of 150mm to 450mm on your D60. Also you can use the Sigma 1.4X converter to give you extra reach.

Another popular lens with spotters is the Sigma 50-500 EX HSM

http://sigma4less.com/sigma-zoom-nor...ikon-af-d.html

I have a side pot started saving for a nice professional piece of glass. I'm just looking for a temporary super zoom to learn with that has more range than my 55-200.