Nikkor 300 f4 w/ 1.4x vs Sigma 400 5.6 D AF APO

Looking for informed comments on the relative sharpness and other

quality markers for a Nikkor 300mm f4 AF S (or I) with a TC 14E vs.

a Sigma 400mm f5.6 D AF APO without a teleconverter. To be used on a

D70s.

Tripod collar differences? Autofocus differences?

I have the 300mm F4 AFS and have routinely used with a Kenko PRO 1.4 tele, getting excellent results. I don't know the specs on the Sigma, but the 300mm F4 close focuses around 5 ft, so with the tele its versatile as a sub macro lens. The optics of the Nikkor are superb, however a well known achilles heel is its standard tripod collar, not very robust...I relaced it with a Kirk collar that greatly improved handling...something to consider when comparing total cost between the two.

I had a Sigma 400mm f5.6 APO. In my opinion, it was a rather cheaply made lens that did not produce images up to my standards. However, it is also priced accordingly and is therefore very affordable.

I had this similar choice problem with the Bigma. Settled for the 300mm f4. WOW what a glass! Flipside , it does not work with my AF converter, so have to invest in AF-S TCs.

Good news: the kenko 300 pro 1.4 converter works well with the 300/4 AFS and gives pics about 95% as sharp as the Nikon E converter ...

 

Bad news: Nikon's tripod collar on the 300/4 AFS is the pits and should be discarded right out of the box. Search here for alternative collars!

I had a Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO Macro D Telephoto lens that I used on my D70 for about a month. Bought it used from KEH. Sent it back under the 60-day warranty because it had severe "front focus" problems on the D70. Interesting, KEH (as of today) has 4 of those lenses for sale for Nikon autofocus. One of which says "Film only". That might be the one I bought and returned. The guy I talked to at KEH said that they would probably re-list it as "Film only" since Sigma no longer repairs those lenses.

 

I also had a Sigma 300mm F4 APO Macro D Telephoto lens that I bought from KEH at the same time I bought the 400mm lens. I had no problem with it and it took great pictures on my D70. It worked great with my Kenko Pro 300 1.4x teleconverter. KEH currently has my actual lens for sale. I just traded it in to them for a Sigma 300mm f2.8 HSM lens.

 

I also bought a used Sigma 28-70 F2.8 lens from KEH at the same time I bought the 400mm and 300mm Sigma lenses. I returned that lens also because of severe focus problems. Even though the lens locked on to the subject, it was not in focus. If you buy a used Sigma lens and use a Nikon digital SLR, make sure you can return the lens if it doesn't focus correctly.

Thanx Frank. Got the kenko PRO 300 and am I happy with the combination????? Stellar.

Hi -

I just got the nikon 300 f/4 AFS and it does NOT autofocus with my Kenko 300 1.4x TC (this is not the DG version). Anyone has any idea? I thought it supposed to work...

Elad