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I am considering buying this lens but have an issue. Is not having any image stabilizing on a fast lens an problem? Especially as i will be using it on a dslr with cropped sensor giving the equivalent of 320mm at the long end.
For the price I can get it for it seems like a good investment, but i could do with some reassurance!

Do you have tripod? IS or VR is quite comfortable at longer focal lenghts as i have understood. and quite important if you want to hand hold you photos

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......... in time it will become second nature to hand hold this lens...... but now invest in a mono pod....... I use an old nikon 80-200 no vr on this one but yes I do use a mono pod for low light levels......

Does £300 sound like a fair price for this lens second hand? Its the non macro version and looks in sound condition.

...... see if you can test it for sharpness.....then decide

we just got it yesterday, it's great and at around 135mm on 2.8, everything is blurred except what you're focusing on... it's a great portrait lens too!

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The results of this lens are found here.

http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=249&perpage=12&focal_min=none&focal_max=none&aperture_min=none&aperture_max=none&res=3

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the II macro HSM is a nice lens , the bokeh is very nice.

If you have camera that handle noise well at 800-3200, you can certainly bump some ISO to get high shutter speed.

You won't lose IS if you are shooting in daylight or sports, but maybe a bit when you take still picture indoor like in museum.

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
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I heard this lens is really soft at 200mm, is it true or not?

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Nikon D40
Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 G IF-ED DX

slightly softer compare to other focal length but if you shoot at f/4, f/5.6 it is almost the same as other focal length

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
My Portfolio - Some photos from my work

Between the Tamron & The Sigma version of this lens I have not seen a Tamron for resale but I have seen several Sigma's for resale. Just a Thought..

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