Hello again and thanks for the info on my previous question of Nikon D3000 VS Canon XSi. I've decided to get the Nikon D3000 with 18-55 mm lens so I can learn the ropes for a couple of years. Now my question is for a good Telephoto Zoom lens with some macro capability just in case. I found a Sigma lens on B&H: the Sigma 70-300 mm. f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus AF-D Lens. I've read the reviews and so far it seems like a very good lens- I saw similar things on Amazon where people praised it. I know and understand the things I see repeated so many times it pisses me off by now:
A) You get what you pay for. (Not necessarily true IMO but that's another story, not in the mood for ranting about it)
B) First party is always superior.
C) Do not buy third party unless you're in absolute necessity. ( -_- )
However, I've made up my mind. My belief from experience with a Vivitar V3800N film SLR (yes I owned a Vivitar) is that any lens will do as long as you understand it and practice with it and understand its intricacies so you can work with them to the best of your ability. That is my stand. But I digress- returning to subject: if you have used them, are you happy with the results? I've seen pictures taken with this lens and they seem very good but just in case.
And please, PLEASE, don't answer things like OH MAI GADZ BUY FIRST PARTY LENSES BECAUSE INSERT BRAND HERE SUCKS because that is not the question. I'm asking if a Sigma lens has worked for people. Comparing it to Nikon or Canon lenses is another subject entirely- and not the thing I'm looking for. Thank you! 
 Nikon AF S NIKKOR 50mm f 14G Lens  US $310.00
|
 Nikon 70 300mm VR f 45 56 G AF S Nikkor Zoom Lens USA US $355.25
|
 Nikon D80 Kit with AF S DX 18 135mm Lens 102 Megapixel US $475.00
|
 MINOLTA SONY MAXXUM AF AUTO FOCUS LENS 135 US $285.00
|
 Minolta 28 70 28 G lens US $730.00
|
 MINOLTA MC ROKKOR PG 58MM 112 VERY FAST LENS US $355.00
|
February 5th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
I think you will be fine with any of the respected independent lens makers that make lens for the Nikon and that it also has the auto focus motor in the lens to be fully compatible with the D3000.
So Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina could have options available. I think there are 2 basic good options here. One is to get a zoom that starts where your zoom stop, so you can have your 18-55mm & a 50-200mm lens making a nice pair that covers a great range. The other option, for not much more money is to get a 18-200mm lens that has the range of your 18-55mm and more up to 200mm telephoto so that you have one lens to do it all. If you go with the 2nd option (18-200mm) then I would keep the 18-55mm for occasions where you want a smaller lighter lens plus it can be a back up if the other lens has a break down.
Below are some links:
1st link - Sigma 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM - $199 at B&H Photo
2nd link - Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II Macro Lens - $229 (after rebate) B&H Photo
Hope this helps.
Mark
February 5th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Sigma is a good alternative brand for lens which good quality and provide good image quality. For Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor, it is a great lens especially great price. The auto focus motor is fast and doesn’t chew up the battery. Pictures it take are awesome. Here are some sample pictures from real user
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fcustomer-media%2Fproduct-gallery%2FB0012X43P2%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Dcm%255Fciu%255Fpdp%255Fimages%255Fall&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957