Lens perfomance

I have a Nikon D80 DSLR camera. I have an AF-S NIKKOR 18-55 lens and an AF-S NIKKOR 55-200 lens.Made for the NIKON camera
I bought a SIGMA DG Macro 70-300 mm lens. (This switches from normal to macro) which works well with the NIKON at the apx the same distance
All photos have to be enhanced slightly with the SiGMA lens where they don't with the NIKON
Aso Ifind it take much longer to focus on the subject which is sometimes gone before I get a focu
NIKON is so much faster and quieter
Has any one else bought a SIGMA lens, And what do they think of it's performance?

Have to say that my 50-500 Sigma, nicknamed the Bigma, gives very crisp images when I can hold it still enough, perhaps you need to do a tripod test between them Beryl. :)

I never or rarely use a tripod so I need a lens that will give me sharp image without a tripod as I go a lot for action shots ans a tripod would get int he way
It may well work well with other cameras where it doesn't with Nikon.
I know the Teleplus converters work well with Sigma but not with Nikon

I appreciate that, but a tripod test would tell you whether it is a lens problem or a hand holding problem.

I have used a tripod and I still think with my camera the Nikon lens works better. I'll no doubt save up for a Nikon 300mm lens

You need to try them side by side (or one after another) on an identical object at an identical distance and identical focal length to get an accurate comparison.

My Sigma lens is a DG macro lens and I think you will find long shots will be slightly out of focus as opposed to closeups .
Where my af 55-200 is going to perform better on a long shot than a close up.
Your Bigma Rolf, is a telephoto lens which should be very good on long shots

Yes it is if you can hold it still enough. ;)

I probably wouldn't be able to lift a bigma let alone go for action shots with it.

I'm going to experiment in my son's garden at Christmas. with the tripod.
It is probably because the 70-300 mm is too heavy for hand held action for me any how. I'm a just little lady.:D

I am looking to buy an APO DG Macro by Christmas . This type of lens cuts out the purple and green tinges on the edges of you subject when there is trees and sky. It is nearly twice the price though. It's a must for me

I use the monopod with the big lens if I'm out for a long time in good light, gives that little bit more stability.

I had a mono pod. I can't remember what I did with it but I remember I was worse with that than hand held. I have a very nice tripod am looking to get a new head and extended pole.As in photo

No logical reason why you should get worse photos with a monopod, perhaps you used it in situations where a tripod should be needed. I used my monopod for my pictures at Keyhaven recenty and whilst not being as solid as the tripod, was way better than hand holding.