Sigma 70-200 F2.8 Macro or the Nikon Version?

MrsCastle

I would love to hear which lens I should buy. I'm leaning towards the sigma because of the price. Would I be getting same quality or should I go for the Nikon with VR? Opinions are appreciated!!!

Thanks:D

Shane422

You should also look at the Tamron 70-200 f2.8. Its not quite as fast but its sharp and priced at $699. That said, the Nikon lens, either the 80-200, or the 70-200VR are both extremely nice and worth the extra money.

Tee Why

I've heard from PopPhoto that the 200mm end of the new Sigma "macro" versions are a bit softer than the older ones. Perhaps there is a bit of sacrifice in IQ for the greater magnification.

I've heard that the 80-200 is optically very nice and if you can swing that, I'd consider the Nikon lens. Another option is the Tamron 70-200 but I recall a test at dpreview of that lens in Canon mount with AF consistency issues. I'm not sure if that applies to the Nikon mount as I assume that they use the screw AF from the body. So if there are no issues with AF on the Nikon mount, the Tamron may be a good buy.

Good luck.

dangin

i don't know if i'd ever get a sigma lens. i know photographers that have had them and had problems with them. there are some shooters, like art scott, that swear by them. then again, i've never met art...

as it's been mentioned, i too would suggest the new tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 if you're looking for an alternative to the nikon. i happen to have both the nikon and tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 and will offer my .02 for what it's worth:

nikon
faster AF
top notch optics
pretty darned sharp
VR
built like a tank
quite possibly the best 70-200mm f/2.8 out there
heavy around the neck
pretty pricey @ $1650-1700

tamron
not quite as fast AF
really good optics
pretty darned sharp
no VR
lighter, more plastic-ie feeling
not so heavy around the neck
a lot less than the nikon

neither are macro lenses; however the tamron has a noticeably shorter MFD. i shoot weddings indoor with the nikon. i shoot outdoor or travel-intensive events w/ the tamron.

MrsCastle

Thanks everyone all the above information will be very helpful in my decision