Nikon 80-200 2.8 or Sigma 70-200 2.8 and Nikon 85 1.8

jrmyrnsm

Well heres my dilemma. I'm in the process of switching over to Nikon from Canon and I'm getting ready to get some longer lenses. Right now because of my budget I'm faced with the decision in the title, either I get the Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 two ring version or go with a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 (probably the APO HSM which seemed to review pretty well)and buy a Nikon 85mm 1.8 with the money I save. I'll be using either combo with a pair of D200s and a D80. I had been planing on the Nikon 80-200mm for the quality but it would be nice to have the 85mm as I feel that I would use it alot for low light and it would pair well with my 35mm f2 for a low light combo. Just wanted some others inputs on the issue. Thanks in advance and if you are a Canon shooter check out my stuff for sale!

ziggy53

How will you use the long zoom?

How important is the purchase of the 85mm, f1.8? (Want vs need)

jrmyrnsm

Mostly I'll be doing wedding photography. My primary use for the 70-200 will be wedding ceremonies. I feel that I would use my 17-50 for the bulk and the 85 as a filler for low light, for the reception and detail shots and the 35 when the 85 was too long. Thanks in advance!

ziggy53

jrmyrnsm wrote:

Mostly I'll be doing wedding photography. My primary use for the 70-200 will be wedding ceremonies. I feel that I would use my 17-50 for the bulk and the 85 as a filler for low light, for the reception and detail shots and the 35 when the 85 was too long. Thanks in advance!

The Sigma 70-200mm, f2.8 should be fine for that application, and if it allows the purchase of the 85mm, f1.8, so much the better. Note that the Sigma works much better stopped down to f4, so a flash may be indicated where possible.

catspaw

the 85mm f/1.8 is a great lens you'll be quite happy with the quality of shots you get

jrmyrnsm

Well I ended up finding a deal on a Nikon 80-200 and I couldn't turn it up cause I knew I would always second guess myself with the Sigma. I'll probably still end up getting the 85mm, but it will just have to wait until I get a few more gigs. Thanks for all your input!

avaxdownload

Why not nikkor 70-200 2.8?

jrmyrnsm

avaxdownload wrote:

Why not nikkor 70-200 2.8?

Eventually I'll plan on getting my hands on one but right now I got my used 80-200 for about $1000 less than the 70-200mm. It was the best choice for the money for where my business is right now. I will hope to get one in the future though...

time2smile

FYI - I know you pick up the 80-200 but the new tammy 70-200 has a built in motor, and is pretty fast and sharp