Nikon 80-200 f2.8 vs Sigma 70-200 f2.8

unsharp

Hi,

I'm on the verge of buying either:
1. Nikon 80-200 f2.8 (D)
2. Sigma 70-200 f2.8 (macro)
They are at around the same price ($800-900), and I don't want to jump up to the Nikon 70-200 VR just yet. The Sigma has some slight advantages (HSM, macro, newer design?).

Does anyone have experience with either? I am specifically interested in knowing the differences in:
1. Contrast and color saturation. My 10-20 Sigma seems to deliver washed out colors compared to my 55-200 Nikon lens. Could be subjective, and the different focal lenghts could be playing tricks on my eyes.
2. Quality. Will the Sigma break down sooner? Or are the new EX lenses as sturdy as they look.

Thanks!!

Seymore

US(m)... I have the 80-200/2.8 AFS and luv it. I can tell you that this lens is on par with the saturation/contrast of most all other Nikon lenses I've used. Very well rounded IMPO. The action/motion shots HERE are all taken with this lens and I did very little sat/contr mods on any of these images. I've also used the AFD lens and find that they are very equal. I can tell you that the AFS is heavier and I find myself mounting to the monopod more with it. But the speed of focus is something I can't do without now. Just something you may want to consider.

Sorry, no experience with the Sigma...

thegridrunner

check out this review of the sigma 70-200 f/2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=318&cat=37&page=3

I will buy this lense and pocket the $700 saving from the 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens from nikon.

unsharp

thegridrunner wrote:

check out this review of the sigma 70-200 f/2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=318&cat=37&page=3

Thanks, that helped a lot! I've noticed the color cast on Sigma as well, and I guess the focus locking, coating and cap problems have more or less convinced me to stick with the older (but tried and tested) Nikon for now.

thegridrunner

check out this site as well, it gives a lab breakdown of many lenses.

thegridrunner

well, I brought the sigma yesterday and I am returning it tomorrow. The focus got stuck in infinity during a shoot session and I couldn't unstick it. Someone else on another forum mentioned the same thing (fredmiranda.com, look at the review section covering sigma lenses). I am going back to Nikon lenses, more expensive but better quality and reliablity. What a experience....:oogle

Seymore

Bummmmmmer... Well, let us know if you have any other questions.

aldoc

I went for the AF-S 80-200
Hi,
just bought the AF-S 80-200 3 days ago and I am very satisfied so far. Focus speed is nothing short of amazing and sharpness excellent from F2.8 on, 2 points that might (as far as some reviewers go) not be really top notch with the Sigma. The near focus of 1 meter is very appealing though....
Alfred

thegridrunner

Try using the Sigma lense on a hot day (maybe a picnic or photo shoot).
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=67653

I am curious if the focusing will lock up. The other guy besides myself who expericenced this was shooting a motorcross race in june. I wonder if it is a heat related issue. I think that maybe it was just a isolated incident...hopefully.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=318&sort=7&cat=37&page=3