Which f2.8 70-200 Zoom?

AndyEllis

Which of these two f2.8 70-200mm zoom lenses would you advise me to buy? Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM or Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 SP Di VC USD. They will be used on my Nikon D7000 and Nikon D90. Also to to give me a bit more reach would you recommend one of these to go with the zoom Sigma 2x EX DG APO Tele Converter ?

PB_PM

The Tamron is rated higher than the Sigma for sharpness, and is said to have better image stabilization. Never tried either myself, since I've only ever rented a Nikkor on the few occasions when I needed a 70-200 zoom.

I would advise against using a 2X TC on a 70-200mm zoom, they just don't seem to perform well, and are really designed for use on primes. A 1.4x TC max would be my advice.

Golf007sd

I full agree with what PB_PM has said. +1

heartyfisher

I have a d7000 and of all the zoom in that range and price I am choosing the Nikkor 70-200 f4.0. Of the 2 you picked. My vote would be for the tamron as well. If I were you I would also consider a second hand lense of the older first version from nikon

JakesGT

I haven't used a 70-200 but I am seriously considering the tamron

Kyyo24

Have you considered the nikon vr1? It's about the same price, maybe cheaper than both sigma/tamron new

WestEndBoy

Or even consider the 80-200 2.8. An older lens, but professional grade Nikon for about a thousand.

flight3

I own the sigma 70-200mm 2.8 and LOVE IT! I dont know what you plan on shooting with it, but I've used it for portraiture, landscape and some event stuff and it works pretty well. It is sharp (in my opinion) even at 2.8. The only thing is I can't compare it to the Nikon version or Tamron since I have little experience with them, but I definitely dont have the budget for the Nikon version. Out of my research and talking with my local camera shops, I've heard that the main difference is that the Nikon 70-200 is faster at autofocusing, but I don't find the Sigma 70-200 to be a problem for me. Also the Sigma is the lightest of the three lenses.
Here are some photos taken with it:
Mountains
Mountains 2
Plants
Action
Portrait
Hope that helps a little bit.

WestEndBoy

Nice photoes.

Msmoto

The Tamron appears to be the equal of the Nikkor VRII as tested on DxOMark… both better than the Sigma

ben_dmb

I have the new Tamron 70-200 VC USD, and it is sharp, like "girlfriend hates me sharp". I can see every single "detail" on her face and she just does not believe that her face looks like that. The autofocus is really fast, but mine shows front focus at close range and goes almost to back focus at long range. I was told by their rep to send it in for calibration which should solve the problem. Bottom line, it is exceptional lens for what you are paying for it.

PS - there is lots of comparisons on the internet - Nikon, Canon, Tamron, Sigma. Google it. That should give you a better idea of those options.

flight3

I would also suggest testing them out at your local camera shop to get an idea...if you have one close to you.