Which f2.8 70-200 Zoom?

AndyEllisAndyEllis Posts: 12Member
edited January 2014 in Nikon Lenses
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 ?

Comments

  • PB_PMPB_PM Posts: 4,494Member
    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.
    If I take a good photo it's not my camera's fault.
  • Golf007sdGolf007sd Posts: 2,840Moderator
    edited January 2014
    I full agree with what PB_PM has said. +1
    Post edited by Golf007sd on
    D4 & D7000 | Nikon Holy Trinity Set + 105 2.8 Mico + 200 F2 VR II | 300 2.8G VR II, 10.5 Fish-eye, 24 & 50 1.4G, 35 & 85 1.8G, 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR I SB-400 & 700 | TC 1.4E III, 1.7 & 2.0E III, 1.7 | Sigma 35 & 50 1.4 DG HSM | RRS Ballhead & Tripods Gear | Gitzo Monopod | Lowepro Gear | HDR via Promote Control System |
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited January 2014
    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
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • JakesGTJakesGT Posts: 38Member
    I haven't used a 70-200 but I am seriously considering the tamron
  • Kyyo24Kyyo24 Posts: 16Member
    Have you considered the nikon vr1? It's about the same price, maybe cheaper than both sigma/tamron new
  • WestEndBoyWestEndBoy Posts: 1,456Member
    Or even consider the 80-200 2.8. An older lens, but professional grade Nikon for about a thousand.
  • flight3flight3 Posts: 379Member
    edited January 2014
    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.
    Post edited by flight3 on
    Nikon D3100, 18-55mm VR, 50mm 1.8D, Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 OS, Yongnuo YN-560 II Speedlight Flash www.dreshad.com
  • WestEndBoyWestEndBoy Posts: 1,456Member
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    The Tamron appears to be the equal of the Nikkor VRII as tested on DxOMark… both better than the Sigma
    Msmoto, mod
  • ben_dmbben_dmb Posts: 87Member
    edited January 2014
    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.
    Post edited by ben_dmb on
  • flight3flight3 Posts: 379Member
    I would also suggest testing them out at your local camera shop to get an idea...if you have one close to you.
    Nikon D3100, 18-55mm VR, 50mm 1.8D, Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 OS, Yongnuo YN-560 II Speedlight Flash www.dreshad.com
Sign In or Register to comment.