Sigma 70-200 APO IS HSM Opinions?

[MHD]

Just doing the usual lust browse through HKS prices...

The price difference between the Nikkor 70-200 and Sigma 70-200 is phenominal...
Who here uses the sigma? How is the IS? and what is the boke(h) like?

[MHD]

On further reading, is it really IS??? or is that a typo?

[birddog114]

Just doing the usual lust browse through HKS prices...

The price difference between the Nikkor 70-200 and Sigma 70-200 is phenominal...
Who here uses the sigma? How is the IS? and what is the boke(h) like?

MHD,
Sirhc55 & Deano has one and he's proud of it. Other may have it too.
It's not the worst lens as comparison with the Nikkor 70-200VR, only no VR, difference brand, difference glass construction and built.
You may look at the 80-200 AF-D with lens collar if you want to have the Nikon brand.

[fozzie]

MHD,

I know that sirhc55 and BBJ have this lens. So stay tuned.

[birddog114]

On further reading, is it really IS??? or is that a typo?

I don't think it's IS = VR, am I correct with my understanding.

[fozzie]

My understanding in the Sigma range of lenses is that OS=VR.

This information I sources from the Sigma website:

OS (Optical Stabilizer) Function
This function utilizes a built-in mechanism that compensates for camera shake. It dramatically expands photographic possibilities by alleviating camera movement when shooting by hand held camera.

[MHD]

Ok...

Yes, looked at the 80-200D but it is not AF-S (HSM, USM, ETC)

The advantage of the sigma over the nikkon is that you get the faster autofocus... and it is cheaper!

[birddog114]

Ok...

Yes, looked at the 80-200D but it is not AF-S (HSM, USM, ETC)

The advantage of the sigma over the nikkon is that you get the faster autofocus... and it is cheaper!

MHD,
You can't win all, can't you?

[Aussie Dave]

It's certainly a fun comparison, isn't it Scott ?

There are so many abbreviations these days, you somehow seem to get lost in them all....AFS IF ED IS VR.... Sometimes I think they only make the new lenses longer so they can fit all the abbreviations onto the side of the lens

I'd be fairly confident that the Sigma 70-200 would not be "as good" as the Nikon, but the real difference, I guess you'd need to compare for yourself.

Everyone will have differences of opinion. I have the Sigma 70-300 APO and I think, for it's price, it's a pretty reasonable lens. I've never used the Nikon equivalents, but there are arguments for and against all these lenses. The same would apply for the 70-200's.

Usually, you get what you pay for. Do Nikon make the best lenses ??.....most people here would say "yes". If you believe this to be so, then there's the answer. Does the price difference justify the quality difference, between the two lenses ??.....only you can decide that (as it is a personal opinion, not a factual one).....IMHO

[DaveB]

Sigma's stablisation (only available on the 80-400) is "OS".
If you look at Sigma's website you'll see this lens described as "APO 70-200mm F 2.8 EX DG/HSM".

No "IS".

[DaveB]

I'd be fairly confident that the Sigma 70-200 would not be "as good" as the Nikon, but the real difference, I guess you'd need to compare for yourself.

Excellent advice! Sigma make a wide variety of lenses. They make some really good ones, and some really crap ones.
In general their EX lenses are good (although the old 17-35mm was a painful exception to this) and I've heard reports from a couple of people who I vaguely trust that their f/2.8 24/28-70 and 70-200 zooms are top-notch.

Do Nikon make the best lenses ??.....most people here would say "yes".

Vague generalisations like this are going to get people into trouble: even Nikon (and Canon) make some lemons (or maybe they're just targetted at a market that doesn't include me).

Everyone has to make their own decisions about how well a given lens suits them. Not only the optical behaviour, but also details like the filter size, the hood fitting, tripod collar, focussing/zooming controls (I'm a big believer in HSM/USM full-time manual focus override). And whether it works on their camera (no point me telling you to use a 70-200mm/2.8 L IS USM ).

[cameraguy21773]

I think the Sigma EX 70-200 is the equal of everything in its class. Most of the people I shoot with use the Nikkor 70-200 VR and I think they would agree that my best are equal to their best.

http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/35875357
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/37259679
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/36920755
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/37199453

[MHD]

Thanks for those samples Mike...

Boy no worries about the colour rendition... that autumn scene is NICE!

[BBJ]

Scott, i have this lens and love it, most of the pics you see of mine are all done with this lens unless marked 80-400.

Ok it doesn't have Vr like on this but well i dont think i need it as i always pan most of my shots at bikes etc... But this lens i hardley ever take off the D70 infact if i had another body it would stay there.

I think they are very fast in focussing, i did have a few problems when i tried to use it with the Kenko 1.4x tc but well thats where you need the dedicated sigma tc's. I am very happy with the operation of this lens as it is so smooth in it's zoom i can hold the lens and use 1 finger to zoom between it's 70-200m range. Price is right too, i know the Nikon is good but to me it wasn't worth the extra $1,300 smackers for VR.

I have not played with the 70-200 VR and only have the 80-400VR which i find i can not zoom with 1 finger different lens but very stiff to use.
But like everything once you get to know it and use it i think it is a good lens for the money.

[sirhc55]

70-200mm Sigma - When making my decision on this lens I researched extensively. I have been a Nikon user for nigh on 40 years and in that time have used many of the Nikon classics for both personal and monetary satisfaction.

This lens, IMO, is the equal of the 70-200VR IN THE RIGHT HANDS. If you seriously look at when VR can be 100% useful to your photographic needs you will find that the percentage will be very small indeed.

There are many on this forum using Sigma glass - from 12-24 and upwards. We have seen some amazing photos from Kerry Pierce, BBJ, Hlop and others that can make Sigma sing.

Maybe we should look at a comp called ”Guess the glass” - I am sure that 9 times out of ten you would be wrong

[BBJ]

I'm with you Chris, although i haven't had any others but i think the choice i made was a good 1 for the money, and i think the VR would not make what i do look any better. I like it a lot and would't sell it and if the Nikon 300mm f2.8 i am looking doesn't eventuate i will be looking at the Sigma 120-300.

[MHD]

Thanks for the views...
Do you guys use arca-swiss clamps?

How much was the plate (or did you get a replacement foot) for the tripod collar and foot?

[birddog114]

Thanks for the views...
Do you guys use arca-swiss clamps?

How much was the plate (or did you get a replacement foot) for the tripod collar and foot?

You can get the lens plate from RRS the 97L for US$55.00
No replacement collar for this Sigma lens

[BBJ]

I took mine off, never use it on tripod or monopod.

[birddog114]

I took mine off, never use it on tripod or monopod.

MHD has the AUB with Arca Swiss/ dove tails QRP so he wants to use it with his tripod and the AUB head.

[MHD]

prescisely!

This purchase is a while off thought... But it is the next gap in my arsenal that needs to be filled (followed by, some time in the future, an ultra wide lens)

[Raskill]

MHD,

I've got the sigma 70-200 lens and am really happy with it. Took some great (well I think so) shots at Noosa last month of my 'nephew' splashing in the water, it picked up the clours great, and the water droplets in the air were really sharp, you could quite clearly see the outline and definition of each one. Upgrading from the old Nikor 70-300G I was amazed.

The lens is fairly heavy and has a well built feel to it, with a metallic crinkle finish. The lens is fast to focus, and handle AF-C mode well, no hunting about. I bought a sigma 2x TC coverter also and it takes it out to 400mm F/5.6. I'd recommend the tripod or monpod for any shots at that focal length though.

I wanted the 70-200VR, but really couldn't justify the cost as opposed to the Sigma. So far, I've found no reason to feel I made the wrong decision.

[birddog114]

Raskill,
Is your Sigma 300 arrived yet? get any shot from it?

[Raskill]

I wish. Unfortunately funds for more lenses have dried up now the minister for war and finance wants a bub. Not complaining to much though

I still have it on the list, and pending the sale of a family property may be able to get one. It's on the back burner just now though

[birddog114]

I wish. Unfortunately funds for more lenses have dried up now the minister for war and finance wants a bub. Not complaining to much though

I thought the Commander In Chief has the power to sack or ditch the minister for war and finance if he/ she does not listen

[MHD]

Yeah but then the war minister will lead a coup and seize all assets



Well I am pretty convinced...

[birddog114]

Yeah but then the war minister will lead a coup and seize all assets



Well I am pretty convinced...

Assassination

[PiroStitch]

Then you have a Mandate for Murder and Massacre

[birddog114]

Then you have a Mandate for Murder and Massacre

That how all the dictators run their countries and they were successful!!!!!

[Raskill]

I'm not so much worried about the murder, mayhem and massacre side of things, I'm more worried about waking up suddenly with the 'bobbett' cut

If I can convince the minister that I require said lens for photographing child, then I might be in with a chance. Unfortunately I believe the minister knows that unless said child is driving a V8 Supercar at 200 kmph, I don't require that particular lens.

Note to self, wifey knows to much....

[MHD]

That is a good strategy that has worked for me on more than one occasion...

[birddog114]

That is a good strategy that has worked for me on more than one occasion...

Which strategy?
- Assassination
- Dictator
- Listen and obey the Minister of war and Finance

[Raskill]

- Listen and Obey the minister....

Yes, that's how it seems on the outside, but a small amount of cash into a slush fund, can finance all sorts of things that wifeys don't notice....

(Will just take a while to save $3000 for the damn lens!!!!)

(Then I'll need another Kata back pack....)

(Then I'll need a better monopod head....)

(Then I'll need more insurance...)

(Then I'll need a divorce lawyer....)

(Then I'll need a new camera...hell of a way to get a D200 )

[birddog114]

- Listen and Obey the minister....

Yes, that's how it seems on the outside, but a small amount of cash into a slush fund, can finance all sorts of things that wifeys don't notice....

(Will just take a while to save $3000 for the damn lens!!!!)

(Then I'll need another Kata back pack....)

(Then I'll need a better monopod head....)

(Then I'll need more insurance...)

(Then I'll need a divorce lawyer....)

(Then I'll need a new camera...hell of a way to get a D200 )

It's tough isn't it?