I'm new to the forum and didn't find anything on this lens. It's a Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II. I'm about to buy the d7000 and wanted to invest in some good glass early on so I don't waste money in the long run. Has anyone had experience with this lens? I'm finding out that its actually a discontinued model from Sigma, but I've heard quite a few good things about it online and I can find it online from a few retailers for about $800. I'm looking into it more for the speed and the zoom range, not the macro capability (which I've heard is not so great.) I'm not looking into going up to the OS version of sigmas 70-200 2.8 or the nikon VR version of their 70-200 2.8, which are out of my price range. But I don't want to go down to the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. Trying to find some middle ground here if you all could help me out. AND, it doesn't have OS, BUT would that really make a huge difference if its such a fast aperture? I will be mostly shooting soccer games from the sideline, when the sun is up, till about dusk where theres not alot of light, and theres no lights on the field. Thanks
Any experience with the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 macro?
(12 posts) (8 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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I do not have this lens, but I have researched it before. From what I've heard picture quality isn't as good as the Tamron 70-200mm, BUT it autofocuses much faster since it has HSM. The PQ supposedly is much improved with the new 70-200mm OS. I don't consider the nikkor 70-300mm below the sigma, in fact I'd wonder if the sigma is capable of handling the D7k's 16.2 megapixels whereas I think the nikkor could. FYI I'm not one of those 3rd party haters, I have a Tamron 90mm, 28-75mm, Sigma 18-200mm, 17-50mm, 8-16mm (planning to get the 70-200mm OS within the next 2 months), but I really think you'd be better off with the nikkor in your case.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Even if its only f 4.5-5.6? And in the conditions I'm going to be in, wouldn't you think the 2.8 is the better choice? And I think ill benefit in my situation with the HSM.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I don't know that lens, but Is the current Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS really out of your price range? I only have Nikkor glass but it was the ONLY non Nikon lens that I ever seriously considered. It is about 25-30% cheaper that the Nikkor, and has had some excellent reviews and won the TIPA best expert lens 2011, and EISA best product 2011-2012 award this year, might this be a good compromise if you could stretch to it? How much is the one you're thinking of?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Well, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is around $1399. That's a difference of about $600. Not worth it for me.
Posted 1 year ago # -
IMO you said you wanted to get good glass from the start. The Nikon 70-200 is the best lens period. The Sigma and Tamron might be OK, but it isn't the Nikon. Not just saying that, but I know people buy the Tamron and Sigma and are disappointed that the quality isn't on par with the Nikon version. Seriously...the Nikon version is that good. I would suggest saving the money for the Nikon version if you want a lens in that range...you won't be disappointed. This is one lens I wouldn't compromise and get the third party version.
I also wouldn't let the fact that a lens is F2.8 or lower make you think the lens is "better". There are great variable aperture and F4 lenses that I would take over some F2.8 lenses...especially when it comes to the third party ones.
Posted 1 year ago # -
tcole1983 said:
IMO you said you wanted to get good glass from the start. The Nikon 70-200 is the best lens period. The Sigma and Tamron might be OK, but it isn't the Nikon. Not just saying that, but I know people buy the Tamron and Sigma and are disappointed that the quality isn't on par with the Nikon version. Seriously...the Nikon version is that good. I would suggest saving the money for the Nikon version if you want a lens in that range...you won't be disappointed. This is one lens I wouldn't compromise and get the third party version.I also wouldn't let the fact that a lens is F2.8 or lower make you think the lens is "better". There are great variable aperture and F4 lenses that I would take over some F2.8 lenses...especially when it comes to the third party ones.
Some good advise there! Especially the point about if you want to invest in good glass from the outset, unfortunately it's going to cost you.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Look at the old Nikon 80-200 2.8. I have one and it is great even though it isn't VR. You can get them used at a very reasonable price.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I hate to be a spoiler, but I fear that I'm about to be. These are all opinions so I'm openly expressing mine - afterall this is conversation, right? I had a brand new Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 for almost a month and was planning to keep it. The price was right, weight was right, and imiges were marginally nicer and brighter and more detailed than those I got with my 70-300mm VR. Where I screwed up was trying out my co-workers 70-200mm VR II within the last week. That was a big mistake. It's just awesome. I sent the 80-200 back before the 30 day return period expired.
Don't get me wrong...the 80-200mm is a super lens so if it's in the cards for you - go for it. I just didn't want that monkey on my back after the 30 day period especially after seeing the magic of that VR2.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I have also tried a friends 70-200VR II. I won't buy a long lens without it. So if you need a lens now get what you can afford but if you can afford to wait, save and get the Nikon 70-200 VR II. That's what I'm doing, saving and waiting.
Posted 1 year ago # -
andrewz said:
I have also tried a friends 70-200VR II. I won't buy a long lens without it. So if you need a lens now get what you can afford but if you can afford to wait, save and get the Nikon 70-200 VR II. That's what I'm doing, saving and waiting.LOL, I did it the other way, bought and still paying! :-) Whichever way you get one you won't be dissapointed.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I have this lens and overall it has performed very well, the only problem is with ca
Posted 1 year ago #
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