Ok, I got a pretty decent bonus at work. It's not quite enough to cover the entire cost of a Nikon 70-200 mm f2.8 but is enough for the Tamron or Sigma equivalent.
The finances manager in our family, that would be dear wife, says we can afford the difference for the Nikon if I want to add to the bonus money.
So...is the Nikon truly worth the approximate $2400 price tag? Everything I read, it's like a slam dunk to get the Nikon. But man, that's a steep one.
So, knowing that budget is not an issue, convince me to go Tamron or Sigma.
Hi Mike I have recently bought the 24-70 f2.8 and am saving for the 70-200 as I rented both and was blown away by the sharpness of both and needed the 24-70 first. It was a no brainer as I have tried the Sigma lens when buying a macro lens and again the Nikon Micro F2.8 was a clear winner. You can never scrimp on glass and you get what you pay for.
I agree with Andy on this one Mike. Both the Sigma and Tamron are decent lens, but going with your brand will get you better quality glass and the added bonus that they were made for your camera body specifically. I don't skimp on my lens and several were pretty expensive, but I have yet to regret any of those decisions...
Thanks all. Yeah, all my lenses are Nikon as well. This would be my most expensive purchase to date for my system. Everything I've read, including side by side comparisons, of course recommends the Nikon.
I know it's the way to go and I likely will, but it would be interesting to find someone who is totally happy with their aftermarket lens. Not meant to disparage aftermarket lenses, just looking for opinions. @andysg@socalgal@trbo
@mikehamm Of course you get what you pay for the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 is a very good lens but still I think the you should be looking at alternatives if you dont want to fork out 2.4k I bought the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 and its a great lens. You can be one of thoses people that pixels peek @ 1:1 and go along with the crowd that claim if your not sharp at the edges the lens is crap, or you can grab a lens and get out of it what ever you want.
Sigma 70-200 f2.8 Through thick glass
Sigma 70-200 f2.8
Check out Jarod Polin's AKA The Fro Review Here:
http://froknowsphoto.com/sigma-70-200-2-8-ii-review/
and shots taken;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaredpolin/sets/72157625445895163/
Hey! You're using a good camera...hang the best lens on it. I have Tamron and Sigma lenses as well as Nikons. I'll admit that the Tamron isnt quite as sharp (but it served a budget purpose). The sigma is as sharp as a tack but occassionally has what can best be described as "hissy fits"talking to the Nikon camera and has to be coaxed back into submission...(days when it simply won't work with a remote or when it needs to be attached four times before it'll play). I'm happy enough with what I have...for the price...but if I had the option I'd go with the Nikon.
@mikehamm Mike are you really considering not spending the money on getting the best glass you can get?????
Take it from me, if you have the opportunity to get the better glass as you have the money now, get the better glass, as it might be a long time away before you have the same opportunity to get the best glass.
@agima - Brendan, of course I'm planning to spend money on the best glass I can get. My question was if someone could make a compelling case as to why I shouldn't. @swilde - Thanks for that info Sue. Very helpful.
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http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=687&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=470&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0
I know it's the way to go and I likely will, but it would be interesting to find someone who is totally happy with their aftermarket lens. Not meant to disparage aftermarket lenses, just looking for opinions. @andysg @socalgal @trbo
This was handheld and shot through glass.
This was also handheld and shot through heavy wire.
Sigma 70-200 f2.8 Through thick glass
Sigma 70-200 f2.8
Check out Jarod Polin's AKA The Fro Review Here:
http://froknowsphoto.com/sigma-70-200-2-8-ii-review/
and shots taken;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaredpolin/sets/72157625445895163/
Take it from me, if you have the opportunity to get the better glass as you have the money now, get the better glass, as it might be a long time away before you have the same opportunity to get the best glass.
@swilde - Thanks for that info Sue. Very helpful.