Nikon 70-200VR vs Sigma 70-200?

Get the best. It's a good investment you won't regret. Nikon.

 

Sigma makes some pretty good glass, especially in the EX series. The main thing you'd be paying extra for (besides the Nikon name) is the VR. Given what you're planning to use it for, I would say that the VR is worth the extra cost.

 

I've never used the Nikon one (as I'm a Canon user!) so I can't make a comparison, but I have used the Sigma and it is a great lens and it's totally capable (it also works very well with 1.4x converter), but AF is slightly slower than my Canon version (70-200 f2.8L IS) and I've found that it's not quite as sharp wide open. I think you'd still be happy with the Sigma but Canon is just too good (and it's far more expensive).

 

I'm not quite to the level that y'all are yet, but I always buy Nikon glass when I can afford it. From what I've seen, it's worth every penny.

 

VR is very useful, but don't try to do architectural photos with either of these lenses - they've got a lot of barrel and pincushion distortion due to overall optic range.

 

After purchasing a Sigma 120-300 f.28 and getting a dud out of the box, I learned my lesson about 3rd party products. There are only a few tried and true non-Nikon lenses that are worth the savings.

I own one non-Nikon lense (the Tokina 12-24mm f4). The 70-200mm f2.8 VR is one of the sharpest zooms you can get, and when shooting low light, the VR will be of use. Keep in mind that your VR will be useless for track event due to the fact that few objects travel in a single plane. You won't gain full appreciation or performance for the AF-S motor unless driving it with a pro body like the D2H or higher, however the D200 will do acceptably well. If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of speed, I've even driven my 300mm f2.8 AF-S with my backup D70s.

Bottom line, Sigma lense can be cheaper, but the quality is hit and miss People either love them or hate them. Stick with Nikon if you want to limit headache or if you need VR

PS The overall distortion of the 70-200 VR is lauded as very good, especially for zoom. To make a blanket statement that no zoom of this range can be used for architectural photos is painting with too broad of a brush.

 

My copy of the Nikon Full Line Product Guide says the following about the 70-200: "Panning automatically detected and compensated by VR". To me, that sounds ideal for racing and track event photography...

 

Rather than 'useless' I should have said 'VR is less useful unless used for objects traveling in a single plane. Few of my track shots are of a car traveling in just one plane. They are more often hitting the apex of a corner while coming toward me, thus two planes of motion. I'll also add that some people are misinformed that VR/IS will help stop action in low light, however it doesn't. Stop action typically requires something around 1/500 (depending on the activity).

Thanks for keeping me honest.

 

That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

 

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200.htm

A lot cheaper than the VR's which are pretty limited in use. And the 2.8 AF-D's are damn cheap compared to the VR's!!!

 

If you are in the market, definitely look into the 80-200 f2.8 AF-S. I have one and it is, by far, is my bread and butter lens. It's sharp and fast. You can pick them up for $800-1000 depending on condition so with a potential savings of $500-700 over the VR version, its something that you should definitely consider.

I've seen review claiming the 70-200 to be one of the sharpest zooms that Nikon has produced, but I can't justify the money over what I currently have for something that I don't use (the VR). If you can spot the cash for it, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. If you are a photog on a budget, look into that 80-200 AF-S.

 

Canon Digital Rebel XTi vs. Nikon D80 ??

What would you invest your money in ??
What will make me happy over the long run ?
Thanks

 

Ford vs Chevy. I have a Chevy.

 

I own the Nikon 70-200mm. I an IN LOVE with it. I have never used the Sigma, but from the experience that I have had with the Nikon, I would STRONGLY recommend it.

Make an account on Nikonians.org and ask around. There are some really great photographers on there. I have only been on there for about a week and I really like it.

Good luck man,

John