Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-200mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM

[JerseyJay]

Well I changed my mind and as of now I'm going with Sigma as my next lens.

Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-200mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D

http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/pages/70_200_ex.htm

I was set on AF 80-200mm f/2.8 Nikon but not having AF-S, I don't think it will be fast enough. AF-S version is too expensive.

I can't justify paying 1,500 $ for 70-210 VR f2.8.

I tested Sigma lens at the party couple weeks ago using Canon 10D. I can't belive how SILENT and FAST that lens was. It was almost instant AutoFocus.

Last night I had a chance to play with AF 80-400mm f/3.5-5.6 VR ($1,500) and I have to say - "garbage". This lens is way too slow for the price and big NO NO when it comes to sports/action.

[meriadoc]

i know alot of people with that lens - and love it.

nice and sharp. all of the sigma EX lenses that i've tried all have silent and fast autofocus.

normally, when you're wanting sport/action, you're better with a prime lens, at a fast aperture. ie 300, 400, 500 or 600 2.8, but they'll set ya back big time.

I've had no issues shooting with slower lenses. All depends on each situation. But no lens is its sharpest wide open anyway, so most shooters (pros included) stop the lens down a few stops to get optimum sharpness.

[benny]

I have tried it once and must agree that it's good value for money. Excellent built quality too.

But be warned, once you get this baby, it's going to be the benchmark for your other lenses. Large aperture and quick focusing speed is usually premium and once you've got used to it, it's hard to settle for anything less.

Can't wait to see your new pictures with this lens.

Cheers,

[JerseyJay]

I'm glad others agree with my initial opinion. Great.

I forgot to mention that I will be purchasing Sigma AF 1.4X or 2X APO EX Teleconverter. Not sure which one yet.

[meriadoc]

when you use teleconverters, you do lose light and also image quality.

[JerseyJay]

when you use teleconverters, you do lose light and also image quality.

Yep. The f stop will be higher but I want to give it a try in light sufficient situations.

[benny]

Given your 1.5X magnification on the body, I would suggest 1.4X over the 2X. You lose less light and still get the reach.

Cheers,

[DarthV]

I'm planning on getting the EOS mount version for my next lens... fast and good quality...and much cheaper than the canon 70-200 f/2.8 !

[meriadoc]

darth - the 70-200 2.8L IS is the one thats on my list, as is the 100-400 IS, and the 400 5.6L. As well as the 300 4.0 IS L lens ;)

[DarthV]

I just made an aggreement to buy a used one today. Funny thing is that the current owner is the guy who originally owned my Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 ! Small world, eh? He said the Sigma is in as good of shape as the Tamron was when he sold it...which means it's basically new!

Sweet!

So I can't wait til it ships & arrives for me to play with for the upcoming long weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving is in Oct)...so I'll have some Sigma EX HSM goodness to be thankful for!

[JerseyJay]

Awesome news DarthV. You will love that toy !.

[ccplim]

Great DarthV! Waiting to see some pictures taken by that lens.

[DarthV]

I'm hoping to have it next week...but I don't think it will be shipped til Monday.

I'll try the lens out and see if I can deal with the weight... if I think it's too much, I'll just trade down to a canon f/4L :)