Lense for Nikon

[therookie]

Can't decide between the Nikon 300mm f/4 or the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. Shoot alot in the woods under canopy, gymnastics (no flash) and rodeo under roof. The f/2.8 is almost 1k more, camera is a Nikon D3100

[KenJulio]

I would go with the Nikon 70-200, it's an excellent lens. The 70-200 will stay with you for a long while and if you need the 300/4 later, you can supplement your lenses then, but the 70-200 is just more versatile than the 300/4.

[Photogdude]

if you have the money get the zoom and a teleconverter then you have the best of both worlds

[TxTowman]

will the zoom auto focus with a teleconverter?

[KenJulio]

If I'm not mistaken, the Nikon teleconverters are AF-S, so they should autofocus on the d3100 with the Nikon 70-200

[tc95]

Mike...here's another suggestion...on the D3100...both the Nikon/Tamron will focus at the same speed...might want to maybe pick up the Tamron 70-200mm which is half the cost...if you want a faster focus...the Sigma 70-200 HSM will focus faster on the 3100 body...than the older 70-200 AFS...the newer Nikon 70-200 is just as fast as the Sigma...

Both the Sigma and Tamron are half the price of the Nikon...

Just a thought...

[wwong]

That extra $1K will buy you: 1-stop, which at marginal situation could mean lower ISO (less noise), or sharp vs blurry pics (shutter speed), VR, and flexibility.

On a DX body, the 70-200 will give a FOV eqv. of 105-300, which is decent for the aforementioned activities. Add a 1.4x TC will give you 98-280/f4 (FOV eqv to 147-420) without loosing AF or significant (if so slightly) PQ.

The 300/4, while a great lens itself, are more specific (FOV eqv to 450/f4) and might be too much reach. Unless you know you will be taking a lot of shots at "450mm", 70-200 is way more flexible.

[therookie]

Thanks for all the replies, I think the 70-200mm f/2.8 is what would work best for me. The few people I've talked to say to stay with Nikkor lenses. Sigma was mentioned as an alternative, are they any good? Junk?

[tc95]

I shoot a lot of Alt-Lenses...Tokina/Tamron/Sigma...with any lens...they are produced on an assembly line...even with the Manufactures lenes...if it has a slight back or front focus issue...send it to the company have them Spec it out...should be free as long as you have a receipt...if you buy it used...then you probably got a deal and the cost is usually less than $100USD...

I have had to do this on Nikon/Sigma/Tamron/Tokina/Sony lenses that I own...but when they do come back...they are spot on...

So to answer your question...no Sigma's are not Junk...they fit a need...that need is a $1199.00 price point new...and $550-800 price point used...vs...Nikon $2399.00 new vs $2100-1990 used...

There is another option that Sigma has too...Sigma 50-150 2.8...for about $900 new...

Good Luck...

[therookie]

70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APOMacro HSM II - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com



Is this the lense your refering to?

[tc95]

Yup thats the one...

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by therookie

Thanks for all the replies, I think the 70-200mm f/2.8 is what would work best for me. The few people I've talked to say to stay with Nikkor lenses. Sigma was mentioned as an alternative, are they any good? Junk?

I own the Sigma with OS and it's AMAZING!

Originally Posted by therookie

70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APOMacro HSM II - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com



Is this the lense your refering to?

I would HIGHLY recomend the OS (Optical Stability) version. Especially if you are shooting indoors. It is the first 70-200 Alternate lens to offer this and it provides 4 stops just like the Nikon. In fact, Nikon is suing Sigma over the technology.

70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM | sigmaphoto.com

Retail is listed at $2,470 but you can actually buy it new for $1,400:

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera: Camera & Photo

[PEC]

my 2 cents (owning both the 70-200 AFS and the 300/4)

Go for the 70-200.

I have owned Sigma EX lenses before:
* Build quality is good
* potentially a bit lower Quality assuarance from the factory - more sample variation (just means you have to send it back for tweaking more frequently than with Nikon)
* If you need to sell the lens, Nikon AFS will hold it's value better

Just my thinking... good luck!

[therookie]

I bought the Sigma with OS. What indications would I see to tell me lens needs to be tweaked or spec'ed out by the factory

[PEC]

Back focusing or front focusing are the noel issues