Which standard zoom lens?

[nuke]

Hey all,

I've been looking around for a standard zoom 2.8 lens. Nikon's are very nice, but they also carry a hefty price tag.

I have been thinking about the others (i.e. Sigma, Tokina, Tamron). While they are not Nikon, they have been known to put out some decent lenses at over half the price. Just wondering which ones you all like. I know Sigma has two different lenses in the 2X-70 2.8 range.

Thanks everyone,
Mike

[Davidtxs]

Theres a good reviews on the Tokina and Sigma models on fm I didnt see one on the tamron but i may have just missed it. I recently had some extra money to spend and had to decide between the sigma 70 200 2.8 and the 10 20 wide angle OR go with the Nikon 70 200 VR I chose the VR simply because if you have a chance to get that quality of glass you dont pass it up and im glad i didnt, i have heard great things about the sigma though. Good luck
Sigma review
Tokina Review

[nuke]

Oh, I guess you misread. I am looking for a 24-70 range. I already have the Nikon 200

[Davidtxs]

wuups yep i did sorry about that i do have the tamron 28 75 2.8 and love it i know lots of people on here use it
good luck

[Steve y0]

I have This 24-70 sigma and i love it. It never leaves my camera. Quality is a lot better than my canon 18-55 kit lens. The 2.8 f# is great too.

[Tom]

If you are going against Nikon/Canon - grab the Tamron 28-75 2.8. I love it.

[jerry830]

Ditto on the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. A great lens.

[satyr]

I say the Tamron 28-75 as well. best bang for the buck out there.

[evil4blue]

Well the Sigma has focus speed with HSM. The Tamron is the best optical quality. The Tokina probably has the best build and compatibility to you Nikons.

The decision is easy buy the Nikon 28-70 or 17-55 and know you're getting the absolute best of each of the above categories. Sorry, but after having the Tamron (which is, in fact, very nice) it's nowhere near as good as my Nikkor 28-70 AF-S f/2.8.

If you have to get third party, go to the camera store and play with each.

[Joshua]

another vote for the Tamron 24-70 2.8

[Glen_A]

Originally Posted by satyr

I say the Tamron 28-75 as well. best bang for the buck out there.

I agree.

[rozzie]

Big fan of the Tamron 28-75 as well... not planning to "upgrade" to the Canon L 24-70 anytime soon.

[nuke]

Thanks everyone for your input! Now, what is the difference between the 24-70 and 28-75, other than the focal length?

[crazeazn]

i think its the same for canon or nikon.

if u can afford it get the canon L 2.8 or the nikon 2.8

if not get the tamron Xr Di Aspherical Holy Grail Wazoo Type S Zero 28-75 2.8 (its a stellar lense if u can get your hands on a good copy)

from Fredmiranda this is what i usually see about the regular 2.8s:
1. tamron A: good price, tack sharp if good copy D: bad copy, build quality not as strong as others
2. sigma A: another good price, can be super sharp if good copy D: 82mm filter, flimsy build quality, sometimes can have compatiblitliy issues
3. tokina A: good price, excellent build quality D: not really usable @ 2.8 (from my experience), manual mode is a bit weird (i didnt quite understand the switch and push/pull manual)

personally i went through two tokina's a ATX PRO SV 28-70 2.8 to a ATX PRO 28-80 2.8 and decided they were both not really usable @ 2.8. i bought a canon L and havent looked back.