Nikon 70-200VR or Sigma 70-200 HSM + Sigma 150 Macro

[jangliss]

I'm stuck in a quandary. I'm not a professional, and really don't consider myself that good, and I'm now pondering my next lens(es)... again. As it's bonus time at work, I've been given permission by the wife (she loves me ;)) to get a new lens.

I've been drooling over the Nikon 70-200VR for ages, for good reason too. From what I understand, and postings on here, it's an amazing lens. But at $1,500 it's quite expensive ;) While I was looking around a while back, I came across a Sigma 70-200 which had very good performance, and reviews too. The benefit is it ends up coming out about half the price, but you lose VR. From what I've read, it's quite a good lens, though there has been a couple of comments about it getting soft focus at f2.8 @ 200mm, but this could be due to the point of focus.

I've also been looking at the Sigma 150mm Macro, which also has some pretty good reviews. With the price on the 70-200VR, I could just squeeze in the two Sigmas.

What do you guys think?

[AdamN]

Have you shot with the 70-200VR before? If not, I would HIGHLY recommend renting one. It's an amazing lens for sure. Arlington Camera has it to rent for $35 a day so you might want to stop by there and check it out. If you will be shooting alot of low light photos, I think it would be worth the extra money. I took some evening shots with VR on and around 1/30th to 1/2 second and they came out very well. If your going to be shooting every now and then in low light, a monopod and the Sigma would be good too. Although I have never shot with the Sigma version before so I'm not sure how well it performs. HTH

[Wes]

The 70-200VR is an amazing piece of glass, no doubt. Just remember that's, in the end, it's really just a tool. It's not the tool that makes the craftsman; it's the talent behind the tool. I rented the 70-200 from Arlington several times before actually purchasing it. As great of a lens as it is, I probably would not have bought it if I didn't have the need for it when it comes to shooting sports. I've been amazed at what this thing can do on a baseball field.

[Debbi]

It really depends on what you will be shooting. If you won't have access to a monopod/tripod, it is a great lens. If your camera will be on a tripod, you might want to check out Nikon's 80-200. Also a great lens but under the 1k price.

[Michael Lyons]

we have the sigma 70-200 now, its a great lens, espically for the price. We might step up and get the VR when its needed

[boxofrocks]

Do you want the sharpest, most vivid shots of your life? Then get the Nikkor.

If "good enough" will do, get the Sigmas. It's really that simple.

There's a reason it's expensive, and it's not just because it says Nikkor on the side.

[jangliss]

I was thinking of renting the 70-200VR to give it a shot. ZipLens has it for $55/week, plus about $27 for shipping in both directions. I should have it either Friday or Monday.

[c995990]

I originally purchased the Nikkor 80-200 and when I tried my friends Nikkor 70-200, I ended up selling the 80-200 to get the 70-200. I am quite frugal, but inspite of the cost of the lens, it is the only photographic tool I bought were I didn't have buyers remorse. It is an excellent lens and is my favorite.

boxofrocks said it right!

[DJ.]

I can only say that the 70-200 vr is a very versatile lens that produces produces excellent images. I don't use the VR all the time but it is there if you need it to get the shot in a low light, hand held, or panning situation.

[boxofrocks]

Let's just say you'll have a lot harder time finding an unhappy owner of the Nikkor than the Sigma equivalent.

I've never heard of anyone getting buyer's remorse after buying the VR. I'm sure somebody can tell you a story about one, but they're exceedingly rare.

[Hanky]

I just got one a couple weeks ago and the honymoon aint over yet!
Um having said that I have had her long enough to know that there is so
much I dont know and probably I am no where near capble of makin her sing.
No regrets however.

[Silvernic]

I love my Sigma! AWESOME lense for half the price.

[hhscr]

No comparison to me, save up for the VR.

You will not be disapointed.
JMHO

[Murph]

I love my 70-200mm VR, its my finest lens, and possibly the best one I have ever owned.

[Davidtxs]

i was in the exact same spot last year it was either the 70 200VR OR the sigma 70 200 AND the sigma 10 20 for about the same price i posted a message just like yours and PeteQ was the first to respond (if you have a chance the get the 70 200VR GET it its worth the difference i followed his suggestions and got it antd then saved up for the sigma 10 20 it was the right decsion like boxofrocks said if you want the sharpest pictures possible get the vr