Tamron 70-200VR - Nikkor 70-200 f4

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fhibbs12

Senior Member
Does anyone have any side by side shots of the 2? Same subject same everything? Or does anyone own both? Primarily outdoor portraits in available light. Weight is no concern. 'Occasional' indoor shooting but in situations where I am comfortable pounding up the iso and or flash. Im just looking for the best possible iq/reliability. Is the nano coating worth all the hype?

Ive finally got the money saved up for a 70-200 and if i don't buy one soon I have a feeling Ill be buying the new 58 prime.... lol Would love to quit swapping between my 50 and 85 lol
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
I've shot both, but bought the Nikon f4, wanted the lighter weight for hiking. For outdoor portraits and without concern for weight, I'd get the Tamron VC 2.8. Sorry no pics, just my impressions.
 
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fhibbs12

Senior Member
I have nikkor 50/85 1.8g's... The problem I am constantly running into is..... When I have the 50 on I am constantly wanting wider. When I got the 85 on I am still cropping alot in post to get closer.....

I've had 2 sigma 35 1.4's both had focus issues..... However, everytime I glance through my shots, the ones I took with the 35 1.4 stand out and have that wow factor. Im really debating just going with the sigma 35 1.4 and tammy 70-200vr....
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
fhibbs12 said:
I have nikkor 50/85 1.8g's... The problem I am constantly running into is..... When I have the 50 on I am constantly wanting wider. When I got the 85 on I am still cropping alot in post to get closer.....

I've had 2 sigma 35 1.4's both had focus issues..... However, everytime I glance through my shots, the ones I took with the 35 1.4 stand out and have that wow factor. Im really debating just going with the sigma 35 1.4 and tammy 70-200vr....
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Excellent combo, I sold my 50 and 85. I just don't shoot much between 35 and 70. For the mid range I'm waiting for the sigma 24-70 2.0
 
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fhibbs12

Senior Member
I have not watched it but if you're referring to using the Metadata to figure out which focal length I use the most there is no need. I shoot portraits with a 50 and 85 prime.

50 doesn't feel wide enough for my scenic portraits and I tend to be always cropping my outdoors portraits when using the 85.

So I know the data. I know I want the siggy 35. My problem is the nikon 70-200 f4 or tamron 70-200 2.8. I'm looking for a 2 lens solution for my outdoor on location work. Seniors/engagements/familys.

My 2 options are debating between are the

Sigma 35 1.4 + nikon 70-200f4 (or tamron)
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
fhibbs12 said:
Rick, how do you feel about the bike of the f4. Basically, is it even close to my 85 1.8?
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​If you are close to the subject, it's ok, but no where near the 1.8. Go with the 2.8 for Bokeh, If it wasn't for hiking, I would have gone with the 2.8. But I also don't use the 70-200 a lot, so the price of the f4 was attractive too.
 
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fhibbs12

Senior Member
Rick M said:
So you returned two 35 1.4's? and you are going to buy another?
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well the first one was user error.... Second one was just back focusing which I could have fixed with the adapter. I basically talked my self out of keeping them feeling like I could get the same look from my 50. So when I look back on the shots I took with it for the two weeks I drool at the fact that I sent it back. It was my first 1.4 so my hit rate was low and I assumed it was lens and not technique. It was obviously my technique.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
fhibbs12 said:
well the first one was user error.... Second one was just back focusing which I could have fixed with the adapter. I basically talked my self out of keeping them feeling like I could get the same look from my 50. So when I look back on the shots I took with it for the two weeks I drool at the fact that I sent it back. It was my first 1.4 so my hit rate was low and I assumed it was lens and not technique. It was obviously my technique.
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I had similar issues and part of the problem is auto-focus systems struggle with f1.4. I was concerned that the in-camera fine tune put it at +19 so I bought the dock. It took me about 6 hours with the dock to get it tuned perfectly (allot of trial/error), mainly because you are tuning 4 distances. It is spot on now. At it's minimum distance its 50/50 with auto, but I've also noticed the focus "box" is not accurate up close either (covers too much area) so I think it's more the camera then the lens. After learning and tuning, it is my favorite lens. I've decided 35 is my standard and the 50 was just collecting dust. The only thing I feel I'm lacking now is a people/event lens which I hope will be the Sigma 24-70 f2. The four lenses in my signature satisfies everything else.
 
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jrleo33

Senior Member
I would suggest a Nikkor 35mm F/2D, and the Nikkor 70-200mm F/4G. I am not sure what camera you are using; if it is the D600, you can use the DX mode with the 35mm, and have a focal length of 52mm, and the 70-200mm for you second lens. I own the 70-200mm F/4, and it is an outstanding lens. Just a thought…
 
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