New lens recommendations

DCooke

New member
Hi All,

I've been shooting junior football games for a season using a d3200 and a Sigma DG 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens and getting some pretty decent results. (example below)

DSC_0117.jpg

I grabbed an opportunity to upgrade to a d7200 and looking for recommendations on lenses. Budget is a consideration as I do this for fun, so max is around £1k and I have been looking at the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VRII and the Sigma 70-200mm DG OS HSM Sports.

Both are around the same price point, so wondering if I go with the quality of the older Nikkor lens or the new tech in the Sigma?

Any advice recommendations, would be appreciated.

Thanks
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I haven't used that particular version of the Sigma lens but did own the previous Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS version that I purchased new. I traded it in on a (then) new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRii. There was a world of difference in quality.

The Nikon has nicer bokeh, more contrast, and hands down was sharper than the Sigma. But since I've never used the Sigma model you mentioned, I can't offer any comparisons.

Does the Sigma connect to the dock for firmware updates? That's something you should consider. The Sigma weighs 4 pounds (based on B&H's web site) whereas the Nikon VRii weighs 3.2 pounds. If you've never used anything as heavy as either lens, then you should at least try one and see if the weight is an issue.

If you ever decide to get a teleconverter, you'd have to go with a Sigma brand for the Sigma lens or a Kenko brand that probably wouldn't be quite as sharp. If you go with the Nikon lens, then you could get a Nikon teleconverter. Down the road, have you considered what brand lenses you might want to invest in - especially longer lenses? I'm just thinking ahead about using a teleconverter with other lenses in the future should you ever decide to go that route. Good luck with whatever you choose. :)
 

Danno

Senior Member
Welcome to the Forum. I hope you enjoy it here. I have not used the lenses you discuss. When I upgraded I went to the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 G2 and have loved it. I used it on my D7200, D700 and now in my Z6.

I would be hard pressed to pick between the Sigma and Nikon.
 

carguy

Senior Member
Hi All,

I've been shooting junior football games for a season using a d3200 and a Sigma DG 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens and getting some pretty decent results. (example below)

View attachment 318658

I grabbed an opportunity to upgrade to a d7200 and looking for recommendations on lenses. Budget is a consideration as I do this for fun, so max is around £1k and I have been looking at the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VRII and the Sigma 70-200mm DG OS HSM Sports.

Both are around the same price point, so wondering if I go with the quality of the older Nikkor lens or the new tech in the Sigma?

Any advice recommendations, would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hello - Nice shot there :)

It sounds like you are shooting for pay? If so, I recommend finding a new or used Nikon 70-200mm VR2 or current.

If not, look at the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC The G2 costs a bit more and you are unlikely to see much of a difference. I recommend the Nikon & Tamron over the Sigma version of this focal range.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

Nice shot. I would see if you can borrow or rent the lenses, then you can determine which will work better for you.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Hi All,

I've been shooting junior football games for a season using a d3200 and a Sigma DG 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens and getting some pretty decent results. (example below)

I grabbed an opportunity to upgrade to a d7200 and looking for recommendations on lenses. Budget is a consideration as I do this for fun, so max is around £1k and I have been looking at the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VRII and the Sigma 70-200mm DG OS HSM Sports.

Both are around the same price point, so wondering if I go with the quality of the older Nikkor lens or the new tech in the Sigma?

Any advice recommendations, would be appreciated.

Thanks
I'm confused by the nomenclature of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 you're asking about. Are you maybe referring to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II? I ask because you say both lenses are "around the same price point". That made me stop because I couldn't think of a Nikon f/2.8 70-200mm that sold for twelve-hundred dollars. After some shopping around it looks to me that a retail-boxed version of the Nikon f/2.8G ED VR II goes for around $2,100.00, while the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, also in a retail box, is about a $1,200.00 lens. Or maybe I'm confused... There are so many f/2.8 70-200mm's out there I lost count a long time ago. I just want to be sure we're making an accurate comparison.
 

DCooke

New member
I'm confused by the nomenclature of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 you're asking about. Are you maybe referring to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II? I ask because you say both lenses are "around the same price point". That made me stop because I couldn't think of a Nikon f/2.8 70-200mm that sold for twelve-hundred dollars. After some shopping around it looks to me that a retail-boxed version of the Nikon f/2.8G ED VR II goes for around $2,100.00, while the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, also in a retail box, is about a $1,200.00 lens. Or maybe I'm confused... There are so many f/2.8 70-200mm's out there I lost count a long time ago. I just want to be sure we're making an accurate comparison.

Hi, thanks for this, I had the same problem identifying different versions etc, But yes to confirm it was the > 2009 VR II version, in the UK I'm looking at a immaculate used one currently selling for £1,000 maybe I've got lucky but prices seem to be around the £1k to £1.3k
 

DCooke

New member
Hello - Nice shot there :)

It sounds like you are shooting for pay? If so, I recommend finding a new or used Nikon 70-200mm VR2 or current.

If not, look at the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC The G2 costs a bit more and you are unlikely to see much of a difference. I recommend the Nikon & Tamron over the Sigma version of this focal range.

I'm still doing it for fun, and trying to improve my technique so still self funded, but something I really enjoy. I had a bad injury so havent played for a while, this keeps me involved in the game I love :)

I've found a very good VR2, so as a few people have suggested I will try and arrange a visit to check it out and make sure I'm happy with the feel of it.
 

DCooke

New member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

Nice shot. I would see if you can borrow or rent the lenses, then you can determine which will work better for you.

Thank you, very kind of you to say :) thats a great idea, I will look into that also.
 

Andy W

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum!

Of the lenses mentioned previously, the only one I have had any experience with is my wife's Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 G2. It works very well.
 

carguy

Senior Member
I'm still doing it for fun, and trying to improve my technique so still self funded, but something I really enjoy. I had a bad injury so havent played for a while, this keeps me involved in the game I love :)

I've found a very good VR2, so as a few people have suggested I will try and arrange a visit to check it out and make sure I'm happy with the feel of it.
Awesome! You cannot go wrong with Nikon glass for sure. Enjoy it and share some results :)
 

DCooke

New member
I've checked out some of the reviews on the Tamron G2 and it does look awesome, Froknow reviewed it against the latest nikon 70-200mm with very similar results, definitely worth considering, thanks.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I've checked out some of the reviews on the Tamron G2 and it does look awesome, Froknow reviewed it against the latest nikon 70-200mm with very similar results, definitely worth considering, thanks.
You might want to check out Dustin Abbott's review of the Tamron 70-200mm G2 if you're considering buying one.

In my opinion he's one of the best, most thorough gear reviewers out there.
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
I have a Tamron SP 70-200MM F2.8 and a Nikon AF-S 70-300MM 1:4.5-5.6G, I will use the Nikon vs the Tamron 90% of the time. I like the longer zoom and the lighter weight of the Nikon. You can get a refurbished nikon 70-300 and many other camera goodies with in your budget.
 

harleridr

Senior Member
Hi
I have a older 80-200 f2.8. AF d series two ring, built like a tank,tack sharp, in fact it is still in production, takes extenders with no problem.
Harle
 

spb_stan

Senior Member
I have used all the current and past 70-200 and for build, retaining value, IQ and speed, I would recommend a used Nikkor VR II G or a new Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2. I have both the VR and VR II Nikkor and both are real workhorses and until the Tamron G2, there was not much competition and both are well suited to the Z cameras if you plan on upgrading the body eventually.
The IQ, out of focus rendering, sharpness and contrast on these two lenses make them suitable for everything from sports/wildlife to portraits. Even the VR older model is excellent for portraits on Dx or Fx but a little soft in the corners on FX for shooting architecture or landscape. The center is plenty sharp and it does not have the breathing problem when zooming at wide apertures that the VRII has. Built as well as they are, buying used is a very good option.
I have many lenses but the 70-200 2.8 has be used on more of my photos than any other lens.

Here is a photo taken yesterday in the park next to my home in the city center using the older 70-200 VR 2.8, so it is still a very useful lens:
park1 (200 of 1).jpg
 
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