Nikon 70-200 f/4 vs a Sigma or Tamron 70-200 f/2.8

DiamondDave

DiamondDave

New member
My first post, so be kind! :playful:


I'm looking to buy a decent lens and need some input.

I have a D7100 and am looking for a quality 70-200 lens.

I'd like the fast speed of the 2.8 but the quality of a Nikon (yes, we all know the Nikno 2.8 is $$$.

Can anyone enlighten me on their experiences with the Nikon 70-200 f/4? Do you feel that loss of a stop is ok?
 
C

carguy

Senior Member
Welcome to the community!

It really depends on what you are shooting or plan to shoot.

I went with the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 VC earlier this year. I shoot youth sports and concerts/music venues in dark conditions. The f2.8 was important to me.

It is usually mentioned that the Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 can be a good alternative as well, or even the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR (first version) which can sell for $1,000-1,200 USD in good used condition.
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I love the f4 series of zooms and use them over the f2.8 counterparts. I'm trying to remember what well known wildlife photographer (it's on here somewhere) ditched his f2.8 for the f4, but he did, mainly for the weight, and if he thought the IQ was good enough why shouldn't I? I got it two years ago and haven't regretted it for a day.
 
R

rocketman122

Senior Member
id also recommend the tamron 70-200 VC 2.8. my friend ditched 2 nikon 70-200 VR2 2.8 for the tamron. no joke. ill go to his house and do a video. I have the VR1. nice lens. I didnt upgrade to the VR2 only because of the heavy focus breathing it has. you cant compose as tight as the VR1. the reason one goes with 2.8 over 4 is not only because of more light/brighter VW, which btw, saved my ass many times when I had to shoot at 2.8 and my D3s was maxing out at iso 8000. the other reason is the creamier blur. just like someone goes for the 85 1.4 vs the 1.8 which is only 2/3 stops but shows in images.

NKT_4228 copy.jpg

the one whos leaning over is my friend who went to compete and he was watching some of the contests and was getting nervous. so basically no 2.8 I would been screwed. not the best quality image but acceptable and I got the shot. not with f/4 as youd have to underexpose and bump it in PP. and this was shot straight jpeg.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
The Nikon 70-200mm f/4 G ED VR is nice but I wouldn't dream of trading it for my Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD. The Tammy is flat out amaaaaaazing.
.....
 
M

Moab Man

Senior Member
I have shot with both the Nikon and the Tamron. I am absolutely in love with the Tamron and I don't really give any serious edge to 1 lens over the other except for cost.
 
Top