I've narrowed down my new lens purchase to 2!!

RockstarPhotography · Mar 9, 2011

Getting ready for a new lens purchase. Have it narrowed down to either the tamron 70-200 2.8 or the nikon 80-200 2.8. I'm seeing pretty good reviews on both so I'm thinking its time to do some renting and find out for myself!

RockstarPhotography · Mar 9, 2011

does anybody know of a place that rents the tamron 70-200? I can't seem to find one.

benhasajeep · Mar 9, 2011

I have had and still use the Nikon 80-200 for about 10 years now. I have the two ring D model that I bought just as the AF-S version was comming out. The 2 ring D is the version made now (never stopped even with the AF-S). I have never owned a Tamron lens so can't give you any information on it. But I have no intentions of selling my 80-200. Even if I do go with a 70-200 AF-S I will be keeping the 80-200 as a spare. Rock solid lens and never a problem with it.

If you decide to get one. Might look into buying a used one from KEH. With it being a mechanical lens I would not worry too much about it not lasting. KEH is very reputable and is known to grade the lens lower than what people expect (good thing). Just make sure you get the 2 ring version. Can probably find the AF-S version used but it was not that popular. Why I don't know, probably seen as taking sales from the first 70-200 AF-S???

ghache · Mar 9, 2011

Most places who rent gear rent nikon or canon only lenses.

kundalini · Mar 9, 2011

LensRentals.com - Rent Canon Lenses and Cameras

RockstarPhotography · Mar 9, 2011

kundalini said:
LensRentals.com - Rent Canon Lenses and Cameras

They have the sigma, but not the tamron

kundalini · Mar 9, 2011

Sorry, I completely missed the third party thing.

photozone.de hasn't reviewed the Tammy 70-200mm, but have the Sigma. It doesn't look like Thom Hogan has either. You might want to check Ken Rockwell's site.

Sigma 70-200mm review.

I've never used third party lenses.... and TBH, I don't know if you shoot Nikon or Canon.

RockstarPhotography · Mar 9, 2011

I shoot nikon, hence why i'm looking at the nikon 80-200 also.

brdy · Mar 9, 2011

kundalini said:
Sorry, I completely missed the third party thing.

photozone.de hasn't reviewed the Tammy 70-200mm, but have the Sigma. It doesn't look like Thom Hogan has either. You might want to check Ken Rockwell's site.

Sigma 70-200mm review.

I've never used third party lenses.... and TBH, I don't know if you shoot Nikon or Canon.

I think you will find Photozone has reviewed the "Tammy 70-200"
Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di LD [IF] macro - APS-C Review / Lab Test
and comes out pretty good

FattyMcJ · Mar 9, 2011

Dear God I hope you haven't made your decision yet....

RockstarPhotography said:
Getting ready for a new lens purchase. Have it narrowed down to either the tamron 70-200 2.8 or the nikon 80-200 2.8. I'm seeing pretty good reviews on both so I'm thinking its time to do some renting and find out for myself!

DO NOT get the Tamron (or for that matter the Nikon 80-200). I have the Tamron, and I'd be willing to let you try it. If anything, get the Sigma. The prices just went up to $999 on the Sigma version II, but a select few places still have it for the $799 price tag, like Allen's Camera in Pennsylvania.

The Nikon 80-200 is old, something like 10+ years old? For a bit more than what I've seen the 80-200 go for, you can get a used 70-200 VR1 locally on CL. A much better deal IMO.