Nikkor vs. Sigma

[Captain IK]

I'm considering another lens for my D60 and have been told (and I agree) that it is best to stick with the Nikkor lenses, however, there is a substantial price difference, between the Nikkor DX VR 18mm-200mm and the Sigma 18mm-200mm. Nikkor goes for $729.00 and the Sigma goes for $399.99.
Is there that much of a difference in quality between these two lenses?
I'm not sure if the Sigma has vibration reduction which would aboviously impact the cost.

 

[chrisburke]

ive never used a sigma lens, but i've been told by the guys in our camera shop that sigma lens are great

 

[stsinner]

I have a Sigma 70-300 that I love.

 

[Samanax]

Many of my Canon shooting buddies feel that Sigma is the best alternative to original Canon lenses. While most use mostly Canon lenses, a few actually have more Sigma lenses in their bags then Canon. They don't seem to feel the same way about Tamron or Tokina lenses though.

The few Nikon shooters that I know also seem to like Sigma as an alternative to Nikkor lenses.

 

[Captain IK]

Thanks,

My next question was going to be about Tamron...but you've answered that.

So generally...all lens aspects being equal...at least as equal as possible...it appears that the Sigma purchase may be a smart one.

 

[Captain IK]

I'm going to head down to the camera shop this afternoon and hopefully ( if they are in stock) compare the two lenses side by side.
I'll let you know the results.

 

[K_Pugh]

I've had cheaper Sigma 70-300 lenses and a cheaper Tamron 18-200mm lens - Hated them all. The Sigma's really needed stopped down and required bright sunlight to really shine.

I had a Tamron 20-40mm SP which was great! and I have the 17-70mm Sigma 2.8 now and it's also great.

If you're buying budget buy Nikon (I would say) but if you have a little more to spend and can afford the 3rd party 'pro' / 'semi-pro' range then I'd probably do that as Pro Nikon lenses are way expensive! lol

 

[Captain IK]

Don't really have abudget...the way business is these days (not photography related) I can't afford to buy fresh air.
However, I don't want to buy junk either so as with all things I am striving for that middle ground. If I have to spend a little more to get a big leap in quality, I will.

 

[AlexColeman]

Don't get the sigma or nikon 18-200, the optical quality is awful, and you will never be happy with the results. Get the nikon 16-85, it is much better optical quality, and is cheaper. As a rule, only buy nikon lenses and hoya or b+w filters.

 

[ANDS!]

Apples and oranges. The 16-85 is a general walk around lens and requires less "compromise" than the 18-200 of either manufacturer. However, with the other two you get the 16-85's vibration reduction system, as well as an all-in-one lens. Optics are going to "suffer" when you stuff so much into one system, but I wouldn't even begin to classify the Nikon as "awful". The 18-200 Sigma is rated at about the same quality as the Nikon.

 

[Dubious Drewski]

As a rule, only buy nikon lenses and hoya or b+w filters.

Sorry, but that's a terrible rule.

My rule: buy what works. Don't buy a lens because of what name is on it, buy a lens based on reviews and price.


Sigma lenses are hit and miss. You can often tell by the price. Is that telephoto lens about $170? You'll get what you pay for. I sell those cheap things and I can tell you they aren't worth much. But the high-end sigmas on the other hand are quite spectacular things. So you have to judge on a lens by lens basis.

 

[Captain IK]

Don't get the sigma or nikon 18-200, the optical quality is awful, and you will never be happy with the results. Get the nikon 16-85, it is much better optical quality, and is cheaper. As a rule, only buy nikon lenses and hoya or b+w filters.

The16-85 doesn't come close to the focal length I need. How is the 70-300 Nikkor lens quality? Maybe that would be the way to go as I need the longer focal length more than the wider.

 

[Captain IK]

Ok, here we go,

SO I went to the camera shop to compare the Nikkor 18-200 with the Sigma 18-200 for use with my D60.
...and the winner is....
I don't know because I traded in the D60 for a d90 with 24-120 AF-S VR f3.5

My wife is gonna kill one of you guys for talking me into it.
SO if she calls please just play along.

Thanks

 

[Dubious Drewski]

Haha. Well then. I guess you're set, aren't you.

 

[TJ K]

Ok, here we go,

SO I went to the camera shop to compare the Nikkor 18-200 with the Sigma 18-200 for use with my D60.
...and the winner is....
I don't know because I traded in the D60 for a d90 with 24-120 AF-S VR f3.5

My wife is gonna kill one of you guys for talking me into it.
SO if she calls please just play along.

Thanks

Haha awesome! I have the d90 and it's a fantastic camera. Congrats