Nikon 80-200m f/2.8D vs Sigma HSM II 70-200mm

[Trace63]

Simple enough, Im picking up a D700 this weekend. Between the two lenses which would you guys choose. Focus noise doesnt bother me, its more about speed and more-so optics.

Any opinions?

 

[sierramister]

I have the Sigma 70-200, and I love it!

 

[orb9220]

The Sigma's advantage is it does focus faster than my 80-200 AF-D on the D90. Don't know if the lens would be faster on the D700. Nikon advantage is build & reliability. The Sigma is no slouch but of lesser build.

Sigma minimum focus distance of 39" compared to the nikons 69"
Sigma is at 3lbs while the nikon comes in at 4.85 lbs.

As to the Image IQ they are on par. And comes down to personal preference to pleasing OOF areas or Bokeh.
Colors & Contrast are on equal footing. And really comes down to the little differences that are important to the individual needs.

Just be sure to buy from a reputable dealer with good return/exchange policies. As lens variations can cause front or back focusing issues on a particular combination. So good to give a through workout when getting the lens.
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[Trace63]

does it matter that i can get the nikon for 450 used?

 

[orb9220]

Well depends sounds like the older one-ring push-pull at that price. Which is identical in Image IQ performance. But is slowest to AF of the bunch. And if it is the newer two-ring version at that price.
I would lock you in the trunk of a car till you told me who the seller was!


If it looks like this it is the newer two-ring version. And sells used in the $650-$850 range.


My Gal "Bertha" by Orbmiser, on Flickr

Hope that helps
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[Trace63]

its the push pull system.

 

[MLeeK]

The glass in the sigma lens? Nikkor glass. So... for the faster focus and newer Nikkor glass I'd guess the Sigma would win out.