Pre Order Jitters:)

[D40]

Well I have been saving for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM Macro for a while now and I am about $200 shy of that goal. It started out as I was needing more zoom range and after shooting at a low lit play I saw the need for a fast zoom lens. The 3 I have looked at have been:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/449088-USA/Nikon_2161_70_300mm_f_4_5_6G_AF_S_VR.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408518-USA/Nikon_2159_18_200mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_IF_AF_S.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/435161-USA/Sigma_569306_70_200mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html

I am not a pro photographer by ANY means but I have shot at to events were the lighting was not favorable for Photographers and because of those 2 experiences I have turned to the Sigma. I guess just want to make sure the Sigma will not be to much lens for a Amature like myself. The Sigma is still #1 on the list and I will probably be ordering from B&H with the 7 year warrenty thing. I gues I just needed talk to someone as no one in my family thinks about photography Thanks all

 

[JerryPH]

Sigma is always nice. I have 2 in my bag now. BTW, Adorama lists the 70-200mm F2.8 for $818+ shipping. Better price than B&H Photo.

 

[D40]

Thanks I will check that out for sure. How is there Reputation?

 

[Don Simon]

Sigma's reputation is good, but some people will always insist that one brand or other is best, or judge a whole company based on one poor experience with a cheap lens. Reputation aside, the important thing to remember is that just like Tamron, Tokina, and just like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus etc, Sigma make lenses at different levels of price and quality. With the 70-200mm f/2.8 you are getting a top quality lens with excellent optical and build quality.

 

[D40]

One question, I am hearing some talk of the Sigma being soft at f/2.8, is this normal for lens like this?

 

[JIP]

Whatever you do, do not buy the 18-200 especially if you are using it for low-light photography. I think the Sigma you have selected is an excellent lens for your uses. You will certainly benefit from a 2.8 lens.

 

[D40]

Thank you so much! I am going for the Sigma!

 

[Steph]

One question, I am hearing some talk of the Sigma being soft at f/2.8, is this normal for lens like this?

Most lenses are not at their best when wide opened. You need to stop down a bit for better sharpness. The Sigma is probably no exception.

 

[Don Simon]

It is softer at f/2.8 - as Steph says, most lenses perform better when stopped down one or two stops from maximum aperture. However I would not say it's actually soft; not in the way that cheap zooms are soft at max aperture.