Sigma 70-200 vs Nikkor 80-200

[Winnie]

Folks,

I have owned a Sigma 70-200 APO HSM lens for a while now, bought it used from a camera shop so no warranty past the 90 days given by the shop. Of late it has been causing me some issues and looking back I believe they existed way back when I had my D70 but due to my shooting style I didn't notice it. On my D200, while shooting soccer, it has become apparent that the right side of all images is pretty soft.

My question to you is should I pay to get it fixed by Sigma or sell it and buy something else? My reasoning to sell it would that it's not that sharp before f5.6 so maybe a used 2 ring 80-200 would be better. I don't think an AFS version is within budget, likewise the 70-200vr. For sports on a D200 will the older non AFS 80-200 be usuable? It's not my main interest so it would be occasional only but I would like to have a lens that performs.

Comments welcomed.

Cheers

Alex

[cyclohexane]

For sports on a D200 will the older non AFS 80-200 be usuable?

Yes, it'll work just fine. It's fast enough; we use this combination at work all the time.

[Nikonfreak]

Well, unless you want to take a bath on the lens, you're going to need to get it repaired or be dishonest...neither of which are good options.

So let's assume you'll get it repaired. If so, you'll find the lens is quite good after you get it back. Perhaps you'll decide to keep it.

If that's the case, you'll find that it's pretty much as good as the 80-200 Nikon (some pro's and cons both ways, neither of which are of any super importance IMO). The Nikon exhibits a bit better contrast IMO, and the Sigma sometimes has a little bit of a yellowish cast to it. Both are pretty sharp and perhaps wide open I'd probably give a slight edge to the Nikon in terms of sharpness. OOF areas are rendered nicely on both lenses. Sigma's has the HSM motor and the 80-200 doesn't.

I shot for quite a while with the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 before going to the Nikon 70-200 VR lens. There was nothing particularly wrong wth the Sigma, and it does have the HSM focusing motor (Sigma's equivalent of AF-S). I just chose to go with the Nikon for the VR capability. It's come in handy with the work I do.

Truth is, having it fixed might be the less expensive option. Once it's repaired and working properly, the lens is excellent.

Julio

[Winnie]

Thanks guys, appreciate the thoughts.

I have decided to get it repaired as it's not gonna cost that much. Then if I am still not happy with the performance I can EBAY it with a clear conscience that Sigma gave it a clean bill of health. For my nature, close-up and macro work I probably won't use it that much anyway but would like it to be better for my sons soccer shots.

Cheers

Alex

[badpickev]

thats the way to think

[Winnie]

Originally Posted by badpickev

thats the way to think

Cheers Kev.

Just waiting to hear back from Sigma. The problem was noticable on my friends D70 too so they should be able to replicate it.

Alex