Sigma OR Nikon 80-200mm 2.8f

I have been looking at lenses in the 70-200mm range for my D200, and want to shoot sports with it. I am torn

between going witht the older style nikon 80-200mm f2.8D ED AF Zoom-Nikkor ($1040.00cdn) or the sigma 70-

200mm f2.8 II APO EX DG Macro HSM (920.00cdn) . I know that nikon lenses are better quality, but with the sigma

you get more feutures. Should i buy the nikon or the sigma.

 

Will 1 be noticeably better than the other?

You kind of answered your own question.

I recall over 20 years ago when an advert appeared for an early home computer. It was compared with a Cray XMP 48 supercomputer. In terms of features the home computer won, though the Cray did have external seating.

 

Having never used either lens, but with experience of third party lenses, I'd say get the pro-Nikkor. I bet it gives a more contrasty image. The mechanics will be better.

You should probably add the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro lens to your list.

NIKON or Tamron.

Find a used Nikon on ebay and save more money. It is a great lens, with a close up lens on the front of it makes a killer macro lens.<div></div>

After trying 3 new copies of the Nikkor 80-200 AF-D and finding that all had backfocus issues with my D200, I gave

up and got the Tamron 70-200. It's a wonderful lens, at least as sharp and contrasty as the Nikkor (the last copy of

which I still have so I can compare them easily). The only gripe from some owners is the focus speed, but I haven't

been bothered by it. I shot my dog running toward me and 10 of 14 frames were good. Whether this applies to the

kind of sports you'll be shooting, I don't know.

 

Here's a shot from yesterday:<div></div>

What is a/the backfocus issue you talk about with the d200?

 

Chad

Just search this forum or google "Nikon 80-200 backfocus" and you'll have plenty to read.

 

Essentially, the Nikkor dates from the film camera design days and Nikon acknowledges that from 135-200mm at close camera to subject distances, digital cameras may think they have locked focus (indicator lit) when the image is actually NOT focused. This is especially evident at large apertures. Nikon advises manually focusing in these situations.

 

Some users report that their lenses operate flawlessly and don't seem to be affected by this anomaly. Others, like myself, are not so lucky. If you buy one of the Nikkors, make sure you deal with a seller with a liberal return policy.