Sigma ot Tamron 70-200mm for soccer?

<p>I just bought a Nikon D90 and while I'm waiting for it to arrive I've been looking for a lens to add. I'd like a good zoom lens. I have an old 70-300mm 4-5.6 lens that I've used in the past for soccer. It did a decent job on sunny days but I'd like something faster. I don't think I can swing the price for a Nikon 70-200mm vr so I was looking at the Sigma or Tamron. Does anyone have any opinions on these lenses? Thank you!</p>

<p>I've been looking for a similar lens as well. From what I have researched the Sigma seems to be a better buy. The main issue versus the Tamron was the AF performance. Also another lens you could consider is the older Nikon 80-200 ED 2.8 lens. It came out before the VR, but still gives great results.</p>

<p>Donna -</p>

<p>The Nikon 70-200 VR I / II are the holy grails in youth sports photography for Nikon shooters. They are very fast on the AF, delivery excellent quality and at wide open (F2.8) provide the perfect fade out for backgrounds.</p>

<p>The problem with them (which you've accurately identified) is the price - for the parent who's shooting shots of their children and friends, or for the starting pro - they're expensive. It never ceases to amaze me though at events I'm shooting, how many parents in the stands have the 70-200 Nikon glass...</p>

<p>For my money - the Sigma is as good as the Nikon and is less than 1/2 the price. The only thing that the sigma doesn't have that the Nikon does is VR - which shooting sports - you probably don't need anyhow.</p>

<p>Dave</p>

 

<p>Sigma just announced a new 70-200 f/2.8 with OS, their version of VR. It is not out yet, and there has been no word on price, but that may be a viable option as well...</p>

<p>yes, according to the reviews i've read the tamron is excellent optically but slow focusing. for sports i would go with the sigma.</p>

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<p>Quiote "The Nikon 70-200 VR I / II are the holy grails in youth sports photography for Nikon shooters. They are very fast on the AF, delivery excellent quality and at wide open (F2.8) provide the perfect fade out for backgrounds."<br>

..even better for all of those is the 200 f2! Heavier and no zoom versatility, and costs a fortune, but that's what I'd call the Holy Grail!<br>

Steve</p>

 

 

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<p>I've also read theat the Sigma is bit faster to AF than the Tamron. I bought the Sigma a few yrs ago and now ready to move up to the Nikon version. So, my Sigma is for sale if interested.</p>

<p>I've shot hundreds of great sports images and also some HS concert photos using the higher ISO's on the D300S. Started with the D70S.</p>

<p>I currently shoot soccer with a 200/2 AI and 400/2.8 AIS with and without a TC-14B or TC-16A (autofocus converter). I have been using various primes for soccer for the past 9 years and would prefer a zoom. Deciding on the right one is a challenge. Even on a crop body a lens into the 300mm range is better for soccer, I prefer to be able to get to 400mm. My preference for an xx-200/2.8 would be a used Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 ED AF-S. It accepts the Nikon teleconverters. I would add at least a 1.4x for half the game.</p>

<p>Unfortunately the Nikon 80-400 apparently has slower focusing, but I do not know if it would be a problem for soccer or not. It's range is perfect and it is said to be reasonably sharp.</p>

<p>Another option I have recently discovered is the Sigma 100-300mm f4 APO EX HSM, which has it's own fast focus motor. Good range, nice fixed aperture, and might even be useful with a 1.4x. These are priced a little high as new lenses but good deals can be found on used ones. I wish Nikon made one of these, and without the expense of VR.</p>

<p>I don't have either but can tell you from reading quite a bit about both the majority says the Tamron focuses quite slow for sports so I'd go with the Sigma.</p>

<p>But I also throw in a vote for the AF-D 80-200 2.8 Nikon. I use it a lot for sports on my D300 and it works great. But if it isn't in your budget(look at used) then I say Sigma.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone. I did end up going with the Sigma. I wish I had seen your post before I ordered it Steve as I would have been interested in yours. I'm from MA and saw you had photos from the Bay State Games so I'm guessing you are too. </p>

<p>@ Steve Hopkins, I sent you an email - may be interested in the lens I have Nikon D90. Thanks!</p>