Sigma 55-200 or tokina 24-200

[amarie]

I'm looking to buy an extra zoom with more range then I currently own. I don't

want to spend a tone on this lens, because I won't use it too often. I've read

some good things about the two lenses i just mentioned, so i'm wondering if

anyone has any preferences and why. I shoot with a D70 and use often the

lens kit and a 50 1.8 prime. I also have a nikon 35-105mm 3.5-4, and if the

quality of the sigma 55-200 and tokina 24-200 doesn't match my older 35-105

then I might as well not even get either of them and stick to what i have.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[tristanlaing]

Why not get a nikkor 70-300g? or a 70-210 AF nonD (D is much more expensive because of

fast focus, but they are optically the same)

[richard_laepple]

My situation was equal. I owned both the Sigma and the Tokina. The Sigma is an old zoom design with rotating front and a noisy and slow AF. I found it annoying and sold the lens after some months to get the Tokina. This lens has internal focus which is an advantage, but mine got focus problems very soon, the shutter of my D70 could not fire. It worked ok after a warranty-service, but I sold it too when the Nikkor 55-200 came out. I got the Nikkor, it's still in use and IMO the best lens for a D70 in this price and zoom range. Another option could be the Nikkor 28-200 (if you don't want to spend the money for a 18-200).