Opinions on Sigma Lenses vs Manufacturer brand: I am in the market for a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and a 70-20mm f2.8. I have used Nikon's lenses in the past. Great quality, sharp images. The...

MS3104 Loc: Kansas City

I am in the market for a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and a 70-20mm f2.8. I have used Nikon's lenses in the past. Great quality, sharp images. The Nikon versions of these lenses are excellent, yet very expensive. I have been reading about the Sigma versions and I'm interested in anyone's experiences with these lenes. In particular I'm looking at the newer versions of the lenses.

ringo Loc: australia

MS3104 wrote:

I am in the market for a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and a 70-20mm f2.8. I have used Nikon's lenses in the past. Great quality, sharp images. The Nikon versions of these lenses are excellent, yet very expensive. I have been reading about the Sigma versions and I'm interested in anyone's experiences with these lenes. In particular I'm looking at the newer versions of the lenses.

have the sigma 70-200 and love it.It's very sharp.it has the os on it, i assume that's what you mean by the latest. I also have the latest 24-70 2.8 hsm,but haven't had it long,no complaints and am very happy with it.It's sharp but not as sharp as one would like at 2.8 but very few lenses are

dasloaf

I was at my local camera shop and they openly recommended the sigma 70-200mmF2.8, saying it was as good as the Canon. When it came to the 24-70mmF2.8, they were not in such a hurry to recommend it. They claimed it was soft and no where as good as the Canon. They're the experts!

Orville H. Brettman Loc: Northern Illinois. USA

My Sigma 70-200 is tack sharp and focus is very quick. I have an 8-16mm as well and would rather give up my right arm than lose it.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

MS3104 wrote:

I am in the market for a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and a 70-20mm f2.8. I have used Nikon's lenses in the past. Great quality, sharp images. The Nikon versions of these lenses are excellent, yet very expensive. I have been reading about the Sigma versions and I'm interested in anyone's experiences with these lenes. In particular I'm looking at the newer versions of the lenses.

I'm very happy with my 17-70 on my T1i, seldom off my camera, Bob.

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

Nikon is first and foremost a lens company. Everything from horrifically expensive microscopes to huge telescopes and everything in-between. I have friends who have 20 x 120 Nikon binoculars off of a Japanese WW2 battleship (heavy tripod mount) and they are unbelievable for light gathering and clarity all the way to the very edge, and they were built in the 30's!

Nikon glass is expensive, but they are built to last and for image quality, not many can really compare. Maybe Leica - but they get even more $$$!

I think you are getting excellent value for actual $$$ spent.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Sigma & Tamron make some very good lenses. However no after market manufacture competes with original manufacture lenses. There is always the one out there that will break the rules though! That seems to be the consensus of most everyone that has tried both though, the general rule. There is definitely a reason that those lenses are so expensive! If you read all the reviews of similar lenses Canon or Nikon will always come out on top.

This is not to say the aftermarket lenses are not very good! It depends on what you want to settle for. A pro will most always go with the manufactures lens but they are trying to make a living with their equipment.

I am not a pro and do own both type of lenses. Another general rule, always buy the bect you can afford and you won't go wrong. It all depends on what you are trying to do.

Jim D

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

i have 2 of the sigma 70-200mm2.8 OS (one for canon and one for nikon) and i LOVE these lenses. my faves.

i have the canon L 24-70 and the nikkor 24-70, so i have no experience with the sigma model of that lens.

sigma lenses i have are great!! i highly recommend them

i had the canon L 70-200mm2.8 with IS and had it stolen from my van. the sigma picture quality is as sharp or better in some instances...(and it's not that awful white/gray color)

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Have used Sigma over the years,no problem.

Drigby1 Loc: American Fork, UT

MS3104, sorry not contributing to string, but I did notice your avatar. Very interesting. I think I know how you did it, but share it anyway if you will.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I have the Sigma 18mm-250mm and I'm very happy with the shot quality.

Pappy

DannyJS Loc: St. Helena Island

I also have the Sigma 18-250mm DC OS HSM Lens on my Nikon D5100 as I didnt really w - so bought the D5100 body & the above Sigma lens. Very happy with the performance of the lens. However NOT all Sigma - OR Nikon lenses get good ratings in pro reviews; - they all "stack up" differently, - so you can just as easily find a mediocre Nikon lens as find a good Sigma lens. Try to find pro reviews on the lens/lenses you are interested in, - then make a choice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

MS3104 wrote:

I am in the market for a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and a 70-20mm f2.8. I have used Nikon's lenses in the past. Great quality, sharp images. The Nikon versions of these lenses are excellent, yet very expensive. I have been reading about the Sigma versions and I'm interested in anyone's experiences with these lenes. In particular I'm looking at the newer versions of the lenses.

Welcome to our forum!

Avatar: Did you get Evan Sharboneau's book?

As for the lens, I like to check lens reviews. There's a substantial difference in price. Would you be able to see that much of a difference in your images?

Lens Reviews
http://kenrockwell.com
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/
http://lens-reviews.com/
http://photozone.de/
http://dpreview.com

Info:
http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html

sbesaw Loc: Boston

MS3104 wrote:

I am in the market for a 24-70mm f2.8 lens and a 70-20mm f2.8. I have used Nikon's lenses in the past. Great quality, sharp images. The Nikon versions of these lenses are excellent, yet very expensive. I have been reading about the Sigma versions and I'm interested in anyone's experiences with these lenes. In particular I'm looking at the newer versions of the lenses.

If you can afford Nikon, get Nikon. They will hold their value and do an exceptional job at IQ and have solid build quality.

That said, if price is an issue, Sigma makes great glass and the 24-70 and 70-200 are two of thier best. Those who have purchased them have been completely satisfied. There is currently an instant $ 100 rebate on the 70-200 and $ 75 on the 24-70 through 9/30

cz3056 Loc: Somewhere in Michigan or Texas

I hav the sigma 70-200mm2.8 OS for a Nikon. Take great pictures. Price is right compaired to Nikon.