Tamron or Sigma: I have never owned a third party lens. I use only Nikon glass but I want a couple of new lenses that I will call more of a fun lens than a needed lens. I will use...

guitarbts Loc: Charlotte, NC

I have never owned a third party lens. I use only Nikon glass but I want a couple of new lenses that I will call more of a fun lens than a needed lens.
I will use either Tamron or Sigma. Please let me know which of these two is the better build and optic quality over all.
I would like a macro (90 to 105 or so) and a long zoom like 200-500 or 200-600.
Thanks in advance.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Its a case by case basis.
Some Tamrons are junk, some Sigmas are junk, some Canons are junk, some Nikons are junk.
But some of all of these brands are very good as well.
They all have a premium line.

Nikonian72 just earlier today recommended the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro because of its focus limiter switch to stop the autofocus hunting.
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=5457&review=sigma+105mm+macro+lens+f2.8+fantastic+image+quality

The Tamron 200-500 is junk.
So your options there are Sigma 50-500mm, Sigma 150-500mm and the recently announced, very reclusive Tamron 150-600mm that hasn't really been seen out and about yet.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

My wide angle is a Tokina and it's an excellent lens. I go to Ken Rockwell's reviews before purchasing any lens. He does extensive lens testing and will usually give you a better alternative to nikon or Cannon if one exists. His reviews are unbiased. This Tokina was considered a better lens than the Nikon equivalent. Tokina makes some really nice lens. Don't know much about signa. But just google the lens your looking at and look for his review on it.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

He also considers the Tokina 100mm / f/2.8 macro a better lens than the Nikon 105mm and it's half the price. He backs it up with very critical and extensive testing.

lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

I don't think its better then my Nikon 105 2.8 macro lens

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Brandmic wrote:

My wide angle is a Tokina and it's an excellent lens. I go to Ken Rockwell's reviews before purchasing any lens. He does extensive lens testing and will usually give you a better alternative to nikon or Cannon if one exists. His reviews are unbiased. This Tokina was considered a better lens than the Nikon equivalent. Tokina makes some really nice lens. Don't know much about signa. But just google the lens your looking at and look for his review on it.

Ken Rockwells views are not unbiased and are not trustworthy.
Some of the testing he does is just bullshitting. He hasn't even had the item in his hands.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

I've followed his advice on purchasing several lens and he has been dead on. What data do you have to back up your comments? I use other forums as well and nearly every time they agree with his analysis. I'm a facts person and will be glad to listen when there are facts to back up a statement. If you know something (factual) I don't know about his work, I would like to hear it. I purchased my d5100 and D7100 based on his in depth analysis and seems like he was dead on. As well as my Nikon 35mm f/1.8.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with the nikon 100mm macro but just that there is a much less expensive alternative for those that want one. There are several other reviewers that back up his analysis of the 100mm macro by Tokina. Tokina has developed a reputation by many of making some incredible lens. My Tokina wide angle is an incredibly sharp lens.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

guitarbts wrote:

I have never owned a third party lens. I use only Nikon glass but I want a couple of new lenses that I will call more of a fun lens than a needed lens.
I will use either Tamron or Sigma. Please let me know which of these two is the better build and optic quality over all.
I would like a macro (90 to 105 or so) and a long zoom like 200-500 or 200-600.
Thanks in advance.

I have Nikon, Sigma and Tamron. All 3 do an excellent job

guitarbts Loc: Charlotte, NC

lighthouse wrote:

Its a case by case basis. br Some Tamrons are junk... (show quote)

guitarbts Loc: Charlotte, NC

Thanks everyone for the great info!!
I am leaning towards the Sigma 200-500 and the Tamron 90 Macro

buffmaloney Loc: Indiana

guitarbts wrote:

Thanks everyone for the great info!!
I am leaning towards the Sigma 200-500 and the Tamron 90 Macro

I really hope you mean the Sigma 150-500.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I'm down the middle on this one. All my lenses are Nikon except for the 105 macro which is Sigma. Not saying it is better but it is AS good and I happen to like it better than the Nikon 105. As for the long lens, I would opt for the Tamron 150-600. Do a search here on the Hog and you will see it is a solid performer, certainly not junk. Only problem is you will have to wait for it with a Nikon mount and hope it works as well with Nikon as is does with Canon. ;)

lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

yes, as I"m waiting to see the reviews, of the nikon version, before I make a decision, on the tamron 150-600 as I"ve never owned anything, except nikon lenses

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

There are so many good lens out there today. Most major manufactures have stepped up their quality. I used to think Nikon period but I'm not too happy about paying the higher $ and not getting that much higher quality if at all (and sometimes less). The Nikon 105mm macro is a great lens I'm sure but when I can get a good quality lens with excellent reviews at a savings of $400-$500 it's hard to turn down. I've seen shots of pics side by side shot with both Nikon & Tokina and I cannot discern a difference. For top pros it may make a difference. Even Ken Rockwell and other reviewers have stated numerous times that "unless you are a pro you won't see the difference in X lens". Makes having a nice collection of lens much more affordable. Hard to go wrong with Signa, Tokina or Tamron if you check several reviews on the particular lens your considering.

Just my "two cents" worth!!

guitarbts Loc: Charlotte, NC

buffmaloney wrote:

I really hope you mean the Sigma 150-500.

Yes
Sorry I do mean the 150-500.