Golfstitch Loc: Downingtown,PA

I am currently deciding on a 70-200mm lens to use with my new Nikon D850. I’ve watched many YouTube reviews on the Tamron f 2.8 G2 and the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS (HSM) Sport. My budget is more in the price range of these two lenses. I’m not opposed to used lenses that are rated like new or excellent. In that case any suggestions for reputable companies to buy from would be appreciated. I would like to know what opinions members of this group have. Thanks in advance.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Used items at KEH items with ratings EX or EX+ are typically 'like new', just missing the box / packaging.

You didn't say the intended use. An f/2.8 lens is great for night, low-light, and / or indoor sports or event photography. But personally, I have no (little) use for the 70-200 focal length outside of these specific situations. My 100-400 zoom or 300 to 500mm primes are used way way more often than situations where I need the f/2.8. If not considered where and why, revisit these questions for this zoom range and max aperture.

Golfstitch Loc: Downingtown,PA

Thanks

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You're welcome, where <quote reply> would confirm ...

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

Have you considered renting to see how each lens would pair with your camera and things you like to shoot? Then you could check out places like KEH, B&H, Adorama, MPB for the best deal for new and used items. Just a thought.

Golfstitch Loc: Downingtown,PA

Good idea.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

If speed isn't critical another fine choice is the Nikon 70-200 f4. Available used fairly reasonably these days.

Golfstitch Loc: Downingtown,PA

I currently have a Sigma 105mm for macro, Nikon 14-24 f2.8, a Tamron 24-70 f2.8. I do shoot indoor sport (high school wrestling) and outdoor soccer and pole vaulting. I also have a Sigma 150-600 f5-6.3. I find the Sigma 150-600 heavy for shooting handheld. I primarily use it on a tripod for bird and wildlife photography. I’m thinking the 70-200 would round out the lenses I would typically use for sports.

Bob in SD Loc: Sioux Falls, SD

I use the D850 and have the Tamron 70-200 and love the combination. It is my go to lens for outdoor sports, indoor sports, around the yard bird photography. I don't juse it a lot indoors, but when I do it is during the day and I have had really good results. I use JPG, autoISO, and usually use manual. The results of this combination are really sharp and crisp.

I have a 500 mm prime for more distant outdoor shots as the 200mm just doesn't reach far enough

Golfstitch Loc: Downingtown,PA

Thanks for the info.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"I’m not opposed to used lenses that are rated like new or excellent. In that case any suggestions for reputable companies to buy from would be appreciated. Golfstitch since you're shooting a new Nikon D850 a 70-200mm f/2.8 is a wonderful piece of kit for a D850... and VR is to be cherished if you're shooting handheld. Albeit it's useless for subject motion associated with Action/Sports so you'll still need to reliably shoot at or above 1/2000 especially at 200mm.

Such a deal mpb currently has for someone fixated on "Like New" kit.
A fabulous Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Nikkor Like New in it's original Box! Price $794
Comes with everything that a new one shipped with...

mpb offers a 14 day No hassle returns which btw I have used successfully so it is very real. They refunded the full price with zero questions asked. As such I've purchased other stellar pieces of Kit from mpb, they are also one of the only vendors of Used Kit that posts Shutter Counts on their Nikon bodies... and those are spot on, (I checked).

What is the down side with this amazingly low price Like New in Box Nikkor? It is the first generation of Nikon's 70-200mm f/2.8G as such DxOmark ranked it just a tad below the newer generations because of soft corners at 200mm wide open. However as a Sports Shooter I have no need for edge to edge sharpness at 200mmm and stopped down below 170mm those edges are totally fine. Besides this first edition has some stellar features that the newer generations don't have (such as Three AF-Lock Buttons! which are Awesome for shooting sports!)

You can read Uncle Ken's take on this stellar lens here
All the best on your photographic journey Golfstitch

Golfstitch Loc: Downingtown,PA

Thanks. I’ll look into it.

btbg

The Sigma lens is built tougher than the Tamron, so if you are hard on your lenses don't get the Tamron. As far as other lenses, there are always advantages to buying Nikon to go with Nikon bodies.

btbg

It's a great lens, that's the one that I have on my D850.

TerryVS

Never shot Sigma so don't know about toughness. These days, especially in the used market there may be little difference in price between Tamron and Nikon. If that's the case I'd by Nikon.

That said I have a Tamron 70-200 f2.8. It's been married to my 850 almost exclusively for 2-3 years. I shoot news so it's been banged around and in some not so nice conditions and hasn't missed a beat. The lens shade is cracked from an impact and taped up with gaffer tape and still making photos. I believe if you need a 70-200 2.8 you'd likely do well with any of the three. I can only speak to Tamron and have no regrets.