Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

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Archive 2009 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (fi...

ht1948
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p.1 #1 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

I'm debating between these 2 glasses. Optically, the Nikkor seems to have the edge; however, the Simga has the HSM which would give its the edge in AF, the Nikkor is slow in this department. The price for a used one seems to be relatively the same for these. Has anyone used both? What are your recomendations? TIA

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:28 PM

Two23
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p.1 #2 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

Depends on what you are going to photo, doesn't it? Landscapes don't move as fast as stock car races.

Kent in SD

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:34 PM

Marc_h
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p.1 #3 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

Hey,

I've bought this version over the sigma, and I'll tell ya, no way does it perform in a big difference then the sigma concerning AF.

The thing locks and won't let go. This is on a D200. I've owned the Sigma a while ago too, and even though the price is good. If you'd buy it new and sold it two weeks later it would have lost 150 dollars of value straight up. The Nikon lenses keep the value

Greets,

Marc

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:38 PM

ht1948
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p.1 #4 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

Well, I plan to do some potrait and sports, so it's not as clear cut

Marc, yours is the newer 2 ring version, which I believe focuses faster than the older version. How much did you pay for yours since the used price of the 2 ring version is about 200 bucks more than the sigma, I believe. I'm looking at the older push pull version since that's all I can afford at the moment

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:46 PM

brucemuir
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p.1 #5 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

I have/had the 2 ring 80-200 2.8D AF pictured above and even at 200mm wide open that thing is impressive.

Nov 08, 2009 at 06:49 PM

Marc_h
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p.1 #6 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

Bruce is right.

Yeah It's the two ring version that I own as well and you 're right, 200bux on top of the sigma.

I wonder, are you going to earn some money with one of these two lenses for jobs or something? Otherwise I'd hang out for another month, and lay away some more money to get a one buy-seal the deal lens. Otherwise you're lost into lust for a better lens all the time lol

Now I just shut up, I'm happy.

Nov 08, 2009 at 07:40 PM

Filipinoise
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p.1 #7 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

^I agree with the two posts above me.

The Nikkor is an AMAZING deal especially if you can find one second-hand in good condition for a good price.

Go for the Nikkor!

Nov 08, 2009 at 07:57 PM

kentvinyard
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p.1 #8 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

So, are you guys saying that the nikon af 80-200 2.8 2 ring lens focuses as fast
as the sigma 70-200 or faster? I am thinking about the same situation. I know that the afs version is faster, but is the af 2 ring lens just about as fast?

Nov 08, 2009 at 10:05 PM

Doug Weasner
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p.1 #9 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

The OP's body may be a factor here. The Dx00 and Dx Pro bodies focus faster than the Dx0 prosumer bodies with screw drive lenses. Consensus seems to be that Nikon uses higher torque motors in the pro bodies.

Nov 08, 2009 at 10:21 PM

ht1948
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p.1 #10 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

I'm using the D90, which won't come close to the AF power of the pro bodies. I'm leaning toward the Nikon at this point since I might be able to get one for around $450. I think it's a good price for the older version (1 ring). What do you guys think? Of course, the older version doesn't have a tripod collar, which might be a little cumbersome. Gosh, the choice is killing me

Nov 09, 2009 at 01:46 AM

Doug Weasner
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p.1 #11 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

At least on the Mark II version of the Sigma, the tripod collar is very impressive. A cam lock frees the collar for changing orientation with a half turn. To take the lens off the collar requires only pulling the lock knob out with it in the loose position, then flip the top half of the collar over. I can't speak for the Mark I version of the Sigma though.

Nov 09, 2009 at 01:54 AM

Fishinfool
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p.1 #12 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

I have the 80-200 f2.8 Nikkor push-pull model, and the quality of the photographs is excellent in terms of sharpness, color, contrast, lack of flare. I never used the Sigma version, so can't comment R/E focus speed. On both my D200, and D2h / D2Xs focus speed is decent. AFS would be faster, and a lot more money...I have missed very few shots based on lack of focus speed, but then I shoot mostly wildlife. Use the focus limit ring to improve focus speed. I have found that the lack of a tripod ring is not a big issue with this lens, as long as you have a good ball head. Remote shutter release can help. For the money, one heck of a quality f2.8 pro lens.

Larry

Nov 10, 2009 at 03:01 AM

Bonjour43MA
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p.1 #13 · Nikkor 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D or Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX HSM (first version)

go for a Nikkor whenever you can, espeically if the price is close.

I had no major issues with the 80-200 AF-D on a D50 when I first started learning about sports photography - it's really about pre-focusing and anticipating where the action's going to be, instead of relying solely on the camera/lens to do all the dirty work for you.

Get an mint, used 80-200 and you will most likely not lose a dime on it for years to come.

Nothing against Sigmas, but if you ever plan on upgrading your body or selling your lens it's really just easier to stick with Nikkors.

Nov 10, 2009 at 06:30 AM

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