I am finally trying to clear out some of my FX glass and camera bodies after moving to the Z 9 some time ago and haven't used my 200 f2 much lately but even just taking a quick snap shot to get a shutter count on my D5 after dusting off the lens I am reminded how sweet its bokeh is.
Or find a place that rents out the Sigma and do your own testing.
The Sigma is really intriguing and I would be really interested, though I'm a little reticent to go down the adapted route unless I don't have other options. I wish Nikon would finally allow Sigma the license to make Z glass for their good stuff. I understand wanting to protect their market but they're ticking off (at least this) customer(s).
I bought the Plena in part as a planned replacement for the 200/2, noting the shorter focal length. It is a wonderous lens too, and in crop mode lets me get much of what I could do with the 200/2. That said, I lose the ability to crop-mode into a 300/2, which I definitely miss. That said, for overall IQ and subject separation I find myself reaching for the Plena in many of the same circumstances, and while not exactly the same it is easier to keep in my bag all the time.
That said, my 200 will stay in my kit until she keels over.
I shoot an annual fun run, capturing the participants on the trail. Normally I use my 300mm f2.8 VR I on a Wimberley gimbal. This year I decided to break out the 200mm f2.0 VR I. I quickly discovered the RRS lens foot was not long enough to achieve balance on the gimbal. Wimberley got me their foot for the 200mm f2.0 in time for the event and it worked perfectly. Took 604 shots trying to capture each runner. The 300mm did a nice job blurring the background and isolating the subject, but the 200mm lets the subject get closer and it seems that increases the background blur a bit. I'll post some shots when I get them processed. All in all a great time and a reminder of how special this lens is.
Hi friends! I need a little therapy in the forum, maybe someone will understand me. In love with my 200. I could never let it go. Since I'm into equestrian sports, I needed a little more range, so my 200 ends up in storage a lot of the time. Every time I decide to sell it, I take it to the field and I realize that I have never had a lens that I loved so much. The truth is that as the years go by, carrying it all day ends up punishing the body and added to the fact that with my Z9 and my addiction to shooting backlight, the autofocus hunts a lot. I tried adapting the 135 sigma but without a doubt there is only one 200. Someone tried adapting the new sigma 200 f2, I would like a lens that is a little lighter and more modern, to help me with focus and the lack of contrast when shooting against light. Just so you understand me, when I use the 85mm f1.8 against backlight, it retains many details almost as if the light were not behind my model. Anyone willing to advise me?
I am referring to this type of detail and contrast by shooting backlight. Maybe someone who has version two of chubby can tell me if the coating substantially improves. Or if anyone shoots with the adapted sigma and has any opinions, I would love to hear them. Sorry if I uploaded a photo that is not of the chubby.
Coatings and flare are BETTER on v2, but likely worlds away from the Sigma (modern). I love the look when utilizing its “weakness” but definitely not amazing with flare.
I’ve shot both versions side by side, but that was 15+ years ago.
zequi wrote:
I am referring to this type of detail and contrast by shooting backlight. Maybe someone who has version two of chubby can tell me if the coating substantially improves. Or if anyone shoots with the adapted sigma and has any opinions, I would love to hear them. Sorry if I uploaded a photo that is not of the chubby.
You know you want my mint copy posted on the boards . A lens you need to own at least once, best luck!
AlexCruise wrote:
I have a friend selling a V1 and contemplated it multiple times. I also debated on the Sigma 200mm f2 since I already own a ETZ Adapter.
I still havent made a decision yet.
Excellent Captures Zequi!
Hmmmm Sigma's coatings might be better for backlit shots ... from what people have posted here
Laowa has released a 200mm f/2 lens with the Z mount and selling new for $1999 at BH Photo. It lacks optical stabilization but is otherwise comparable to other 200mm f/2 FX lenses.
I’ve read it’s noticeably soft compared to the Nikon and Sigma until stopped down…. Which defeats the purpose for me.
elkhornsun wrote:
Laowa has released a 200mm f/2 lens with the Z mount and selling new for $1999 at BH Photo. It lacks optical stabilization but is otherwise comparable to other 200mm f/2 FX lenses.
Blakehfreeman wrote:
I’ve read it’s noticeably soft compared to the Nikon and Sigma until stopped down…. Which defeats the purpose for me.
I've read/heard the same thing Blake!
If you are going to have to stop it down might as well just use a 70-200 2.8.
The only advantage the Laowa has that its a few lbs lighter.
I have been back and forth on keeping my copy (size/f mount etc) and someone (who bought one of my lenses) essentially sent me a pm to the same effect. Pulled my 200mm from marketplace. I’ve owned two copies and it’s a special lens.
AlexCruise wrote:
I've read/heard the same thing Blake!
If you are going to have to stop it down might as well just use a 70-200 2.8.
The only advantage the Laowa has that its a few lbs lighter.
. A lens you need to own at least once, best luck!