Well remind me never to go to SRS Microsystems in Watford on a match day!!Took ages to get there due to traffic around watford.I guess it was worth it though..
Went in and asked to try the sigma 150-600mm c and the 200-500mm vr...once out the box I was surprised how much bigger the nikon actually looks and feels,also fair bit heavier!I have seen them side by side in pictures online but next to eachother in the flesh they looked quite different.Tried the nikon first..loved the build quality and the vr on that lens is very impressive,because of the weather outside and trying the lens in store etc shutter speeds were low but did give me a good idea of what speeds I could expect to achieve useable images.Very surprised at 500mm and 1/60th I got what looked on the camera a half decntly focused shot.The AF I was expecting to be rather slow after reading numerous reviews etc but in reality its pretty good and so that was a plus.Then I tried the sigma,again lovely build quality and really liked the look of the lens.Not sure if it was just this version but found the zoom ring much stiffer or tight on the sigma than the nikon.Next the OS I found to be pretty good but not as effective as the VR.Also with the sigma the image in the viewfinder jumped around alot whereas on the nikon it was stationary(yes actually had to check to see if it was active on the sigma!).So after playing around a little more with both I made my decision
had to be the 200-500mm for me.The sigma was nice and sure its a better lens for some but for my needs the nikon will more than do.It just felt better in my hands and the VR is incredible on it.The 100mm on the long end also didnt matter to much to me after trying them both in the flesh.Shame the nikon doesnt have a nice case like the sigmas do,at this price I thought they could supply one.So I was fairly sure today I may have got the sigma but wasnt to be.Still a lovely lens a fair few quid cheaper but the 200-500mm came home with me in the biggest gold box I have ever owned!!