Nikon 80-200 AF-S vs. Sigma 70-200 HSM OS

[Pegasus_Thrust]

Hi Everyone, I hope you're all well.....


I'm currently using a Nikon D3 and am in the market to invest in a new lens as I have a couple of weddings coming up.

In an ideal world I'd buy the Nikon 70-200 VRII but this is outside of my budget- which is the next best lens out of the 80-200 and the Sigma?....... taking into consideration the D3.

I'm looking to be able to use it indoors (churches, reception halls etc.) to capture some more candid type shots from range.

I've seem various conflicting arguments but wondered what folk on here thought.

Cheers

 

[gramps]

The 80-200 AF-S is a great lens with good IQ and added AF speed over the original 80-200's, it preceded the newer VRI & VRII lenses - I would choose a good sample of the Nikon over the Sigma with my D3S if I was making the choice.

 

[gad-westy]

I haven't used the 80-200 though everything I have read suggests it's a belter. I have the Sigma 70-200 OS and that is also great, my guess is that the 80-200 will be sharper wide open but loses out by having slightly less zoom range and no OS/VR. I had a Nikon 70-200 VR1 before the Sigma and I think that is measurably better. I don't know how much you're thinking of spending on either of these but do bear in mind that a 70-200 VR1 can be picked up from as little as £800 these days.

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

Hi, Thanks for getting back to me. Top end budget wise is going to be around the £700 mark so I think even the VR1 is out at present.

The question I keep asking myself is what is more important, the quality that the Nikon would provide or the increased flexibility re: the light that would be provided by the OS on the sigma?

 

[gad-westy]

Hi, Thanks for getting back to me. Top end budget wise is going to be around the £700 mark so I think even the VR1 is out at present.

The question I keep asking myself is what is more important, the quality that the Nikon would provide or the increased flexibility re: the light that would be provided by the OS on the sigma?

You aren't going to go too far wrong either way so I wouldn't worry too much. For what it's worth I've no idea which I'd choose but I do know if buying again, I'd opt for a VR1. I know that is of no use to you whatsoever!

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

@ga-westy- Why did you get rid of the nikon 70-200 and replace it with the Sigma if you don't mind me asking?

 

[gad-westy]

@ga-westy- Why did you get rid of the nikon 70-200 and replace it with the Sigma if you don't mind me asking?

There was a few months in between so it wasn't a case of swapping one for the other. I bought the Nikon VR1 primarily to shoot a mates wedding but I knew I would need to sell it on afterwards as I could neither afford it or justify it's existence for how little I'd have used it. Was very, very hard selling that lens though. I'd had a Sigma 70-200 HSM II before that which was also a nice lens but not really quite in this league.

The Sigma 70-200 OS came up at the right price on here just before I was going to shoot a rally so I couldn't resist.

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

That's pretty much the reason I'm after a 70-200/80-200, but I realise its a very handy lens to have in your kit so I'm looking keep hold of one at least for this year- otherwise potentially a VR/VRII would be a valid temp purchase.

Thanks again