Anybody use a Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens

***Dave*** · 23-10-2005, 19:50

I'm after a decent low light level zoom around the 70-200mm range. Ideally I would like to use inside without flash. Now I would love the f/2.8 Nikon VR version but the price is a bit

For about half the dosh (£619) I can see the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM . Anybody got one ? Can you share your thoughts please. I'm especially interested to know how heavy this lens is in the real world....eg out taking shots.

Any other lenses I should consider ?

Also I've forgotten the site where you can see comparisons between lenses...can anybody remind me please

RobertP · 23-10-2005, 20:07

Can't help you with the weight.

The Canon 70-200 F4 is pretty light. It's more the size that makes it a bit more awkward than std lenses. I know you are Nikon but the idea is the same.

I have used the F4 indoors with no flash quite successfully in the past - hand held and in tungsten lighting.

FM has reviews but you probably know that.

Another bookmark I have with lens reviews - not sure how good it may be.

My bookmarks are mainly Canon only

Steep · 23-10-2005, 20:12

The Sigma is £459 inc delivery here DJW

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catal...products_id=45

RobertP · 23-10-2005, 20:16

I believe kerso (where I got my 100-400) does Sigma as well as Canon. Can give you email addy if you need it.

P-E · 23-10-2005, 21:10

I recently purchased the Sigma 70-200 2.8 DG HSM.

Not really had a chance to use it as yet but just shooting around my home I can tell you it is fast and sharp.

As for the weight I have it on a D2Hs body.........It is heavy but I do manage to walk around ok with it........if I happened to ask the missis to hold it then she wouldn't be able to for to long.

***Dave*** · 25-10-2005, 10:01

Thanks for replies & to Steep for great price (should have checked there as I bought the 50mm there

).

Got even more confused when I started chucking a S/H Nikon 80-200 ED f2.8 D AF zoom lens into the equation. One went for £360 yesterday on EBAY here.

Not sure which would be a better lens for the dosh now

fingerz · 25-10-2005, 12:42

70-200mm Indoors? How big is your house, man?

Comparing an f/2.8 to an f/4 is a bit pointless. The f/2.8 will always be a fair bit heavier. The 16-35mm f/2.8L I rented the other weekend was pretty chunky. However I think the 17-40mm f/4L is pretty light, isn't it?

***Dave*** · 25-10-2005, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingerz

70-200mm Indoors? How big is your house, man?

:lol: Was actually thinking about being able to get tight crops at wedding receptions etc without being noticed (eg. natural poses). Ref f/4, both the Sigma & Nikon lens are f/2.8.....but you are right about the weight...might be an issue

CT · 25-10-2005, 13:07

I used to cover weddings almost exclusively with a 28-80mm zoom which was great for most of the shots. For larger groups and interior shots I used a 24mm prime and never felt the need for anything longer or wider.

Edit ... that was using film.

***Dave*** · 25-10-2005, 20:05

I don't take the normal shots though

I really like the tight crops of faces etc.

For anyone who is interested I got some detailed replies on the same query on FM here . Result is Sigma is best deal for those who cannot view link.

evilowl · 28-10-2005, 11:09

I've got the Sigma 70-200 and it's excellent. It's about 1.2kg off the top of my head so with the camera attached it's not light but I can still use it handheld all day and not really get tired.

I would have liked the Nikkor 70-200 but i just couldn't justify the extra £££

***Dave*** · 28-10-2005, 12:03

Cheers. Jessops haven't got it in stock at the moment, but are getting one in for me. Will have a play & see if I like it.

fingerz · 28-10-2005, 12:51

See, here's what I want to know... If Sigma can make an 18-50mm F2.8*, a 70-200mm F2.8 and also an 18-200mm F3.5-6.3...

Then why can't they make an 18-200 F2.8? I'd have that like a shot.

Like. A. Shot.

* Which I ordered yesterday :]

evilowl · 28-10-2005, 12:57

Why not mail them and ask? If you don't ask, you don't get....

fingerz · 28-10-2005, 13:07

Maybe all the lens manufacturers got together and said "now look here, chaps. The problem with us all making a ruddy good all-purpose lens is that people will buy it and then not buy any other lenses. Why sell someone an 18-200mm F2.8 when you can sell them two different lenses to cover that range, maximising profits, what what?"

"I say, that fellow's talking some real sense. We'll make millions."

"Fantastic show. So we're all agree