[Dave]

Help me decide folks.

Currently find the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 too short at the max focal length. Ideally want to get 400mm, so I can either try a 2x convertor, lose 2 stops of light & possible slight degradation of image quality , or pay the extra & just go straight for the Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR ED Lens ? Seen it for £750 incl P&P from HK with guarenteed no VAT / Import duty.

Now I know I'll lose the constant f/2.8 if the Sigma when not using a telecon, but anything else I should be thinking of

[Steve]

Err do you actually use your camera(s) enough to change lenses

[Dave]

Since when has that ever stopped any photographer

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Steve

camera(s)

Aha, I knew I had something else to sell

[Steve]

You could sell both and never miss them

[Dabhand16]

I've always been a little suspicious of lenses with large zoom ratios. 3x used to be the norm, admittedly a long time ago. It's funny how your prejudices stay with you. At 5x this one is on the bigger side, but maybe lens design has moved on.

These days the reviews do not appear to critisize the lenses with the larger zoom ratios, so I have to say I'd rather have the 80-400 than use a converter. If you get VR too there is an added bonus.

Oh, yes, if it is a decider, I'll buy the Sigma from you. You know it makes sense

[Ken Hawk]

Originally Posted by Steve

You could sell both and never miss them

Or sell the lot and get a canon

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Ken Hawk

Or sell the lot and get a canon

Believe it or not Ken, I did contemplate switching back to Canon just before I bought the D200, but found the Nikons better to handle for me personally. I think most of us agree there is little between the models, so it's down to personal preference

[P-E]

I think you are itching to go for the 80-400 Dave........lens lust is a terrible thing

[Dave]

Stop teasing

[Soupdragon]

The last thing I'd want is another interface between the lens and the camera so I'd scrub round the extender, you'd still have a constant aperture, just not the one you want.
If your Sigma is not image stabilised then I can see no reason to favour it over an 80-400.
In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realise it is a bit of a daft question.
You want the lens, you know you are not happy with a lens thats name starts with "S" and you are just hoping someone here will justify the purchase!
Surely what you want is more important than anything else!
Sad really! very very sad!

[Steve]

It seems Soupy has got Dave sussed