Tamron AF 70-300mm or Sigma Lens 70-300mm or Sigma 70-200mm

Ben Hunt · 11-02-2008, 04:57 AM

Howdy all.

I'm wanting to save up for some new gear, narrowed it down but i'm not sure what one to get.

My options are

to get a Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM

or a

70-300mm fF/4-5.6 (either the Sigma APO or the Tamron LD Di) with some filters a new bag (lowepro FP 250) and a grip

as far as the 70-300 goes, i'm caught in the middle, bit of a fan with sigma but have heard some good stuff about Tammy. heard from someone that this lense Tammy have better glass than the APO, is this true or a bit of porky pig?

I've got sofar sig 18-50 f3.5-5.6 & 28-200 f3.8.5.6 and a Takumar 70-200mm f4

any help is very much appericated,

Have a good one all.

Last edited by Ben Hunt; 11-02-2008 at 07:15 AM. Reason: something about not proof-reading.....stupid me.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-02-2008, 06:58 AM

I think it depends on the budget.

the 70-300 is a slower smaller and less expensive lens. The question really is, over the long term will you be happy with it.
You will not be able to add much of a TC to extend the range on the 70-300 because it is too slow and the AF will have difficulty.

the 70-200 F2.8 will cost you more, BUT when sigma releases the new HSM TC's later this year, you will be able to add either a 1.4X or 2X and still have a faster lens out to 400mm than the 70-300 all on its own at 300mm.

the other issue is weight. the 70-200 will be much heavier.

I have always gone for speed personally, I have the origonal APO 70-200 F2.8 EX and it is excellent with both the 1.4 and 2x TCs, and to be honest, the lens will out last the camera body,

Ben Hunt · 11-02-2008, 07:13 AM

Yea i was thinking of buying an 2xTC with the 70-200 later on, weight is not an issue, nor is size. unfortuantly i can only get one or the other.( either 70-300, bag grip and some other goodies) or a nice set of glass 70-200.

I would get the 200 in a heartbeat but i kinda need a new bag and some other stuff i could get with the 70-300.

does tamron have HSM on there 70-200? or is it still screw drive?

thanks for you support mate, really appericate it

have a good one!!

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-02-2008, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by Ben Hunt

Yea i was thinking of buying an 2xTC with the 70-200 later on, weight is not an issue, nor is size. unfortuantly i can only get one or the other.( either 70-300, bag grip and some other goodies) or a nice set of glass 70-200.

I would get the 200 in a heartbeat but i kinda need a new bag and some other stuff i could get with the 70-300.

does tamron have HSM on there 70-200? or is it still screw drive?

thanks for you support mate, really appericate it

have a good one!!

I can't answer as to backwards compatibility (i.e. screw drive support) on the HSM lenses. To be honest, I haven't got any intention of getting one, since I have had such good results with the origonal, I'll stay with it.

maxwell1295 · 11-02-2008, 08:24 AM

As someone who gone through the many phases of LBA, I will offer this advice: Get the lens you want now. It'll save you the trouble of getting it down the line. Bottom line...you're going to get the 70-200 so you might as well get it now.

Shashinki · 11-02-2008, 02:27 PM

I agree. You can put a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter on the 70-200mm and it will still be better than a 70-300mm (okay, might be stretching it a bit with the 2x TC but not sure). What you get is a lot more versatility and image quality, but its more expensive and heavier... and you have to wait for Sigma to upgrade their TC's for HSM support on Pentax

krypticide · 11-02-2008, 03:40 PM

Love my Sigma 70-200mm that I just got. It's heavy, but it has excellent image quality, especially stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6, at which point it is prime-like.

RussellW · 11-02-2008, 06:05 PM

I purchased the new 70-200 f2.8, and have come away mightly impressed.
I would go with this lens.

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-02-2008, 06:45 PM

Originally posted by Shashinki

I agree. You can put a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter on the 70-200mm and it will still be better than a 70-300mm (okay, might be stretching it a bit with the 2x TC but not sure). What you get is a lot more versatility and image quality, but its more expensive and heavier... and you have to wait for Sigma to upgrade their TC's for HSM support on Pentax

a 2x TC is no stretch!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/187646-post19.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/208249-post1.html

bonovox · 11-02-2008, 09:29 PM

Originally posted by RussellW

I purchased the new 70-200 f2.8, and have come away mightly impressed.
I would go with this lens.

+1

I got mine for $950 AUD from Paxtons in Sydney CBD, and it is worth every cent.

I used it at a wedding on the weekend and am very happy with the indoor shots I was able to get.

krypticide · 11-02-2008, 10:49 PM

Intend to use mine for a wedding in June as well.

Not sure if these are the sort of shots you do, but I have some studio shots with this lens here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/40897-my-2nd-studio-shoot.html

raider · 11-03-2008, 02:48 AM

Would you not consider the Tamron 70-200/f2.8 also?

Ben Hunt · 11-03-2008, 03:45 AM

Originally posted by raider

Would you not consider the Tamron 70-200/f2.8 also?

Yea i would and i kinda would prefer a tammy, some say the glass is just a bit better than the sig but yea it is a bit slower in the focus. I Would consider it if i knew any store that stocked it or at least had less than a 3-4month waiting period for it. best i found was that if i placed an order 2 weeks ago i might get in in Feb :S

does anyone know where i can get one before new years in Syd?

evil Maxwell

Ben Hunt · 11-03-2008, 04:12 AM

Looks like i'm getting a 70-200 then hehe thankyou all for all your invaluable help,

now...tammy or sigma? not too fussed for HSM.

bonovox · 11-03-2008, 04:32 AM

For me it came down to which one was available in Australia for a decent price (I wanted to be able to handle it and take some test shots before buying).

On this criteria, the sigma won.

I honestly think both lenses are very equal in picture IQ, focus speed and build quality.

I found the Sigma priced at $950 (it seems to have gone up in price by $300 since then - ouch!) at this place: Cheap digital cameras and camera accessories | Camera-Warehouse and Paxtons (who also had it in stock) were happy to price match.

I just noticed that Paxtons still have the Sigma advertised for $999, which is an EXCELLENT price considering the Aussie dollar, so I'd jump on that! (it works out to be only US$680 - even beats the best American prices substantially!)
http://www.paxtons.com.au/advertising/L8_CH_Paxtons_20ppCatalogue.pdf

11-02-2008, 04:57 AM	#1
Ben Hunt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 147	Tamron AF 70-300mm or Sigma Lens 70-300mm or Sigma 70-200mm Howdy all. I'm wanting to save up for some new gear, narrowed it down but i'm not sure what one to get. My options are to get a Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM or a 70-300mm fF/4-5.6 (either the Sigma APO or the Tamron LD Di) with some filters a new bag (lowepro FP 250) and a grip as far as the 70-300 goes, i'm caught in the middle, bit of a fan with sigma but have heard some good stuff about Tammy. heard from someone that this lense Tammy have better glass than the APO, is this true or a bit of porky pig? I've got sofar sig 18-50 f3.5-5.6 & 28-200 f3.8.5.6 and a Takumar 70-200mm f4 any help is very much appericated, Have a good one all. Last edited by Ben Hunt; 11-02-2008 at 07:15 AM. Reason: something about not proof-reading.....stupid me.

11-03-2008, 04:32 AM	#15
bonovox Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ireland's wild west Posts: 555	For me it came down to which one was available in Australia for a decent price (I wanted to be able to handle it and take some test shots before buying). On this criteria, the sigma won. I honestly think both lenses are very equal in picture IQ, focus speed and build quality. I found the Sigma priced at $950 (it seems to have gone up in price by $300 since then - ouch!) at this place: Cheap digital cameras and camera accessories \| Camera-Warehouse and Paxtons (who also had it in stock) were happy to price match. I just noticed that Paxtons still have the Sigma advertised for $999, which is an EXCELLENT price considering the Aussie dollar, so I'd jump on that! (it works out to be only US$680 - even beats the best American prices substantially!) http://www.paxtons.com.au/advertising/L8_CH_Paxtons_20ppCatalogue.pdf Last edited by bonovox; 11-03-2008 at 04:41 AM.

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11-02-2008, 06:58 AM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	I think it depends on the budget. the 70-300 is a slower smaller and less expensive lens. The question really is, over the long term will you be happy with it. You will not be able to add much of a TC to extend the range on the 70-300 because it is too slow and the AF will have difficulty. the 70-200 F2.8 will cost you more, BUT when sigma releases the new HSM TC's later this year, you will be able to add either a 1.4X or 2X and still have a faster lens out to 400mm than the 70-300 all on its own at 300mm. the other issue is weight. the 70-200 will be much heavier. I have always gone for speed personally, I have the origonal APO 70-200 F2.8 EX and it is excellent with both the 1.4 and 2x TCs, and to be honest, the lens will out last the camera body,

11-02-2008, 07:13 AM	#3
Ben Hunt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 147 Original Poster	Yea i was thinking of buying an 2xTC with the 70-200 later on, weight is not an issue, nor is size. unfortuantly i can only get one or the other.( either 70-300, bag grip and some other goodies) or a nice set of glass 70-200. I would get the 200 in a heartbeat but i kinda need a new bag and some other stuff i could get with the 70-300. does tamron have HSM on there 70-200? or is it still screw drive? thanks for you support mate, really appericate it have a good one!!

11-02-2008, 07:16 AM	#4
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Ben Hunt Yea i was thinking of buying an 2xTC with the 70-200 later on, weight is not an issue, nor is size. unfortuantly i can only get one or the other.( either 70-300, bag grip and some other goodies) or a nice set of glass 70-200. I would get the 200 in a heartbeat but i kinda need a new bag and some other stuff i could get with the 70-300. does tamron have HSM on there 70-200? or is it still screw drive? thanks for you support mate, really appericate it have a good one!! I can't answer as to backwards compatibility (i.e. screw drive support) on the HSM lenses. To be honest, I haven't got any intention of getting one, since I have had such good results with the origonal, I'll stay with it.

11-02-2008, 08:24 AM	#5
maxwell1295 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Island, New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,703	As someone who gone through the many phases of LBA, I will offer this advice: Get the lens you want now. It'll save you the trouble of getting it down the line. Bottom line...you're going to get the 70-200 so you might as well get it now.

11-02-2008, 02:27 PM	#6
Shashinki Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norway Posts: 355	I agree. You can put a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter on the 70-200mm and it will still be better than a 70-300mm (okay, might be stretching it a bit with the 2x TC but not sure). What you get is a lot more versatility and image quality, but its more expensive and heavier... and you have to wait for Sigma to upgrade their TC's for HSM support on Pentax

11-02-2008, 03:40 PM	#7
krypticide Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,079	Love my Sigma 70-200mm that I just got. It's heavy, but it has excellent image quality, especially stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6, at which point it is prime-like.

11-02-2008, 06:05 PM	#8
RussellW Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 198	I purchased the new 70-200 f2.8, and have come away mightly impressed. I would go with this lens.

11-02-2008, 06:45 PM	#9
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Shashinki I agree. You can put a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter on the 70-200mm and it will still be better than a 70-300mm (okay, might be stretching it a bit with the 2x TC but not sure). What you get is a lot more versatility and image quality, but its more expensive and heavier... and you have to wait for Sigma to upgrade their TC's for HSM support on Pentax a 2x TC is no stretch! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/187646-post19.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/208249-post1.html

11-02-2008, 09:29 PM	#10
bonovox Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ireland's wild west Posts: 555	Originally posted by RussellW I purchased the new 70-200 f2.8, and have come away mightly impressed. I would go with this lens. +1 I got mine for $950 AUD from Paxtons in Sydney CBD, and it is worth every cent. I used it at a wedding on the weekend and am very happy with the indoor shots I was able to get.

11-02-2008, 10:49 PM	#11
krypticide Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,079	Intend to use mine for a wedding in June as well. Not sure if these are the sort of shots you do, but I have some studio shots with this lens here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/40897-my-2nd-studio-shoot.html

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11-03-2008, 02:48 AM	#12
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989	Would you not consider the Tamron 70-200/f2.8 also?

11-03-2008, 03:45 AM	#13
Ben Hunt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 147 Original Poster	Originally posted by raider Would you not consider the Tamron 70-200/f2.8 also? Yea i would and i kinda would prefer a tammy, some say the glass is just a bit better than the sig but yea it is a bit slower in the focus. I Would consider it if i knew any store that stocked it or at least had less than a 3-4month waiting period for it. best i found was that if i placed an order 2 weeks ago i might get in in Feb :S does anyone know where i can get one before new years in Syd? evil Maxwell

11-03-2008, 04:12 AM	#14
Ben Hunt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 147 Original Poster	Looks like i'm getting a 70-200 then hehe thankyou all for all your invaluable help, now...tammy or sigma? not too fussed for HSM.