Originally posted by pentaxpaul edit/update: I am an idiot.
boy talk about leaving yourself open to abuse
Quote: here are the lenses (THANK YOU MARC)
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
and the
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF
I am also a bit leary of all the stories of the coating (paint) coming off of the Sigmas.
I will begin by saying that I am totally biased towards sigma lenses over tamron.
the reason for me, is they seem to "feel" better. this is a personal subjective thing, not anything concrete, except that both Tamron's I have, 24mm Adaptall II and the XR Di 28-75 F2.8 both have a little backlash in the focusing (and on the 28-75 the zoom collar) neither of my sigma's 10-20 and origonal APO 70-200 F2.8 EX exhibit that,.
My 70-200 is over 5 years old now and works very well indeed, with no paint coming off.
Also, I think the sigma TCs work very well, at least with my version of the 70-200, and if you are thinking of adding a TC, you need to consider the overall package.
but aside from that, it is really up to you to try both out. See if you can go into a store, check out how each feels on the camera, and see if you can try some challenging shots to evaluate the bokeh and sharpness. I might suggest taking your lap top into the store with you.