Tell me what to buy. (SERIOUSLY)

pentaxpaul · 02-09-2009, 12:10 PM

Okay, so I know there are multiple threads on both of these lenses and as far as I can tell they are neck and neck as far as quality and performance. The only trade offs are slightly better glass on the Tamron or the HSM on the Sigma. Honestly, I have been leaning toward the Tamron simply because of the Sigma quality horror stories.
SO, if you own these lenses, have owned these lenses, or just plain know more than me, HERE is your chance! Rant, Rave, B*tch, Praise WHATEVER. JUST HELP ME MAKE A DECISION!!!!!

edit/update: I am an idiot. here are the lenses
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
and the
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF

Last edited by pentaxpaul; 02-09-2009 at 12:23 PM. Reason: I am an idiot

Marc Sabatella · 02-09-2009, 12:13 PM

Um, which two lenses? I might guess from the clues you provided that you are referring to the Tamron and Sigma 70-200/2.8 lenses...

jsherman999 · 02-09-2009, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Um, which two lenses? I might guess from the clues you provided that you are referring to the Tamron and Sigma 70-200/2.8 lenses...

By all means, get the Tamron.... 90mm macro?

nostatic · 02-09-2009, 12:19 PM

31 and 77ltd. Toss everything else in the trash.

pentaxpaul · 02-09-2009, 12:25 PM

edit/update: I am an idiot. 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.

Jasvox · 02-09-2009, 12:34 PM

Are they your only choices? How did you narrow it down to those two?

This is like the question where you are supposed to answer it, but the only option that makes most sense is "D, not enough information given in the question".

Jason

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-09-2009, 12:38 PM

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.

pentaxpaul · 02-09-2009, 02:28 PM

Hey at least I have admitted the obvious so there is no confusion.

Do you know what the body is made of? I think the Tamron is composite. What is your opinion of the image quality coming out of the Sigma? Is it on par with the DA*s?

kenyee · 02-09-2009, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by pentaxpaul

The only trade offs are slightly better glass on the Tamron or the HSM on the Sigma.

That's pretty much it.
The Tamron competes w/ the Nikon 70-200 in image quality but it hunts in low light and isn't as fast as the Sigma despite having a shorter throw. The Sigma's HSM is a true ring motor so it's faster, but you need to stop it down for it to be sharp.

pentaxpaul · 02-09-2009, 02:38 PM

so i guess this puts me at an impass. I need low light performance and I want HSM for the silent factor.

Gooshin · 02-09-2009, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by pentaxpaul

so i guess this puts me at an impass. I need low light performance and I want HSM for the silent factor.

buy a canon

ivoire · 02-09-2009, 02:41 PM

I have been using the Tamron 70-200mm for about 2 weeks and it is a fine lens. Very sharp. I had a Sigma 120-400mm with hsm and returned it for this lens. the hsm is fast and locks on quicker than the tamron. If you are going to shoot very high speed pics routinely, get the sigma and boost your iso to offset the f stop. for general pics, i'd recommend the tamron just for its sharpness. it is a bit noisy, but not bad. the sigma was whisper quiet. sample handheld shot with crop from tamron at f2.8, 200mm, 1/750, iso400. Whatever you decide on, buy from a vendor that will accept a return without any penalty. the 120-400 sigma i bought had huge focusing problems. when it worked it was excellent, but it failed 80% of the time.

nostatic · 02-09-2009, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by Gooshin

buy a canon

I still stick with my original advice. Just take up random incoherent babbling (otherwise known as RH-Syndrome) to cover the noise of the screw AF on the FA ltd lenses.

Vylen · 02-09-2009, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by Gooshin

buy a canon

no, buy a nikon

Gooshin · 02-09-2009, 03:13 PM

what i never could figure out, is why is the screw drive loud

a few well oiled bearings and some vibration resistant casing...

then again i'm no engineer.

02-09-2009, 12:10 PM	#1
pentaxpaul Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County California Posts: 37	Tell me what to buy. (SERIOUSLY) Okay, so I know there are multiple threads on both of these lenses and as far as I can tell they are neck and neck as far as quality and performance. The only trade offs are slightly better glass on the Tamron or the HSM on the Sigma. Honestly, I have been leaning toward the Tamron simply because of the Sigma quality horror stories. SO, if you own these lenses, have owned these lenses, or just plain know more than me, HERE is your chance! Rant, Rave, Btch, Praise WHATEVER. JUST HELP ME MAKE A DECISION!!!!! edit/update: I am an idiot. here are the lenses Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II and the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Last edited by pentaxpaul; 02-09-2009 at 12:23 PM. Reason: I am an idiot*

02-09-2009, 12:25 PM	#5
pentaxpaul Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County California Posts: 37 Original Poster	update edit/update: I am an idiot. 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.

02-09-2009, 02:41 PM	#12
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	I have been using the Tamron 70-200mm for about 2 weeks and it is a fine lens. Very sharp. I had a Sigma 120-400mm with hsm and returned it for this lens. the hsm is fast and locks on quicker than the tamron. If you are going to shoot very high speed pics routinely, get the sigma and boost your iso to offset the f stop. for general pics, i'd recommend the tamron just for its sharpness. it is a bit noisy, but not bad. the sigma was whisper quiet. sample handheld shot with crop from tamron at f2.8, 200mm, 1/750, iso400. Whatever you decide on, buy from a vendor that will accept a return without any penalty. the 120-400 sigma i bought had huge focusing problems. when it worked it was excellent, but it failed 80% of the time. Last edited by ivoire; 10-04-2010 at 03:58 PM.

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02-09-2009, 12:13 PM	#2
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Um, which two lenses? I might guess from the clues you provided that you are referring to the Tamron and Sigma 70-200/2.8 lenses...

02-09-2009, 12:18 PM	#3
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Um, which two lenses? I might guess from the clues you provided that you are referring to the Tamron and Sigma 70-200/2.8 lenses... By all means, get the Tamron.... 90mm macro?

02-09-2009, 12:19 PM	#4
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	31 and 77ltd. Toss everything else in the trash.

02-09-2009, 12:34 PM	#6
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Are they your only choices? How did you narrow it down to those two? This is like the question where you are supposed to answer it, but the only option that makes most sense is "D, not enough information given in the question". Jason

02-09-2009, 12:38 PM	#7
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	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.

02-09-2009, 02:28 PM	#8
pentaxpaul Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County California Posts: 37 Original Poster	Hey at least I have admitted the obvious so there is no confusion. Do you know what the body is made of? I think the Tamron is composite. What is your opinion of the image quality coming out of the Sigma? Is it on par with the DA*s?

02-09-2009, 02:32 PM	#9
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Originally posted by pentaxpaul The only trade offs are slightly better glass on the Tamron or the HSM on the Sigma. That's pretty much it. The Tamron competes w/ the Nikon 70-200 in image quality but it hunts in low light and isn't as fast as the Sigma despite having a shorter throw. The Sigma's HSM is a true ring motor so it's faster, but you need to stop it down for it to be sharp.

02-09-2009, 02:38 PM	#10
pentaxpaul Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County California Posts: 37 Original Poster	so i guess this puts me at an impass. I need low light performance and I want HSM for the silent factor.

02-09-2009, 02:41 PM	#11
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by pentaxpaul so i guess this puts me at an impass. I need low light performance and I want HSM for the silent factor. buy a canon

02-09-2009, 02:45 PM	#13
nostatic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: socal Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,575	Originally posted by Gooshin buy a canon I still stick with my original advice. Just take up random incoherent babbling (otherwise known as RH-Syndrome) to cover the noise of the screw AF on the FA ltd lenses.

02-09-2009, 02:56 PM	#14
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	Originally posted by Gooshin buy a canon no, buy a nikon

02-09-2009, 03:13 PM	#15
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	what i never could figure out, is why is the screw drive loud a few well oiled bearings and some vibration resistant casing... then again i'm no engineer.