[hinman]

I am planning for a D7000 looking for few zooms to get to know the system. I am kind of undecided for 2 zooms choices. I narrow it down to these two paths.


1. 3rd party zooms to cover from 17 to 300mm

• Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0 OS HSM -- around $450
• Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 VC USD -- around $399 after rebate

2. Native Nikon zoom lens from 16mm to 300mm

• Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 with VR and SWM -- around $560
• Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 with VR and SWM -- around $370

I actually like my choices in (1) as I get used to Sigma and Tamron equivalents in Pentax mount and both zoom lenses have the SR equivalent on the lenses. And the Tamron zoom is FX and DX compatible, I think. And I actually prefer the build quality on Sigma and Tamron over the consumer grade Nikon zoom lenses

Any inputs and corrections will be appreciated.

Hin

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Last edited by hinman; 10-18-2010 at 02:53 PM.

[tcdk]

The old version K-Mount of the Sigma 17-70 is my main lens and has been for more then five years. Would be the first thing I buy if I ever switch systems.

I had the Tamron 70-300 in Kmount and replaced with the 55-300 Pentax, as the Tamron has to much fringing on between 200-300

[hinman]

The old version K-Mount of the Sigma 17-70 is my main lens and has been for more then five years. Would be the first thing I buy if I ever switch systems.

I had the Tamron 70-300 in Kmount and replaced with the 55-300 Pentax, as the Tamron has to much fringing on between 200-300

Thanks for the inputs. I am going for the OS version of the sigma hoping that the Optical stabilization will help me on the normal use of the Sigma zoom. I love the older version of the Sigma zoom as I find it my best favorable 1-lens choice in doing it most for my needs in Pentax. The OS version do get some favorable reviews by Nikon users, some like it over the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 with VR which I find to be slower to use for walk-around and traveling.

Regarding the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 VC lens, it has Vibration Control from Tamron and it goes with ultrasonic motor. Ephotozine has a review on this lens and it does mention reasonable CA control. And I am in favor of this lens for FX compatibility, need to confirm though.

I am quite sure if I go to the Nikon forums, most people will pick #2 choices with Nikon lenses.

Thanks,
Hin

[kytra]

I have the 18-200mm VR and it is an excellent all-rounder. Maybe you could find the VR1 which is cheaper even the difference from VR2 version are quite minor (zoom lock and exterior design) The VR system is the same in both.

I support genuine Nikon lenses because only with those you will get automatic CA correction, more accurate metering, focusing and flash exposures and so on.

[Jasvox]

The 16-85/55-300 would get my vote IF that is all you are considering. Otherwise, I would choose the Sigma 17-50/2.8 OS HSM for my short lens and the 55-300 Nikon as my longer one. Of course, throw in a fast 50 and 35 and maybe even an 85 later.

Let us know how your choices work out and some reviewing would be nice too.

Jason

[deadwolfbones]

Hin, why the 55-300 instead of the 70-300?

[deadwolfbones]

Personally I'd go:

Tamron 17-50/2.8
Nikon 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR

[twitch]

Personally I'd go:

Tamron 17-50/2.8
Nikon 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR

+1 for this option.

[hinman]

Hin, why the 55-300 instead of the 70-300?

I like the focal length in 55-300 but it is 4.5 instead of 4.0 and it is DX lens while the Tamron VC is a FX lens if I am not mistaken. I don't think I can go very wrong in any of the zooms, I do think they are close in quality. It is just that I am used to the older version of Tamron 70-300mm that I really like its sharpness though the CA issues. With the Tamron Vibration Correction and ultrasonic motor from Tamron and a 6 year warranty, I am quite ready for this zoom. But I can study more on the Nikon one to be sure.

Thanks for the inputs,
Hin

[deadwolfbones]

I like the focal length in 55-300 but it is 4.5 instead of 4.0 and it is DX lens while the Tamron VC is a FX lens. I don't think I can go very wrong in any of the zooms, I do think they are close in quality. It is just that I am used to the older version of Tamron 70-300mm that I really like its sharpness though the CA issues. With the VC and ultrasonic motor from Tamron and a 6 year warranty, I am quite ready for this zoom. But I can study more on the Nikon one.

Thanks for the inputs,
Hin

Hin, I meant the Nikon 70-300 VR. It's FX-capable and goes for ~$400 used in EX condition.

[hinman]

Personally I'd go:

Tamron 17-50/2.8
Nikon 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR

I have used the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 in Pentax and many of my friends such as Peter and Miguel have placed their vote on the Tamron zoom. I just like to have the equivalent on SR/VC/IS/OS on both the short and long zooms. I know that the Tamron is quite good in wide open aperture but I do prefer the focal range in 17-70 and also its close up in 1:2.7. The HSM comes as a good thing. In Pentax ownership, I actually sold the Tamron 17-50 To Jason and get the Sigma as my liking on the zoom is for walk-about and traveling purpose. I will use prime in 50, 85 or a Tamron 28-75 to cover freelance work instead.

And what is the difference between the Nikon 55-300 and Nikon 77-300, both have VR and are both DX lens? Is the later an FX lens? I am a bit concerned on the build in Nikon consumer lens mostly made in Thailand.

Thanks,
Hin

[hinman]

Hin, I meant the Nikon 70-300 VR. It's FX-capable and goes for ~$400 used in EX condition.

Thanks! I will look into this zoom.

[deadwolfbones]

Thanks! I will look into this zoom.

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR - Review / Lab Test Report
Nikon 70-300mm VR (for what it's worth, aka not much)
70-300mm AF-S VR Lens Review by Thom Hogan
FM Reviews - 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S

[hinman]

I have the 18-200mm VR and it is an excellent all-rounder. Maybe you could find the VR1 which is cheaper even the difference from VR2 version are quite minor (zoom lock and exterior design) The VR system is the same in both.

I support genuine Nikon lenses because only with those you will get automatic CA correction, more accurate metering, focusing and flash exposures and so on.

Thanks for the valuable inputs. I have not thought about the CA correction and focusing but I do assume the metering to be about equal.

Thanks!
Hin

[hinman]

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR - Review / Lab Test Report
Nikon 70-300mm VR (for what it's worth, aka not much)
70-300mm AF-S VR Lens Review by Thom Hogan
FM Reviews - 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S

Thanks for all the links. I do find the build and non-extension of the Tamron zoom more appealing to me. The AF will be faster in the Nikon zoom but I like the non-rotating front in the Tamron along with MF similar to quick shift.

Source of reviews on Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 VC USD:

• http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/25526/tamron-70-300mm/
• http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Tamron-SP70300mm-f456-Di-VC-USD-14690
• http://www.tamronlensreview.com/tamron70300vcreview

Thanks!
Hin