D7K + 18-105VR - Renewed appreciation

Nightwings wrote:

I picked up a Sigma 17-50 2.8 EX DC OS HSM yesterday and I compared it to my Nikkor 18-105VR

My impressions -

The Sigmas 2.8 is handy to have when in a tight bind for light

The Sigmas build quality is excellent

The Sigma produces sharp images, softens a bit at 2.8

The Nikkor produces sharp images end to end, and is somewhat enhanced at times due to .. what I opine as superior contrast.

The Sigmas end to end AF is quiet, VERY quiet.

The Nikkor produces better colors (Truer)

The Sigma tends to overexpose at all f stops

The Sigma tended to inaccurately aquire initial lock.. as it chose multiple AF locks when in AF-S mode - Whereas the Nikkor locked once and never "changed its mind" for lack of a better term.

The Nikkor produces better contrast - mentioned above

The Nikkor focuses faster/better in lower light.

The Nikkor has MUCH better VR

The Nikkor has double the reach and is lighter.

The Nikkor is about $600 cheaper.

I'm sending the Sigma back because... The lack of f 2.8 on my Nikkor is made up for in the superior VR so I'm still able to get relatively equal still shots in low light. I'd rather not have to pizz around with exposure compensation when swapping out lenses - All my Nikkors perform equally in that regard.

--
Nikon AF - One Shot ..... One Kill