Sigma 70-200 verses Sony 70-200

I would really like to get my hands on a super sharp almost zero distortion 2.8 lense in this range. I've read "ALL" of the reviews on http://www.dyxum.com about the sigma but my gut still tells me that unless I get the Sony version I won't be completely satisfied.

From a price standpoint $900 is a lot easier to swallow verses $1900. However, I've learned many times in the past that if you want the best quality then you're going to have to pay best quality prices or find a super sa-weet deal.

How much better in terms of IQ is the Sony over the Sigma?
What are your thoughts on the two lenses?

--
Ivan
http://www.ivanwatkins.com

I believe you will never notice the difference.
I have the older Sigma that does a great job.
The Sony may be a tad better but $1000 better?

Ivan,

You will probably want to wait. Both Sigma and Tamron are releasing new versions of this lens in the immediate future.
--
Regards,
Graham

'Luck is the attentive photographer's best teacher.'
John Szarkowski

Hey Graham,

The Sigma that I was thinking about is the one being released in 2008. I saw a review on it from dpreview also one customer opinion on dyxum for the 2008 version. Do you think the new offerings well help to drive down the cost of the Sony?
--
Ivan
http://www.ivanwatkins.com

ivanwatkins said:

Hey Graham,

The Sigma that I was thinking about is the one being released in
2008. I saw a review on it from dpreview also one customer opinion
on dyxum for the 2008 version. Do you think the new offerings well
help to drive down the cost of the Sony?
--
Ivan
http://www.ivanwatkins.com

Click to expand...

Hey Ivan,

I think it will depend on how close the versions compare. If the Tamron/Sigma offer similar IQ, for less than 1/2 the price, I don't see how Sony can continue to price their version at the current level.

With the previous Tamron - Minolta/Sony joint lens releases, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Tamron re-badged. Perhaps a few upgrades and marketed as a "G" lens. That would allow Sony to redesign the current 70-200 and market it as a "Zeiss". If that happens, there might be some good deals on the current model.

I'm planning to be content with my beercan for now and wait to see what develops. I'm also very curious to see the new Sony 70-300 "G". I appreciate it's really not filling the same niche, but if the IQ is great, it might be a contender for my shooting style.

--
Regards,
Graham

'Luck is the attentive photographer's best teacher.'
John Szarkowski

It sounds to me Ivan that you have already made your mind. If you want buy the best lens, few people would challenge that Sony is the one. How close the other choices are is irrelevant.

Yes, $1000 is considerable money, and this is what you SAVE compared to us in Europe if you can buy this lens for $1900. I just paid EUR 1900, and this is still less than UK lowest price of GBP 1550.

Just go for it! And be happy...

..did you get it for that price? It seems to be hard to find (on the net at least) in Europe. Warehouseexpress lists it for GBP 1700, which is VERY steep.

Thanks,
Poul

dsstudio said:

It sounds to me Ivan that you have already made your mind. If you
want buy the best lens, few people would challenge that Sony is the
one. How close the other choices are is irrelevant.

Yes, $1000 is considerable money, and this is what you SAVE compared
to us in Europe if you can buy this lens for $1900. I just paid EUR
1900, and this is still less than UK lowest price of GBP 1550.

Just go for it! And be happy...

Click to expand...

Where did you find a review of the 2008 Sigma 2.8 70-200? I see 2 for the current models but none for the recently announced ones.

Graham...do you know the dates on either the Tamron or Sigma new ones?

You guys are making me even more "antsy"! (Is that a word?) I'm wanting a lens like those really bad. My Presidents are getting bored waiting!
--
Glenn

I'm kinda partial to video, but I'm hangin!

Poulsan said:

..did you get it for that price? It seems to be hard to find (on the
net at least) in Europe. Warehouseexpress lists it for GBP 1700,
which is VERY steep.

Thanks,
Poul

Click to expand...

Poul, did I say I bought Sony 70-200 SSM for EUR 1900? I lied. I paid EUR 1900, but also hopeful of EUR 500 cash back. Which makes it amazing price for Europe, but not as amazing as the price our friends across the pound enjoy on BAU basis, of course!

As for UK prices, I swear I saw week ago amazon.co.uk listing it in stock for GBP 1550. Not anymore…

Ivan?. .. Ivan, are you there?... Ivan, do you hear us?... Buy Sony lens for $1900, buy it like “now!”… There are people happy with Sigma/Tamron versions, fine. But I have not heard about anyone who regret buying 70-200 G...

If you don't buy the Sony SSM I highly recommend you DO NOT try it AFTER you buy one of the other brands ;-) unless they add SSM and smooth out the manual focus. I had a Sigma and now own a Sony and have no regrets. My siggy MF just felt a little gritty. Nothing terrible but the Sony SSM is sweet. Worth a $1000? probably not but I still am happy with it

I may have mistaken the review below to be one for the upcoming model.

http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/reviews.asp?IDLens=195

user: Marcin review date: March 18, 2008

sharpness: 4,5

color: 4

build: 4

distortion: 5

flare control: 5

test on film camera: Yes

test on digital 6MP: NO

test on digital 10MP: NO

test on digital 12MP: Yes

test on digital 14MP: NO

compared to:

MAF 24-85/3.5-4.5
MAF 28-75/2.8
MAF 70-200/2.8 SSM

positive:

-good sharpness performace,
-color,
-contrast,
-very good flare control!!
-very good build quality in this price range,
-quick AF,

negative:

-lack od AF limiter!!!!!!!!!
-not as good as 70-200/2.8 APO SSM G

Price paid:

500euro (used)

comment:

This lens isn't as sharp as Minolta 100/2.8 macro D but it is good in this matter even if You compare results with Minolta/sony 70-200/2.8.
I'm positively suprised witch contrast and colors af this lens.

Despite the fact that there's no HSM motor inside, AF of this lens is very fast specially when You are using it with Sony A700 or Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 7/9. Only thorn in the flash is lack of AF limiter. This matter irritate me when I'am using Sigma TCx2 with it - AF limiter would be very helpfull.
--
Ivan
http://www.ivanwatkins.com

The actual price is $1999 USD (so for 99 bucks more).. .It seems to be everywhere for that price.
--
Ivan
http://www.ivanwatkins.com

David Sprague said:

If you don't buy the Sony SSM I highly recommend you DO NOT try it
AFTER you buy one of the other brands ;-) unless they add SSM and
smooth out the manual focus. I had a Sigma and now own a Sony and
have no regrets. My siggy MF just felt a little gritty. Nothing
terrible but the Sony SSM is sweet. Worth a $1000? probably not but I
still am happy with it

Click to expand...

Totally agreed with David as the Sigma / Tamron are not in the same class of Minolta / Sony G lenes. I'm lucky to get my 80-200 APO HSG @$1,000 ten years before and love it much ! Sony SSM is a little bit different in taste but faster and shorter in focal distance.
--
Arthur

Thanks David.. it sounds like your real life experience is right in line with my gut feeling.
--
Ivan
http://www.ivanwatkins.com

---

IMO there's no question that the Minolta/Sony is a superior lens, both in construction/finishing and optically. However the price may be only justifiable if you are going to use it a lot professionally or money is abundant. As for the Sigma, all reviews and generall users comments are very positive.

I am very impressed with the new Tamron specs and the fact that it is a brand new design with the latest technology. It's also about 160 g lighter than the Sigma. I have a Tokina 80-200/2.8 ATX Pro, which is very well built and has good optics, however old tech ( prone to some CA ) and on the heavy ( 1350 g ) side. I'm anxious to see the Tamron reviews!

... Lucas

--
You're welcome to: http://www.pbase.com/lucaspix/root

Always having fun with photography ...

$1,000 dollars can by a lot of camera lenses. Which would you rather have:

the sony 70-200/2.8 SSM OR

the sigma 70-200/2.8 PLUS:

tamron 17-50/2.8 + cz 16-80 OR
135 SFT OR
sony 50/2.8 macro + sony 100/2.8 macro OR
a NAS (terra-byte mass storage unit over internet) OR
money for a nice trip to somewhere you can take pictures of!

Good luck with your decision...we all wish we had your problem! lol