The f/2.8 Zoom Option...

[PHeller]

Ok, I've been browsing the forum recently to find out anything in regards to longer f/2.8 lenses. I think I'd like a 70-200mm, as I used one on my Minolta SLR and I really liked it (although a f/4-5.6), in fact I used it more often then my 50mm f/1.8 I had on my Olympus.

But, now that I am in the Nikon world, these lenses only give me guesses to the lense I may need. My subjects have changed alot as well. With the prospect of doing more indoor ballroom dancing photos,motorsport and cycling related photography, I will need a lense that can be used both outdoor effectively and indoors when I need the perfect shot under really low light conditions from across the room.

I know their are quite a few different lenses that are f2/.8 that range from the Nikon 70-200mm AF-S, AF-D, and VR, and I know there are Sigma version comparable with these Nikon models, as well as the Sigma 50-150 F/2.8.

What other brands/model of lenses cover this range up to 200mm, and what is the best bang for the buck?

I really like the 97+ 80-200mm Nikon AF-D, but I'm wondering if a Sigma might be cheaper glass in that same focal range.

Opinions?

[rawpaw18]

What camera are you using?
The big advantage to the Sigmas are the fact they have HSM, only Nikon's afs, and the vr have there own motors. If using it for action the focus would be slower since the camera is driving the lens.

The range of the 50-150 would be about the same as your 70-200 on a film camera due to the crop factor.

You may consider used at KEH, if you want the Nikons with AF-S at a cheaper price.

[PHeller]

D50

KEH?

Forgot about that Film - Digital conversion there.

It might be nice to have that extra length, as I wouldn't mind trying some bird shorts and so forth...but I think in the real world I still wouldn't be able to get close enough with a 200mm to get those really radical shots.

Though I could use the extra money in difference in price or whatever to buy a cheaper xx-300mm f4-5.6.

[rawpaw18]

KEH.com, is a very reputable seller of used camera equip. I have not bought from there before, but they are recommended often and have a grading system and priced accordingly.

The D50 internal drive is not the strongest in the Nikon camp, it will definitely be helpful for a lens with its own motor.

Birds with a 200mm is still aways away, I have found recently, even with the crop factor.

[jcon]

With the prospect of doing more indoor ballroom dancing photos,motorsport and cycling related photography, I will need a lense that can be used both outdoor effectively and indoors when I need the perfect shot under really low light conditions from across the room.


I would suggest the 70-200 VR. It will suit you for everything you listed above. With that said, I have never been to ballroom dancing(never plan on it either for that matter,LOL) so I dont know how close you would be to the dancing. The 70-200VR may not be wide enough?

A while back I thought primes faster than 2.8 would be my main focus but for me, I dont like the idea of being limited in the focal range. I mention that because maybe for your ballroom dancing a fast prime may be the best for that?

For the rest of your shooting situations, I really think the 70-200VR would fit. I really love that lens!

[rawpaw18]

70-200VR I really love that lens!

Ditto, (collapsed quote)^

[PHeller]

I'm not talking about Primes at all...haha

When I say "xx-200mm" its because I dont know what all short ranges there are available in a 200+mm Zoom.

That said, the VR is a nice lense, but it requires alot of funds for even the f/4.0 version, and that wouldn't help me on those overcast days at the track or in a ballroom.

[jcon]

That said, the VR is a nice lense, but it requires alot of funds for even the f/4.0 version, and that wouldn't help me on those overcast days at the track or in a ballroom.

Then perhaps the Sigma alternative may be an option, its alot cheaper but it wont focus as fast and wont be as sharp. Oh and dont forget the Nikon 80-200 non VR

[rawpaw18]

Just did a quick check on KEH,
AF-S 80-200 starting at $789 up to $1120 for used ones.

Of course brand new Sigmas can be purchased at these prices.

You are right, it will not stop action on the dance floor, that is my job. Most people just leave when they see
me convulsing out there, it is not pretty.

[Kellie]

The Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 was suggest to me for photographing my husband's bicycle races. I found it at sigma4less.com for only $594. The 2x EX APO teleconverter for this lens is only $174.95 (although currently out of stock).

I'm hoping I will be able to use this lens indoors as well.

[PHeller]

I didn't think about the TC option either...that would make the 50-150 very usuable for birding.

What would the F-Stop be with that converter?

Post some pics up once you get it!

[jcon]

I may be wrong here but when you use converters, you lose F stops, so your 2.8 isnt 2.8 anymore, so it probably wouldnt be good to use it indoors where the 2.8 is needed(indoor ballroom). Outdoors, for the bicycle races it should work fine(I assume there will be plenty of sun).

[Kellie]

Yes, it will be only f/5.6 with the TC.

I would imagine the 50-150mm would be plenty of reach for indoor ballroom dancing shots, though. :)

[Kellie]

Oh, there is also the 1.4x TC that will bring it to f/4.

[PHeller]

I am really wanting to see more pics from the 50-150 to determine if the range is what I want.

Anyone get any low-light shots from the Sigma 50-150 yet?

If so, could I possible get the distance from subject?

[jcon]

Go to PBase.com, they should have pictures there.

[coldrain]

Oh, there is also the 1.4x TC that will bring it to f/4.
Kellie, every TC will work fine withe your D40/Sigma 50-150mm. The Sigma versions do not stand out in optical quality, so there is not really a reason to get a Sigma.

The best ones you can get optically as far as I know are the cheap Soligor versions, but you have to order them from Germany via their website because there is no US distributor, they have a 1.7x and 2x convertor (1.5 and 2 f-stops worth of light loss due to the cropping).

The Tamron TCs seem to perform quite good too, as do Kenko ones.

The Sigmas will only work with certain lenses, while the Soligors, Kenkos and Tamrons will work with just about any lens, due to their construction.

Do keep in mind that you do not only lose light because of the cropping, but also resolution (you smear out the cropped center resolution of the lens over the entire image).

[PHeller]

I can't find anything that matches the Sigma 50-150 in convienance as well as functionality.

While the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 may be a great lense, its pretty hefty, and for my work I'll need something very portable since i'll be moving around a dance floor.

I also entertained the idea of a shorter length lense, or a longer Prime, such as the 85mm f/1.8, but I don't know how I feel about paying $350 for a Prime thats only a tad bit longer then the 50mm F/1.8

My biggest reason for interest in the 50-150 is the versatility.