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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Nikon 24-70 vs Sigma 24-70
Joshua Brown, Photographer
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Waynesville | NC | USA | Posted: 6:13 PM on 09.01.09 |
| ->> I'm looking to purchase a 24-70 f/2.8 and I've used Sigma lenses before with good results. I'm curious if the Nikon is worth twice the price. Both have good reviews. Anybody with an opinion? |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 8:46 PM on 09.01.09 |
->> Major difference. Lenses with the N coating technology have been optimized for the digital chips giving better clarity and sharpness. You will notice the difference.
If you will notice the difference in images, doesn't it mean your clients could?
However, I do think everyone should not go out the buy the very best camera and lens when starting out. There comes a time when you realize you are competing with the big boys and the clients need to know you are doing all you can to deliver the best quality.
For example one of my clients and their boss both have D3s, 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm and one of them has 200-400mm and they are not photographers, but in management.
Do you think they would notice? I think so.
Just depends on who your end user is for now and where you want to go. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 9:09 PM on 09.01.09 |
->> The Nikon version has faster AF, less flare due to nano coating and a it is optically superior when viewing at 100% or larger, especially wide open. I prefer the colors on the Nikon as well. Its the finest mid-range zoom Ive ever used for any system.
That said, there defiantly are some diminishing returns given its price over something more affordable like the Sigma. The Sigma has a plus of being quite a compact lens compared to the 24-70 as well.
I'd say it really comes down to how much you'll use the lens. If that range is your "bread and butter" then I don't think you'd regret buying the finest tool possible, the Nikon, because it is one amazing lens.
If however you don't really use that focal length, why tie up a bunch of money in something that won't get used. I have a Sigma fish eye for example. I can count on one hand the number of times I use a fish eye a year so why spend close to $1000 on the Nikon version when I'm not making use of it.
If something is "worth it" really depends on the opportunity cost and that is going to vary for everyone. For example if the cost of you owning the lens means you have to forgo something else very essential then its not worth it. If you won't be impacted by buying the more expensive lens and it fits into your business plan then sure, its worth it. |
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Greg Francis, Photographer
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Rochester | NY | USA | Posted: 9:23 PM on 09.01.09 |
| ->> Why not consider a used Nikon AF-S 28-70/2.8. It can be had for $750-$950 and it's an excellent lens as well. Half the cost of the 24-70/2.8 Nikon. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 1:00 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Jeff,
That's a great summary.
Chuck |
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Joshua Brown, Photographer
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Waynesville | NC | USA | Posted: 1:44 PM on 09.02.09 |
| ->> Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I hadn't even thought about the 28-70, I think I might look into that. |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 1:56 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> I recently learned my lesson on after market equipment. I refused to pay $259 for the MB-D10 grip for the D300, instead buying a generic one for $89. I got away with it for a year, but that account came due this week when the screw that mounts to the bottom of the camera came off. Cheap piece of plastic. So I ordered the Nikon today from one of our sponsors.
Buy the Nikon |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 8:06 PM on 09.02.09 |
->> Jeff,
Sigma is a far cry from those Chinese companies selling knockoff grips on eBay. You can't lump them all together.
I've used Sigma glass for well over a decade. Some of their older stuff wasn't so hot, but their quality and value, given the price, overall isn't bad and has gotten better over the years.
Chuck |
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Mark Perlstein, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Plano | TX | USA | Posted: 10:00 AM on 09.03.09 |
| ->> Not trying to be a snob, but I ask my freelancers prior to hiring them what they shoot with. I have been burned by photographers using non Nikon or Canon glass, especially Sigma and Tamaron. I have seen many a non Nikon or Canon wide zoom with excessive flair and reduced contrast. For my money, it is not worth it the risk. Believe me, editors look at the camera data on the digital photos to see what camera and lens was used. |
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Landon Finch, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 12:00 PM on 09.03.09 |
->> I use the 28-70 on my D700 and I am very happy with it. It does vignette a bit (but I like that). I'd buy a used 28-70 before a third party lens.
I have not shot with the 24-70 so I can't compare, but I haven't heard/read of anyone not thinking the 24-70 is one of the best Nikon lenses available. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 7:17 AM on 09.09.09 |
| ->> Glad the editors at SI chose to look at my actual photo instead of the camera data, or my full-page image shot with a Sigma 18-50/f2.8 would never have been published. |
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Thomas Campbell, Photographer
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Houston/San Antonio | TX | USA | Posted: 8:41 AM on 09.09.09 |
->> The Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 is a much better lens and better value than the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8. It is plastic body, but it is a very solid performer. I believe I paid 275 for mine a few years back.
A new Nikon runs about 1800 and the new Tamron runs about 400. It is at least worth a test drive. |
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