Tamron 70-300 Di LD vs. Sigma 70-300 DG macro

[Bob Ferry]

I am in the process of adding in a moderate size telephoto to my lens selection. In the latest issue of OP magazine there is a section dedicated to Tele-Zooms. Both of the above are listed. Each one had decent reviews by those using them. James Shadle has recommended the Tamron while Carol Polich has recommended the Sigma. I am looking for other opinions. I have worked with James before and trust his recommendation and am leaning toward the Tamron based on that. I do not know Carol nor have I used the Sigma lens before so Im looking for other feedback.
I am looking for something lightweight, great glass etc. I hope one day hope to get published in something other then small time periodicals etc so Im looking for something that I will give me that kind of quality.
Opinions are most appreciated. Thanks to James Caldwell for directing me to this website.

Regards
Bob F.

[Blake Shadle]

Hi, Bob. What camera system are you using? If it's Nikon, you can get a great price on the Nikon 70-300VR f/4.5-5.6 G-AFS ED-IF... It's a very sharp piece of glass, and you can't beat VR at this lens' current price.

[Alfred Forns]

Bob another advantage to the suggestion by Blake is re-sale price At some point you will sell it and the difference is significant

[Bob Ferry]

Blake,
I am using the D80 and if anything else I will be getting another Nikon Body. Im very happy with the camera so far. Have my eye on the D300 now. I agree resale is a consideration and appreciate the advice. I swear when James lent me his 80-400 I was a believer. The 600 wasnt bad either just a bit outta the price range for us working folks. :-)
Bob

[Blake Shadle]

The 80-400VR is a good lens. The AF is slow and it's not internal focus (the front element moves when focusing), but I've made many of my favorite images with it. It can be extremely sharp, when used with good technique.

[Ian McHenry]

Hi Bob
I have the Tamron70-300 but could just as easily have gone for the Sigma APO.
If I were to start again I would like to compare the 2 lenses for the focussing speed of each as I sometimes am a bit dissapointed in focussing speed for BIF pictures.
There again it might be camera related.

[David Kennedy]

Hi, Bob. What camera system are you using? If it's Nikon, you can get a great price on the Nikon 70-300VR f/4.5-5.6 G-AFS ED-IF... It's a very sharp piece of glass, and you can't beat VR at this lens' current price.

Blake,
Wouldn't your dad be pushing the Tamron? That was the impression I got from the new Outdoor Photographer :)

[Blake Shadle]

Blake,
Wouldn't your dad be pushing the Tamron? That was the impression I got from the new Outdoor Photographer :)

He is :D Bob asked if there were any other comparable lenses in the price range. We own the Tamron 70-300, Nikon 70-300VR, Tamron 180 f/3.5, Tamron 200-500 f/4.5-6.3 (more on the way)... So majority rules ;)

[Bob Ferry]

Guys,
So let me ask a follow-up question. Which of the three top lenses quoted here would give me the best value for the money, quickest focus and sharpest image?. I have 500.00 to spend on this lens and want to get one that I am gonna be able to use for many years to come. I have used a Nikon VR lens and was happy with the photos I took. I have not used either the Tamron nor Sigma. The Nikon VR of course runs close to 2x what the others seem to be running which is not a great deal IF the other priorities are met.
Blake, I take it your dad got rid of the 80-400???


Thanks in advance
Bob

[Nancy A Elwood]

I highly recommend the Nikon 70-300VR. I have not used the others, but for quality and handholdablity the Nikon I would not be without! Examples below

[Blake Shadle]

Here's another image made with the Nikon 70-300VR (you may have seen this one ;))



For the money, I don't think you can beat the Nikon 70-300VR. It has to be one of the most affordable image stabilization lenses on the market, and I'm convinced it has great image quality.

[Bob Ferry]

Thanks everyone. I guess thats the one I will pick up then.

Bob

[Bob Ferry]

I highly recommend the Nikon 70-300VR. I have not used the others, but for quality and handholdablity the Nikon I would not be without! Examples below

I Love the 2nd picture!!! Awesome IMO

Bob

[Bob Ferry]

I Love the 2nd picture!!! Awesome IMO

Bob

Blake,
wasnt that photo taken when we were at Flamingo in the Glades????