Tamron or Sigma?

[AmpelisChinito]

Hey fellow Nikonians,

I was pondering about 2 lenses: the Tamron 70-300mm telephoto lens for a D70 or the Sigma equivalent. On ebay they both cost the same by CametaCamera, and I'm leaning towards the Sigma. Any advice would help.

Here are the two links:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sigma-70-300mm-for-Nikon-Digital-D70s-D2Hs-D50-D2H-NEW_W0QQitemZ7579613901QQcategoryZ3343QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamron-70-300mm-Lens-f-Nikon-Digital-D2H-D200-D70s-NEW_W0QQitemZ7581098637QQcategoryZ3343QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem

Please help,

Ampelis

[BenBirding]

I would go for the Sigma over the Tamron.

[Fungbot]

Hi

I have the APO version of this Sigma lens for my D70 and for the money I can certainly recommend it. Quite usable fully open and sharp stopped down at F8. The macro setting at the 200mm plus end of the zoom range works well and is an added bonus.

It might be worth paying the extra for the APO version. Better colour correction especially on digital.

Fungbot

[Tyler Vargo]

I agree with the others, my Sigma 70-300 (APO) is a cracking lens. Quite nice at f5.6 but much better at f8 (I always shoot at f8, sometimes higher if it is bright i.e. f11)

[AmpelisChinito]

Wait... it cracks? I'm not going to buy it if it cracks, or, do you mean some other photography-related word?

By the way, Tyler, I would have the same equipment as you do when I get the Sigma, except for the fact that I have a Nikon ED 28-80 lens, but other than that, same memory card, camera, and soon same lens.

[Tyler Vargo]

It's good equipment isn't it AmpelisChinito? I've never laid hands on the 28-80 that you speak of though...

Wait... it cracks? I'm not going to buy it if it cracks, or, do you mean some other photography-related word?I hope you're being facetious there, but just in case you aren't:
Cracking - adj. Excellent; great: had a cracking time at the dance.

[BenBirding]

You have to learn the British Slang if you want to be a member here.

[AmpelisChinito]

Oh, I see, like guvna'.

[BenBirding]

Now that sounds like yankee American dailect. You'll get it soon enough. ;)

[yossi]

The previous APO lens from Sigma was not as good as the recent APO 2 (with the red rim) or the current APO DG (which has a red rim too).
The older versions with the gold rim were not so "cracking"...

[greypoint]

Have used both - the Tamron is a nice lens but prone to purple fringing. The Sgma APO version is a better bet.

[christineredgate]

Well being totally neutral re both of these lenses,I suggest anyone interested in Tamron lenses visits the Gallery and sees the image of the Kingfisher.It is mind blowing.It is taken with a Nikon D-70 and a Tamron20-500(I think).Well worth a view.It is the Kingfisher with a fish in it,s mouth."Catch of the day" is the title of the photo.

[Keith Reeder]

This one?
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/63670/sort/1/cat/all/page/1

Yep, great stuff.

RezMole is another D70/Tamron 200-500mm user, and his gallery is worth checking out too:
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/18597

Edited to fix link to rezMole's gallery

[rezMole]

RezMole is another D70/Tamron 200-500mm user, and his gallery is worth checking out too:


Cheers Keith, but my gallery is here:

http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/18597

I also use the Tamron 28-300mm lens when i really want to travel light. A cracking little lens for the money.

[DOC]

Just seen this post - and i must add - it's a great privalege for having my photos given as good examples for the Tamron lense .
Rezmole is one of the reasons i purchased the Tamron 200-500 and I thank him again .

Since the kingfisher photo - i've had some few more very good photos which show the capabilities of this fantastic lense.

My gallery :http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/6414