My first 70-200 2.8

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freeman3030

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James
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Hi, beginner photographer here!
I'm looking for my very first zoom and would really like a f/2.8.
I have a Nikon d3100 and already possess a nikkor 18-55 f/4.5-5.6 and a nikkor 35mm f/1.8.

My next ideal purchase is either a:
Tamron 70-200
Sigma 70-200

But I can't decide which. I would love the Nikkor 70-200 but I simply can't afford it.

I would prefer the sigma purely because it focuses faster than the tamron, but I have fears about the focusing issues I've read people have had. It seems like a bit of a hit and miss and luck from lens to lens. Especially considering I can only really afford to buy second hand. So Im now leaning towards the tamron, but like I say I'm slightly concerned with the slow focus.

I am going to the speedway and am going to use it to get some close up action shots. Also I plan to use it on my holiday next month.

If anyone has had experiences if both please share your thoughts/advise.
Thanks
 
I've not heard of focussing issues with the Sigma. Mine is the HSM II version and I've been really happy with it. Pretty sharp even wide open and focussing is quick and accurate. I can't remember if I've dialled in any focus fine tune on my D700 but it worked pretty well on my D200 as well and that has no focus adjust so I assume it's pretty good out the box. Works quite well with a 2x converter as well though auto focus hunts a bit.

I don't know a great deal about the Tamron other than that it is quite a bit rarer so I wonder if you'd struggle to even find a used one.
 
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My Sigma 70-200 (HSM II) is also spot on, fabulous lens.
 
Very sorry for such a late reply - have been flat out!
Thank you for the responses, perhaps I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, like I said I had read that some people were having problems with front focusing issues - in particular this review:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-70-200mm-f-2.8-DG-HSM-II-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

I'm pretty certain that I want this sigma lens though, I'm now contemplating whether to settle for a non OS version or to splurge the extra and get OS.
I've found a few on eBay for around the £400 (non OS)... Oh I don't know!!!
 
I have the Nikon 80-200 AF f2.8, it takes superb pictures, there is no vr but I've not found that a problem as at 2.8 its pretty fast. IQ rivals the 70-200 for half the price. Got mine on ebay for not much more than the Sigma. If vr is important for you then the Sigma or Tamron would be decent lenses but I've no experience with either.
 
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