how does Sigma compare to Nikon 24-70mm?

[november]

Of course I prefer Nikon 24-70 mm F/2.8 (price about $ 1750 CAD) but the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 is $670 CAD, a lot less money but also a lot less quality? How is this lens holding up to Nikon?
Am a beginner in wedding photography, so maybe upgrade later down the road to more expensive/quality lenses? Or just go for the best (and eat Kraft Dinner for a while?

[scootermcq]

I had the sigma, and it does not hold a candle to the nikon glass. Having said that, it is a decent lens. At 2.8 it is fairly soft foucs, but comes on not too badly by about f4. I have dumped it and decided to go with primes for this year & two bodies, vs keeping one in the bag as back-up only.

If you want to see some real life samples, most of the shots in the wedding page on my website are shot with the sigma 24-70 f2.8

[LoveDSLR]

I don't know which model is $670 CAD but the HSM version should be better than the older non-HSM.

I have both Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG (non HSM) and Nikon 24-70 f/2.8. The Sigma isn't as sharp as the Nikon. It is lower in micro-contrast and saturation. I like it with my D300 but not with my D3.

[november]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

I don't know which model is $670 CAD but the HSM version should be better than the older non-HSM.

I have both Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG (non HSM) and Nikon 24-70 f/2.8. The Sigma isn't as sharp as the Nikon. It is lower in micro-contrast and saturation. I like it with my D300 but not with my D3.

The info I have on this lens is: Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG for Nikon. Sorry what is non HSM?

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by november

The info I have on this lens is: Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG for Nikon. Sorry what is non HSM?

With autofocus motor like AF-S in Nikon. It will give you faster & quieter auto focus. That model you are quoting was the one I had, and does not have the motor.

[kirbinster]

I had one and replaced it with a Nikon. Its not a bad lens, but once you have used a Nikon you won't be happy with it. Generally you pay for what you get

[november]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

With autofocus motor like AF-S in Nikon. It will give you faster & quieter auto focus. That model you are quoting was the one I had, and does not have the motor.

Thanks!! I think I will go for the Nikon 24-70mm and then as second lens 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR.....as time goes by. Just starting out as newbie and looking for a photographer to be second shooter.

BTW I love the wedding photos on your website

[candleman]

i have the 24-70 EX DG Macro (non HSM) and it's pretty soft wide open.
even at f/3.2 it's soft in the corners.
f/4 is not bad.

it also INSANELY takes 82mm filters which aren't cheap.

my next lens will be a Nikkor 24-70

24-70 on a crop body i've found isn't wide enough for most weddings...
hence why i'm buying a D700 first, then a 24-70 (which IS wide enough)


Sigma isn't all bad though.
i also have a 50-150 f/2.8 HSMII ....its is one hell of a lens.. i love that thing, sharp even wide open, fast and accurate focus.

[november]

Originally Posted by candleman

i have the 24-70 EX DG Macro (non HSM) and it's pretty soft wide open.
even at f/3.2 it's soft in the corners.
f/4 is not bad.

it also INSANELY takes 82mm filters which aren't cheap.

my next lens will be a Nikkor 24-70

24-70 on a crop body i've found isn't wide enough for most weddings...
hence why i'm buying a D700 first, then a 24-70 (which IS wide enough)


Sigma isn't all bad though.
i also have a 50-150 f/2.8 HSMII ....its is one hell of a lens.. i love that thing, sharp even wide open, fast and accurate focus.

Oops, i didnt think of that. I mean using this lens on a crop body. Wish I could see the difference on both cameras .

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by candleman

Sigma isn't all bad though.
i also have a 50-150 f/2.8 HSMII ....its is one hell of a lens.. i love that thing, sharp even wide open, fast and accurate focus.

Now I regretted getting my copy of the 50-150 f/2.8 HSM II...I think I'll like the newer OS version more.