17-70mm Sigma

[Epic800]

I am about to start working for my school newspaper and I will be shooting sporting events, school functions and concerts, etc. I am wondering if the Sigma 17-70MM is a suitable lens for what I will be doing? Does anyone about a better suggestion for a similar lens in this price range?

[Epic800]

Anyone????

[3bayjunkie]

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 would be better. you want at least 200mm zoom for sports and it also has a good wide angle at 18mm for those overview shots. About $850 but well worth it. If you have a higher budget try the 70-200mm 2.8 VR. you can pick one up for about $1000 -$1200 on ebay. If you have a much lower budget try a 70-300mm F/4-5.6 for about $150

[Epic800]

Originally Posted by 3bayjunkie

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 would be better. you want at least 200mm zoom for sports and it also has a good wide angle at 18mm for those overview shots. About $850 but well worth it. If you have a higher budget try the 70-200mm 2.8 VR. you can pick one up for about $1000 -$1200 on ebay. If you have a much lower budget try a 70-300mm F/4-5.6 for about $150

Alright thanks a lot. My budget isn't that high for the Nikkor 18-200MM but I came across the Sigma 18-200MM and it's fairly cheaper. Do you know how it compares?

[Jo.T]

sigma lenses have come a long way they are still not up to nikons with there 2.8 but a lot closer than before and for the price are great lenses.
A couple of things to look at when buying sigma, there new range is far better than the older lenses( lense coating and optics) sigma doesnt seem to have the quality control that nikon does, buy for someone that has a good return policy test your new lense to make sure it doesnt have any focus issues. From what i have read they only seem to have problems with there standard zoom range for some reason. I have 4 simga lenses, 3 were fab from day one but the 24 - 70 f2.8 had two focus issues(front on multi point and back on single). I had it tested by a die hard nikon pro(uses only primes) he was very impress by the build quality and the sharpness. The lense has been replace and the new one is sweet as.

If your on a budget look at the tamron range as well they dont have the build quality (more plastic) but there optics are good and bang for your bucks you cant go wrong.

the links to there web sites

Standard Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

Tamron photographic lenses in Australia - innovating for optical excellence

Cheers Jo