Nikon 24-120mm VR or Sigma 24-135mm

[Val]

Looking to get either Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G VR for $500-$550 or Sigma 24-135mm F2.8-4.5 $300

VR sounds good, but most of my use with this lens would be during parties where i will have to use flash or sports with high shutter speed, will VR help or its better to get f/2.8-4.5 and its a $200 cheaper

How is quality comparing two?

Please help.

Thanks.
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[einarn]

Hi Val,

though I can't say anything about the Sigma I did about 100 pics with my new 24-120 VR already. So may be you might be interested in this pic and a 100% crop (no PS done, the crop is original).

My (limited) experience: the VR function seems to help but I did not yet do any serious testing. The lens quality seems average to me when wide open and otherwise okay (but I am really no expert cause I am just starting with nikkor lenses :-) The autofocus is quick and noiseless. I am not yet sure if I'll keep that lens but it covers a nice range with acceptable results as far as I can say now. Don't expect anything near the 50 1:1.8 or even the 80-200.

Greetings Einar

Sorry, I forgot:
Exposure time: 1/180
Shutter speed: 1/181.02
F-stop: 5.6
ISO speed: 100
Focal length: 57.0000
Flash: Not fired
Orientation: Top-left
Aperture: 5.0000
Light source: Unknown
Exposure bias: 0.0000
Metering mode: Center Weighted
Exposure program: Aperture priority

http://www.xlntresearch.com/ausschnitt_voll.jpg

http://www.xlntresearch.com/ausschnitt.jpg

[Val]

Thanks Einar for your reply.

I was searching on line and it seems like not alot of people have Sigma 24-135mm, so I did not find any reliable reviews on it.

I am going to try Sigma 24-135mm for now and see how its going to work.
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[Empty]

Val, any chance you have an update on the Sigma 24-135? I'm thinking about this lens and, like you said a year ago no one is posting any test results or opinions. I'm curious if you bought and kept it, and wht your impressions are/were.

Thanks.

Mark

[killians913]

Mark,

Have you looked at the Tamron 24-135mm version? I have it, use it, and found it to be superior to the Sigma.

Just my 2 cents.

Lockett

[Empty]

Lockett,

I hadn't thought about Tamron (it's about $100 more than the the Sigma). What is it that you like about it? I'm using a Nikkor 28-105 3.5/4.5 now but wanted to stretch the reach alittle...

Mark

[killians913]

Mark,

I like the Tamron because it has a macro feature which is great for ring shots and close ups of the invitation, etc. I also find that it is sharper and feels better built IMO.

I realize that the Sigma is a faster lens (f2.8-4.5 vice f3.5-5.6), but my experience in using the Sigma is that it is soft at f2.8 and gets better as you move to f4.5. However, I find the Tamron lens to be sharper than the Sigma across its range even at f3.5.

Lockett

[Empty]

Thanks for the info Lockett. Looks like I'll be heading to my local candy shop to give the Tamron a closer look.

Cheerio.

Mark