Lenses

[grunner30]

I'm looking into 70-200's and wondering if the Nikkor and it's faster focus, and VR, is worth the price of getting a 3rd party 70-200 f2.8 (the Tamron), a 11-16 f2.8 (Tokina), AND filters for the same cabbage. I like shooting birds in flight and other action stuff. Lots of people in reviews say the Tamron is slow to focus. What to do what to do.

Cheers,

Wade

[Politik]

Yes, I have heard of the slow focus issues of the tamron as well. But they also say that about the 28-75 that I have and I dont have an issue?

The nikkor will have a little bit better IQ (from what i hear) but its the build that really sets it apart. Weather sealed tank that can take some damage if you would dare if it some lol.

Overall I cant say though. I am opting towards 3rd party right now because I am a broke college kid. If not the sigma 70-200, im eying the Tokina 50-135... Wont be sufficient for birding.

Oh, sorry for rambling, but maybe the tamron or sigma 70-200 and a 1.7 teleconverter would be nice choice as well?

[grunner30]

Thanks Politik, I've always valued your advice / comments. The weather sealing remark, IQ (I assume that means it knows better what I want to shoot... birds in flight... and doesn't have problems "hunting."), build, and also considering VR...

You know while I'm at it here, I'm researching correspondence courses. I've been looking pretty hard at the New York Institute of Photography. Any comments

[StylizE]

18-200mm lens is good.

[Politik]

oh, to chime in a 2nd time after some experience with the 70-200 :-)

WOW is that lens heavy! I was shooting a D700 + 70-200 VR and was struggling lol.. but im used to that tamron 28-75 on my D200 so its not that surprising.. It was insanely sharp though.. ill post some photos of it in a bit here

[fotodog]

I just shot all weekend with the 70-200 VR Nikon.

Sweet piece of glass it is. Worth every penny, and I'm a value oriented guy (read cheap) and I'm definitely saving all my pennies for this and a D4 when it comes out.

The other ones are nice, but I think the nikon definitely focuses quicker.

Peace!