Hey, new guy here, I've been shooting with my Nikon D50 for a good year now and have take over 40,000 some images with the camera and I love it! Lots of events and sports mostly.

Well I want to upgrade to a professional lens because my Quantaray, my sharpest and fastest lense, isn't doing the job anymore. So I've been looking around and think I found what I want. I was thinking of just going cheap with a 200mm VR or 300mm VR non-pro lense for $250 and $500 but came into some cash and thinking 2.8 pro-type lens.

-Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom-Nikkor Lens with Bracket & Case - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty
http://www.adorama.com/NK80200AFNU.html


Now I'm undecided on two issues.
1. Should I look around for the "AF-S" 200mm 2.8 lens? Will it be a better lens to get?

2. How is this Sigma lens?
Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=435161&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

I really enjoy shooting ice hockey and roller mostly. Then just a lot of basic street cars and motorsport type events. I'd love to get some nice sharp photos such as this guy who did it with a similiar lens with a 2.8. Probably a D2X camera though and great lighting.
http://kjphoto.tripod.com/images2/knj_3047.jpg

Im planning on dropping a good $900 on this, but really want to make sure I get the right lens. Probably Xmas time, I'll be looking to upgrade to a D200 or stronger.


Here's my current gear.
(F stops I forgot, Im at work and can't remember them exactly)
Quantaray 70-300mm f4-f5.6D (Oddly my sharpest and fastest lens I think!)
Vivitar Series 1 70-300mm f4.5-6
Nikon 18-55mm
Tamron 28-200mm f3.8-5.6
Peleng 3mm-8mm Fisheye lense.
http://greatsave9.smugmug.com/photos/132044633-M.jpg

I've taken some nice ones at lower shutter speeds and ISO1600 and alittle Photoshop 25% correction on colors.

http://greatsave9.smugmug.com/photos/115115098-M-3.jpg
http://greatsave9.smugmug.com/photos/115120442-M-3.jpg
http://greatsave9.smugmug.com/photos/111935520-M-2.jpg
http://greatsave9.smugmug.com/photos/111819028-M.jpg


I'm just thinking the 2.8 will help out greatly, and the sharpest of the lens would do wonders..... or at least I'm hoping it will!


Thanks in advance!
-Andrew

I can't speak for the Nikon 80-200, but I have the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 & its a fantastic lens. I use it all the time when shooting sports, portraits, lots of stuff.

The question has been asked a few times before, so you might want to search the threads & see what you can come up with.

Those shots look pretty good to me though!

The Sigma 70-200 is a fantastic lens.
Given the choice between the AF-D Nikon 80-200mm (non-AFS) and the Sigma HSM 70-200mm I'd choose the Sigma. HSM/AF-S is worth it.

I've used the 80-200 2.8 D and it's a nice lens. the AF-S version is definitely better though, and I owned that one prior to the 70-200 VR.

The Sigma 70-200 is a fantastic lens.
Given the choice between the AF-D Nikon 80-200mm (non-AFS) and the Sigma HSM 70-200mm I'd choose the Sigma. HSM/AF-S is worth it.

I've used the 80-200 2.8 D and it's a nice lens. the AF-S version is definitely better though, and I owned that one prior to the 70-200 VR.
HAHA Exactly what happened tonight!

I goto the camera shop, very awesome guy behind the counter, I tried the AF-S (used and not for sale, already sold to another), AF-D and the AF-S VR, all 2.8 and 200mm and I tried them all out. Well I told the guy, I guess I'll have to settle with AF-D but he's like, "I dont think its for you and hockey"...... I was shocked, real customer service! He said to wait for a rare "AF-S" if I could.

I flat out told him, "arent you a sales man, arent u suppose to sell me whatever" HAHA. So I'm like, alright I guess I'll wait...... but what bout that Sigma.... he goes "Good option, I didnt want to pressure you into a 3rd party kinda lens but this Sigma is fantastic and cheaper"

So its the same Sigma you mentioned above and I'm really thinking about it for cheaper! :)
So he said go home, research more and come back whenever. I was shocked and I'm researching now :)

Thanks for you help and your photos are ridiciliously awesome "deckcadet". Loved going through your gallery.

greatsave9, you should post some of your pics in the sports forum, we have a few hockey shooters who hang out there.

JS