what's the difference

[natatbeach]

other than the fact that one is about 1,000 dollars more and that it doesn't autofocus with the D70...what exactly is the difference between the Nikon f/2.8 28-70mm vs Sigma f/2.8 28mm-70mm lenses. A little confused and need clarification...Thanks in advanced

[Franglais]

other than the fact that one is about 1,000 dollars more and that it doesn't autofocus with the D70...what exactly is the difference between the Nikon f/2.8 28-70mm vs Sigma f/2.8 28mm-70mm lenses. A little confused and need clarification...Thanks in advanced

I have the Nikon 28-70 f2.8 AF-S and I'm certainly hoping it will autofocus with the D70 (when I eventually buy one). I've never tried the Sigma so some of this may be inaccurate :

1. The Nikon has the autofocus motor built into the body. It's almost silent and focussing is almost instantaneous. I don't think the Sigma has this.
2. The Nikon lens is very solidly built (all metal) with rubber joints to stop water getting in etc. I don't thing the Sigma has this.
3. According to the tests the Nikon is slightly ahead in image quality over all the range.

The Nikon is built for professional reporters who need something that can take knocks and deliver results that are second to none. If you aren't in that category then you may be quite happy with what the Sigma can give you.

Charles

[natatbeach]

I have the Nikon 28-70 f2.8 AF-S and I'm certainly hoping it will autofocus with the D70 (when I eventually buy one). I've never tried the Sigma so some of this may be inaccurate :

1. The Nikon has the autofocus motor built into the body. It's almost silent and focussing is almost instantaneous. I don't think the Sigma has this.
2. The Nikon lens is very solidly built (all metal) with rubber joints to stop water getting in etc. I don't thing the Sigma has this.
3. According to the tests the Nikon is slightly ahead in image quality over all the range.

The Nikon is built for professional reporters who need something that can take knocks and deliver results that are second to none. If you aren't in that category then you may be quite happy with what the Sigma can give you.

Charles

this is why I was confused ---I have read the same thing in several different descriptions

The AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED is a standard zoom lens designed for photojournalism and general photography. A built-in Silent Wave Motor, a Nikon exclusive, enables ultra fast and hushed auto-focus operation, and boosts the performance of Focus Tracking, qualities this lens an indispensable tool for fast-action photography.

NOTE: AF-S lenses, while able to manually focus with all Nikon F-mount cameras, will autofocus ONLY with the following cameras- N65, N70/F70, N80/F80, N90s/F90x, F4, F4s, F5, F100, D100, D1 & D1x.

Should I presume that if it owrks for a D-series camera it'll be fine and maybe the info isn't updated?

I'm just trying to make heads and tails of this...the other than the stated facts you gave is the biggest difference the silent focus operation?

I answered an ad for an assistant wedding photographer and they were EXTREMELY specific about their photographers carrying this particular lense and I wondered why...I guess i sort of understand...but considering some of their shot were kinda standard in quality I hoped they weren't too picky...thanks for responding so quickly. I may give the Sigma a shot since I certainly don't have the funds for Nikon glass....thansk again

[paulnj]

If a 28-70 AFS can't focus with a D70......... throw your nikon gear in a lake!

no seriously..... IT WILL FOCUS FINE

WHY a SIGMA over a TOKINA is my question? My TOKINA 28-70F2.8 rocks, it's solidly built(not as solid as the NIKKOR AFS lens) and IS CHEAPER IN COST!!! it focus's fast, but not as fast as the NIKKORThe SIGMA is not as solidly built(shouldn't break under NORMAL use though) and THE 28-70F2.8 is nearly impossible to find a year after being replaced by the $400 24-70f2.8/24-60 F2.8 DG(for digital)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=257916&is=REG

[another view]

That list just isn't up to date - it doesn't have the D2H either. The other thing about AF-S lenses is that you can just grab the focusing ring and use it even if the camera is in an autofocus mode. AF isn't perfect and this may save a shot. I have to admit, however, that I don't own any AF-S lenses. This one is supposed to be one of the best lenses they've ever made in terms of image quality.

It is very expensive but seems to sell for just under a thousand for a good used one (been looking at it too). Another good option is the new Tamron 28-75, I hear it's an excellent lens for about $400: http://www.shootsmarter.com/infocenter/wc006j.html

[Franglais]

...

I answered an ad for an assistant wedding photographer and they were EXTREMELY specific about their photographers carrying this particular lense and I wondered why...I guess i sort of understand...but considering some of their shot were kinda standard in quality I hoped they weren't too picky...thanks for responding so quickly. I may give the Sigma a shot since I certainly don't have the funds for Nikon glass....thansk again

Thats interesting... Does the agency accept the D70 as well? There seem to be a lot of digital SLR's being announced that are directed at wedding photographers and are in the 12-14Mpixel range (Fuji S3, Kodak DCS, perhaps more next week). The 6-Mpixel D70 might be a bit "light".

I have had a load of Nikon lenses in this range. Up to 8x10 they're all satisfactory, but sometimes there's something about the 28-70 f2.8 and the 50mm f1.8 that make them just a bit nicer.

One thing - the 28-70 is really big and heavy. I find it fits best in the hands when used on a big heavy camera like the F5 or my F100+battery pack.

Charles

[Sebastian]

Thats interesting... Does the agency accept the D70 as well?

Wedding photographers have been shooting with 3 megapixel and up DSLRs, there is NOTHING "light" about the D70 or it's counterparts. Of course the manufacturers of the 12mp cameras would love to have you believe otherwise...

[Franglais]

Wedding photographers have been shooting with 3 megapixel and up DSLRs, there is NOTHING "light" about the D70 or it's counterparts. Of course the manufacturers of the 12mp cameras would love to have you believe otherwise...

OK I believe you. That's why I'm going to get a D70 next year - depending on the announcements between now and then.

I've been hearing people grumbling about falling standards in wedding photography (article in French magazine Le Photographe this month). Remember they used to all shoot 120-size film then many went down to 24x36 and now digital. A 12MPix camera allows you to get back to 120 quality.

Charles

[natatbeach]

all your info has helped to hopefully make a more educated purchase in the nest few....Thnaks again!!! ;)