New Lense question

[football_taxi]

Im looking for my next lense, I have a 70-300ed jobbie and a 28-80g both given to me by dad (thanks mate).

I borrowed a mates (non VR) 24-120 and was really impressed with its range so I was going to get one of those but this morning ive seen a sigma 24-135 which is faster -f2.8-4.5 as opposed to f3.5-5.6 and cheaper,but is af-d not af-s.

The sigma's seems to go for about £120-130 and the Nikons £150-180, what are your thoughts on both these lenses?

sigma link...

http://sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3263&navigator=2

[simpo two]

The f2.8 of the Sigma is appealing but then they spoil it by not making it AF-S (HSM in Sigma-speak). Once you've tried AF-S the old style seems horrendous, so I'd place them about equal: sorry I can't help you decide!

NB ATBE I'd probably choose the Nikon on grounds of appearance.

>> Edited by simpo two on Thursday 22 September 10:00

[beano500]

simpo two said:

NB ATBE I'd probably choose the Nikon on grounds of appearance.

I'd choose the Nikon on the grounds of optical quality.

The latest VR version is going to set you back a bit more, but would certainly be nice.

If you want to save money though it'll be the aftermarket route. Lack of AF-S or HSM will be more of an issue at the tele end than wide - but depends upon your subject and your method of working. Indeed it may not be a great handicap if you take your time over your shots anyway.

Personally, and I know you've said you wanted the range here, I'd consider the benefits of saving up for something like the 105mm Micro, or 60mm maybe, thinking of the verasatility of a portrait, short tele, macro all combined with a reasonable speed and so good viewfinder image and flexibility. But then it all depends what you want to use the lens for......

[406]

Your 2 lenses cost you nothing. Dont be a tight sod and buy the cheeper lens. Get the Nikon then I can borrow it and if I like it buy one - you know it makes sense.

[football_taxi]

Well after looking into it I decided to go down a completely different route and get a Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f2.8 XR Di, The F2.8 across the range really appealed to me as did its compact size.It also had some good reviews over at Nikonians. Does anyone have any real world working knowledge of this lens?