Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM vs Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D: which focuses faster on a Nikon D90 for sports?
Asked 10/3/2010
7 views
2 answers
0
I'm choosing between the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM II and the Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED for use on a Nikon D90. For sports, I care most about autofocus speed, but also overall image quality and handling. Since the Nikon uses body-driven AF and the Sigma has an HSM motor, is the Sigma likely to focus significantly faster on a D90, or is the Nikon still the better choice? Are there any other practical trade-offs between these two lenses for sports shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
3
I have used both, and the Nikon does feel marginally faster when it comes to autofocus than the Sigma. However, if they are both within your budget, I'd go with the Nikon every day of the week. It's a little bit sharper, feels a little bit more professional, and is just that tiny bit nicer in every way.
Don't get me wrong; The Sigma is a mighty fine lens, and I have used it extensively, especially for concert photography, but if everything else is the same, and the extra 80 dollars or so doesn't make a difference to you - go with the Nikon.
Although, obviously, it'll be down to you as a photographer to make either lens shine :)
Originally by user1560. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1560
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the shared experience here, the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D is not slower in a meaningful way on this comparison—in fact, it was described as marginally faster to autofocus than the Sigma 70-200mm HSM.
If sports is the goal, AF speed matters, but the bigger takeaway is that the Nikon was also considered slightly sharper, better built, and more refined overall. So if both lenses fit your budget, the Nikon is the stronger choice.
The Sigma is still a good lens and fully capable of strong results, so it’s not a bad option if price or warranty matters more to you. But based on the answers provided, the Sigma’s HSM motor does not appear to give it a clear autofocus-speed advantage over the Nikon on a D90.
In short: if the price difference is small, choose the Nikon; if saving some money matters, the Sigma remains a solid alternative.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why won’t my Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM autofocus on a Nikon D5300?
Why won’t autofocus work on a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM with a Nikon D5600?
Why is my Nikon D810 showing a DX crop frame with a Sigma 70-200mm DG lens?
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D vs 70-200mm f/2.8: what matters in real use?
Will a Sigma 50-500mm EX DG HSM (non-OS) autofocus on a Nikon D90?