Nikon 500 f4 or Sigma 500 f4.5

[Michael Hogan]

Is the difference between the Nikon and Sigma worth the money. If you had the chance of a secondhand Nikon or new Sigma - Nikon about £1000 more expensive - which would you go for

Michael

[Canis Vulpes]

In my opinion a manufacturer lens will be better than any third party unit. Build quality and longevity need to be considered as well as optical performance. The Nikon seems to have a 1/3 stop advantage which should mean its more flexible in its deployment.

Only you can decide which to go for, deciding a compromise between quality and price.

[Tannin]

Faced with a choice between those two, I'd go with the Sigma. The Nikon will soon be replaced by a current-generation lens with IS, and might be a pretty poor investment once the new model hits the street.

Sure, Sigma lenses don't hold their value well either, but you are £1000 in front to start with.

Quite a few people use the Sigma 500/4.5, and it gets good reports. Me, I'd either get the superb Canon 500/4 and swap bodies (cost you a lot less to do that than you'll be spending on any of these lenses), or else wait till the grossly over-priced but sure-to-be-wonderful VR Nikon arrives.

[Joe]

simple answer...Nikon hands down.

Having handled both I was dissapointed with the Sigma comparitively speaking.

[nirofo]

I've had both, still use the Nikkor 500mm f4 AFS, it's the best lens you're ever likely to buy, that is unless the new one that's just been launched is even better, (if it is it must be absolutely fantastic!!!). If your budgets tight there's nothing wrong with the Sigma 500mm f4.5, resolution and build quality are very good, loses a bit if you use the Sigma 1.4 converter, not so the Nikkor with TC14E, I can't tell the difference with or without. The fact that the present Nikkor is about to be replaced will make it even more available as people with loads of cash trade them in. A top quality secondhand one shouldn't cost you any more than £3000, (don't pay any more it's a buyers market), a TC14E approx £180 to £200.

nirofo.

[sassan]

Never forget, you get what you payed for.
Then to pay for, you need to have the budget.
Rest is easy to figure out.