Save a couple more months, and I am sure you can get the VRII pre-owned. Sigma OS HSM performance is around the same as the VRI. A good copy VRI cost around 1.7k. A new grey Sigma cost around 1.5k. A F4 cost 2k. A pre-owned VRII cost around 2.6k. 600 more. Save a few more months and you can own the best.... and you never need to sell and upgrade again, and never need to think twice about the "what-ifs". I went through the same thought process as you before. I actually put in an order for a grey sigma OS HSM. But luckily the set came with a problem right out of the box... after the 2nd try, I just spend the money and get the VRII. best decision I made.
And a pre-owned VRII will hold its value much better. Try selling the Sigma and you will know what I mean. And as new sensors get better and better with higher resolution, the VRI will fall out of favor very very soon. And in time, will be hard to sell also. And the VRII works very well with TCs retaining very good IQ... so if you are into sports or long range subjects, you might want to factor that in too.
BTW, I have nothing against older lenses or Sigma lenses. I own some old Nikkor glass as well as 3 pieces of Sigma lenses. But for the 70-200, there is no comparison.
Thanks daredevil. Since I no need to get it in hurry, maybe I try to save a few months and see how its go
Better yet. Buy a brand new 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII in Hong Kong. Priced at significantly below S$3,000 after conversion, I don't see why anyone is buying the lens locally.
Because the original consideration was between the new Tamron and the Nikon f/4 telephoto zoom lenses, I thought both are fine. But yes, I concur that the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII is definitely a winner. The only reason to consider the f/4 is if you are concerned with the weight and/or bulk.
Thanks blur shadow. weight and bulk also one of my consideration. Especially if I'm going to shoot motor sport, I need to walk around.
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