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Harry Lavo | profile | all galleries >> Tests of Various Lens / Camera-Lens Combos / Lens Settings >> Nikon 80-200 2.8D ED IF & Sigma 70-300 APO Lens Tests w,w/o Extenders (Work in Progress) ( tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Nikon 80-200 2.8D ED IF & Sigma 70-300 APO Lens Tests w,w/o Extenders (Work in Progress) (

This test compares the classic Nikon 80-200 2.8D "Two-Ring" DG lens versus two Sigmas. The 80-200 is extended via 1.4x and 2.0x Kenko DG Pro 300 teleconverters....the basic purpose of the test is to see how the 80-200 holds up with the teleconveters. The Sigmas serve as controls, since that is what I have been using and what are on hand.

All shots were done as jpegs at iso200 using the maximum apeture available. The camera was on a tripod, and triggered by wireless remote control. Roughly the same detail was cropped out of the full photo, so that roughly comparable size could be compared. The cropped shots were transferred to the internet via Adobe Element 4.0s exchange function, using export setting 11 for maximum quality. The last set at 400mm equivalent was shot on a different day under somewhat clearer conditions.

Read across row to compare at a given zoom length between lenses; read down columns to compare various zoom lengths with the same lens.

Click on the photo to expand to its native jpeg size.

:200mm:

Nikon 80-200

This lens is notoriously sharp wide open throughout the entire zoom range, as it is here at 200mm.

:200mm: Nikon 80-200 This lens is notoriously sharp wide open throughout the entire zoom range, as it is here at 200mm.
Nikon 80-200 @ 200mm f/2.8 max ap

:200mm:

Sigma 70-300 APO

Not bad for an inexpensive lens. Sigma is sharp enough, but lacks the contrast of the Nikon.

:200mm: Sigma 70-300 APO Not bad for an inexpensive lens. Sigma is sharp enough, but lacks the contrast of the Nikon.
Sigma 70-300 @ 200mm, f/5.0 max ap

:200mm:

Sigma 18-200 "Superzoom"

This len's 200mm sharpness is typical of the class, including Nikon's own. Not terrible, but not great either.

:200mm: Sigma 18-200 Superzoom This len's 200mm sharpness is typical of the class, including Nikon's own. Not terrible, but not great either.
Sigma 18-200 @200mm, f6.3 max ap

:300mm:

Nikon 80-200 w/1.4x Extender

Actually this tests out to 280mm, but ssshh!, we won't tell anybody.

Results are virtually identical to lense without converter.

:300mm: Nikon 80-200 w/1.4x Extender Actually this tests out to 280mm, but ssshh!, we won't tell anybody. Results are virtually identical to lense without converter.
1/1000s f/4.0 at 200.0mm x 1.4x = 280mm

:300mm:

Sigma 70-300

This is as far as the Sigma 70-300 can go. The lens at 300mm loses some sharpness and even more contrast.

:300mm: Sigma 70-300 This is as far as the Sigma 70-300 can go. The lens at 300mm loses some sharpness and even more contrast.
1/750s f/5.6 at 300.0mm

:300mm:

No option for 300mm using the 18-200.

Telextenders do not work on lenses lower than 70mm as a rule.

:300mm: No option for 300mm using the 18-200. Telextenders do not work on lenses lower than 70mm as a rule.
No Option

:400mm:

Nikon 80-200 w/2x Extender

(Taken under different conditions than above)

The 2x causes the camera to underexpose by at least one EV...and this is true at higher (f8, f11) values as well. This shot, at nominal f5.6, has been adjusted upward by approx one EV.

:400mm: Nikon 80-200 w/2x Extender (Taken under different conditions than above) The 2x causes the camera to underexpose by at least one EV...and this is true at higher (f8, f11) values as well. This shot, at nominal f5.6, has been adjusted upward by approx one EV.
Nikon 80-200 w2.0x = 400mm, f5.6 max apature

:400mm:

Sigma 70-300 w/1.4x Extender

(Taken under different conditions than above)

(This is the Sigma with the 1.4x tele. It has enough light to use this extender, and does well with it in bright light, as shown here.

:400mm: Sigma 70-300 w/1.4x Extender (Taken under different conditions than above) (This is the Sigma with the 1.4x tele. It has enough light to use this extender, and does well with it in bright light, as shown here.
Sigma 70-300 w/1.4x = 420mm, f5.6 max app

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