anyone had experience with either Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 or Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 lens before? Thinking of getting one as I like fast lens and is a compliment to my Tamron 17-50 plus it is much cheaper & lighter than a nikkor 70-200 or 80-200mm f2.8...

If you're comparing between only the Tokina & Sigma.
Focusing speed - Sigma better. Tokina not only slightly slower but also has the tendency to hunt more.
Sharpness - Tokina
Contrast - Tokina

But both also cost RM3000+ for new. Might as well get a Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8, even the latest macro version can get at around RM3200 (grey import). But of course, it's heavier.

does tamron have an equivalent.... ?

yeah still kind of torn if i really want to lug around the 70-200mm counterparts...

you all so rich ma. ..

Tamron have no equivalent as of now.

And the announced 70-200mm also don't know when can be available.

fuiyoh
70-200

the tokina 50-135 is another lens that i'd get from tokina....incredibly sharp and is equivalent to 70-200 on 35mm.

I was torn between sigma 70-200 and nikkor 80-200 last time. I decided to grab the nikkor because of the higher resale value, much better build quality (alot heftier too!), and compatibility reasons.

yeah... sometimes i think i'm going too third-party.... not too good for resale although it's cheaper on the pocket for the initial start-up....

If i get a Sigma, then i will have a complete set of Nikkor, Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron....

No biggie, I'm not a nikon chauvinist myself once i got myself the tokina 12-24, I'd own a lens from all the brands too.

If you really want a 50-100+mm, you can always get a kenko pro 300 1.4 tc to get the extra range.

if u dont do much sports, the tokina would be a good buy.

why do you say that?

looking at your gear, tokina supporter?

i like tokina for its build, sharpness and contrast but the af is abit of a pain. so not really recommended for sports
reason i have lotsa tokina is cos its cheaper here than in malaysia