Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM
£629.00
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The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM has a minimum focus distance of just 1m, allowing you to use the lens for basic macro photography in addition to standard long-range work. The lens offers great value, is well-built and produces great results.
Photo answers review
Photo answers rating
Sigma’s 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM is solidly built and well designed, although the zoom ring could do with being about an inch further forward to make it truly comfortable to use.
The overall size and weight of the lens mean that you need to use the tripod collar for optimum balance – rather than mount your camera onto your tripod with the lens making it front-heavy, though the collar can be removed if you prefer.
The relatively close focusing distance of 100cm compares well with equivalent lenses from Canon (whose 70-200mm offers closest focus at 140cm) and Nikon (150cm). This makes the Sigma lens perfect for macro shots at a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.5 (approx one third life-size). The fast maximum aperture (f/2.8) is maintained throughout the zoom range, which is great for shooting in low light, though does contribute to the high price tag.
Autofocus is quick and locks on sharply without much hunting but it’s not as quiet or smooth as its Nikon or Canon equivalents. Overall, the lens does well, and at half the price of the competition, doesn’t fall that far behind.
Throughout the aperture range, the edges are consistently sharp. Colour fringing is well controlled but you may start to see a little at the 200mm end of the focal range.
If you’re in the market for a pro spec telephoto zoom, this could be the right choice for you. Okay, so the Sigma 70-200mm may not have the shear bulk of the Canon 70-200mm or the sleek style of the Nikon 70-200mm, but it still offers good versatility at a good price.
The results are excellent and the reduced close focusing makes the lens far more versatile than the competition. While it may not offer IS or VR, at around half the price this can be excused and even welcomed. The results are great, it’s well-built and the value is outstanding – a great purchase.
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The key factor IMHO for this lens is the value for money.In performance terms I cannot fault it .Produces super sharp images and betters my Nikon 80-200 f2.8 in the handling and auto focus stakes.(why both?-long story.)
The autofocus is super quick quiet and accurate in all modes on a D200 and 300.
Add a DX DG 2X and the lens becomes a super 600mm on an apc sensor .It will out do my dedicated sigma DG 135 400 f5.6 in all respects .
If you have fears of badge loyalty, don't, it is that good .
At 2.8 it gives easy hand holding speeds and if in doubt put a stick under the collar for a really well balanced ensemble.
Not quite 5 across the board? My only niggle is the lack of VR now .That being addressed in the Mark II.
An absolute bargain.
(Written by: enmark)
16 September 2008 16:52
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Looking for a pro spec lens but at a fraction of the cost, then go no further than this lens. I have owned one now for almost three months and not dissapointed, other than the "macro" label is not quite what I would call it. I have used this lens in a number of differing conditions and performance has been exellent. It is a little heavy if hand held for a period of time. The lens comes with hood and padded case as std unlike some of the big names. The Autofocus is quick and very quiet and locks onto your subject without hunting. Al in all a lot of lens for half the price. Exellent !!
(Written by: Mr Beanz)
27 February 2008 13:44