Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG
£299.00
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Sigma’s new 70mm macro has been designed with digital in mind, and has an on-camera effective focal length of 105mm for DSLRs with an APS-C sized sensors.
Photo answers review
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While many SLR users have traditionally favoured a 105mm macro lens, once mounted on a DSLR with an APS-C sensor 105mm lenses essentially become 150mm lenses, which many photographers find too long for the pictures they want. Sigma has recognised this need and added the new Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG to its line-up as it essentially becomes a 105mm on-camera.
The new 70mm looks like a hybrid, larger version of the 50mm with an extra section attached to it, rather than a totally different lens. While that isn’t a particularly bad thing, it’s a shame that the focus ring isn’t bigger too. It’s basically the same size as the 50mm, which works well on the small lens but a lens of this size should really have a larger focusing ring as most macro work is done by manually focusing. It does lack a certain degree of quality feel, but it also weighs less than other models from the likes of Nikon and Canon.
The action on the ring itself is very smooth. It works well in the field and there is a focus limiter to speed up autofocus time. The autofocus is a little on the noisy side as it doesn’t feature IF (inner focus), which means that the front of the lens rotates out further as you focus closer. This can prove to be a problem for macro photographers as it can mean that you may need to reposition the camera to allow for focusing.
In our tests, the lens produced its best results from f/2.8 down to f/11, after that you’ll start to notice the frames becoming a little softness, as you might expect. Even then it’s unlikely you’ll notice this lack of sharpness on most macro shots. Overall, the 70mm produces decent results.
If you are thinking of investing in a macro lens for general-purpose use, this would certainly be a good choice. It’s a great one to keep in your bag, as its effective 105mm focal length proves very useful in the most surprising of situations. This is a hugely versatile lens that offers great quality for a reasonable price. Available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony (Minolta) fittings.
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I have to agree with everything that Photo Answers say about this lens (have only just got it so things may change but on the first use....)
The focus ring is smooth, the build quality is great. 62mm filter thread means it will match a lot of other Sigma lenses, I have their 18-200mm, so previously bought filters can be used.
The Matt finish wont be to everybodys taste but if this is the only fault, so what.
Results are spot on, pity about my composition but this may be partly down to the front of the lens coming out and having to reposition, a small price to pay.
Buy it, its not cheap (£300) for the average photographer and is actually difficult to get hold of but would be a lens to keep for a long time into the future so will be a great investment.
(Written by: rduddell)
30 April 2008 21:44