Sigma 70 - 200 F2.8 HSM

[rookies]

Is the above lens any good is it quick at AF?

As thinking of getting one instead of a 70 - 200 L Lens due to cost. As I am not a pro I am a hobby bloke so though the sigma be suitable?

[BobR]

I have one - bought it second hand and it is a nice bit of kit. As I am sure others will tell you on the forum it is all about getting a sharp copy. I was lucky and managed to.

[rookies]

Hmmmm how am i going to make sure I get a sharp copy hmmmmmm. Can you shows a image you taken with yours

[wack61]

the early HSM version was very good wide open, i've had one in a Canon fit and one in a Nikon fit and both were excellent, it's the later Macro version that wasn't as good wide open, still very good just not as good as the non macro IMO

[foggy4ever]

Got the macro version from TP classifieds. Very impressed even with a 2x tele con AF was still quick although a little quality is lost. Used it with D60 for first time at the weekend for motorsport.

Just a few shots


http://www.flickr.com/photos/34602686@N05/sets/72157615660688705/detail/

[Ryan.S]

I have the MK1 macro version of this lens, absolutely loved it the few occasions i used it.
AF speeds really good, coped brilliantly with motorsport, foccusing blind onto the car.
I was lucky enough to get a sharp copy at the third time of asking, now up for sale due to a lack of use, and me wanting to buy a new body.

PM me if your intrested ;)

Cheers,

[neil_g]

1st gen macro here. lovely tack sharp lens, fast AF etc.

[LiMPiNg]

Hmmm. Perfect timing for this question for me.

I am trying to decide between these lenses:

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 APO EX DG MACRO
Canon 70-200 f4L (non-IS)
Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM

The Canons can be had for a bit less than the Sigma and I just can't justify the expense of the Canon f4 IS or 2.8 (IS or non-IS) at this time as I am a learning hobbyist. The 70-300 is in the mix as I would like more reach than my current 55-200 provides, and it seems more portable as a travel lens. Right now the Sigma is in the lead for me but I am eager to see what others have to say.

[puddleduck]

the early HSM version was very good wide open, i've had one in a Canon fit and one in a Nikon fit and both were excellent, it's the later Macro version that wasn't as good wide open, still very good just not as good as the non macro IMO

Agreed - Sigma threw the baby out with the bath water with that "macro" feature.

The old EX HSM or EX DG are stellar.

The newer ones (esp MKII) are good, but just not as good as the EX HSM or EX DG.

[33L]

i have the mkII but found it sharp enough for me (no way of comparing it with others) only problem it front focused quite badly and sigma have it now so hoepfully it willbe stella when it comes back next week.

[springtide]

FYI
There's was a Canon 70-200 f4L (non-IS) on sale as Cash Converters in Bristol (Gloucester Rd). Not sure if it's still there or not or whether they post. The last time I walked passed it was there (about a week ago) and had been there for around 2 months.
Sorry but I can't remember the price.

[neil_g]

Agreed - Sigma threw the baby out with the bath water with that "macro" feature.

???

[Weetobix]

FYI
There's was a Canon 70-200 f4L (non-IS) on sale as Cash Converters in Bristol (Gloucester Rd). Not sure if it's still there or not or whether they post. The last time I walked passed it was there (about a week ago) and had been there for around 2 months.
Sorry but I can't remember the price.

Had a look there last night on the way home.

All they've got now is a rather dusty Canon 75-300 which they're trying to sell second hand for £150 (looked it up - it's about £145 new from Amazon)

[happysnappy]

I've got a rather old & tatty EX HSM version, bought it about 2002 I think & it's fantastic. Really nice & sharp, used in all conditions from snow through to the desert. Cracking lens.