Sigma AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro

NickTB

NickTB

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Morning all.

Has anyone used the above? what would it give me over my Sigma 18-200mm f3.5 DC ?

Would it be worth me buying this? I have been offered one for £65. Or should I stick with my original Sigma.

Cheers,
Nick
 
For £65 its worth getting hold of, in good light it focuses pretty well and can turn out some sharp images, and that 100mm reach might be nice to have at times. It doesn't like low light situations though.
 
Thanks for the reply mate. Will it offer me much more in the way of versatility over my present Sigma?
 
I don't have a super-zoom like yours to be able to give an informed answer, but I'd guess not, depending on what you're shooting*.

*if you need to go wider than 70mm.
 
Anyone else? :shrug: LOL Looks like I want to throw £65 at someone!
 
Well for starters it will always focus on your body. There have been some awesome shots posted here that have been taken with one. Understandably it needs plenty of light but so does your current lens and the 70-300 will produce sharper images.
I like the macro function as well, gives plenty of detail and smooth blurry background. Just a shame it isnt the APO version.
 
As you can see from my sig, I have the 70-300 and I think it's superb for the money. I sometimes think I'll replace it with something "better" ie a Canon with IS, then I go out and take some more shots with it, look at the results and say to myself "why"? I probably will eventually, because handholding @ 300 isn't easy, so, eventually, IS will tempt me away from it. But, like Dan above, I can't comment on the 18-200.

Pete
 
Looks like I may be purchasing one..! Do you have any links to shots with the lens Pete?

And thanks for the replies so far chaps
 
There are two current versions of this lens. The APO version and the non-APO.

Reviews of both are here:

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Sigma-70300mm-F456-DG-Macro-4200

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Sigma-70300mm-F456-APO-DG-Macro-4569

I have owned two copies of the APO version and it is a very sharp lens and optically very good. Focusing is a little slow and noisy, the rotating front element and kludgy change to macro mode are the only negatives. Stick it on a tripod and it is superbly sharp.

I have not owned or tested the the non-APO version and would assume at the price you are quoting that this is the version you are getting. On previous versions there was a significant difference in image quality between the non-APO and APO version. This difference has been reduced (according to the reviews) by the DG coatings.

It is a useful, cheap and reasonable quality lens at the price and if you do not have a macro lens or the 300mm range covered this is a cost effective method of trying both.

At £65 (for either version) I would snatch the sellers hand off :-)

John
 
Thanks all. I managed to get it for £55... LOL At least I'll get my money back if I don't use it!
 
andrewc said:
The DG Macro version isn't that good. I had one with my 350D. Soft over 200mm.

I'd try and get the APO version.
Click to expand...


It is the non APO, but for £55 I can't really say no :)
 
NickTB said:
Looks like I may be purchasing one..! Do you have any links to shots with the lens Pete?

And thanks for the replies so far chaps
Click to expand...

I'm at work right now Nick, I'll post/link some over the weekend

Pete
 
I have the 70-300 DG macro and use it on my D70s, as has already been said it needs the right light levels to perform well and that it does.
Yes the APO is a better lens, not by much by all accounts, but then again it is a lot more expensive.
Enjoy the lens and the macro although more close focus does give you some flexibility and can capture some good opportunist shot.
Lastly GOOD PRICE.:)
 
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