Sigma APO 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DG MACRO

[PhotoFranz]

Thanks Tom, Canon has my lens/body now. I am waiting with abated breath

[buttercup]

Ordered my 70-300 APO! Local supplier was out of stock. Will have to wait longer now.... :cry:

[sparksdjs]

My favorite with this lens (warning - large pic):

1.6s f/8.0 at 238.0mm iso100

http://www.pbase.com/sparksdjs/image/80229124/original.jpg

Dave

[gorby]

Nice one Dave! Brings back memories

Where were you standing?

[sparksdjs]

Nice one Dave! Brings back memories

Where were you standing?

Thanks. This is from Kerry Park on the south side of Queen Anne hill. It was a perfect early morning - cold and calm - so atmospheric distortions were minimal.

Dave

[dawnron1]

These were taken yesterday at my r/c club field, this lens is great for action shots!

[ogbyte]

I like that R/C Plane shot dawnron1 - very nice :)

Gary

[olly_k]

These were taken yesterday at my r/c club field, this lens is great for action shots!

How many of the rc shots were keepers? Very good btw!

[dawnron1]

I like that R/C Plane shot dawnron1 - very nice :)

Gary


Thanks Gary! The plane is a scale electric version of the Bristol Beaufighter, Britain's famous night bomber of World War II :D

How many of the rc shots were keepers? Very good btw!

Thanks olly! I would say the keeper rate on a mostly sunny day is around 60-70%, especially if the shutter speed is 1/1000 or better.

Ronnie

[SingingSabre]

Sorry about the blur. I was a stadium away in horrible light at full zoom handheld...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/SingingSabre/POTN%20stuff/Graduation_small_002.jpg

EDIT: The redhead is my cousin.

[Cap0ne]

One from this weekend. 190mm, f5.6

http://www.fototarget.ro/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27461

[mantra]

@190mm with my shaky hands :D

http://www.fototarget.ro/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22457


this shoot rocks
but is it photoshoped??

[Cap0ne]

Thank's Mantra.
And of course, I used Adobe Camera Raw for the post processing :)

[mantra]

Thank's Mantra.
And of course, I used Adobe Camera Raw for the post processing :)

why don't make a short tutorial?:lol:

[sh0ebox]

These 2 photos were taken with the Sigma 70-300 and post-processed with Adobe Camera RAW and very slightly in Photoshop:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/688782159_f2a1250eb7_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/688782109_e1c50d7b2e_b.jpg

probably not the best way to tell IQ on the lens, but it does produce nice colors!

[farmdog fan]

seagulls shot with the 70-300 apo dg.

[karlstrand]

I'm choosing between Sigma 55-200, Pentax 50-200 and Sigma 70-300.

Which one whould recommend me to buy?

[ogbyte]

bit of a daft question in the 70-300 archive photo thread ;)

The 70-300 obviously gives you a bit more reach on the long end, depends on were you shooting range tends to be mostly - birds and stuff, then the longer reach.

regards
Gary

[Reaperman]

Welcome karl. You won't go far wrong with the Sigma 70-300 APO DG. Make sure it is the APO model though. I bought one on the advice of members and I am very pleased I did. Just look at the pics on this post... if that doesn't sell it to you then the fact that it also has a macro facility should.

You won't find many, if any, knocking this lens.
I have no experience of the other lens soit would be wrong of me to comment.

Good luck.

:D Reaperman

[karlstrand]

But look att this picture taken at 300mm
http://www.ephotozine.com/images/Sig70-300apo-300-f8.jpg
The sharpness sucks!

But the pictures on this site rocks! It seems wierd..

[bauerman]

But look att this picture taken at 300mm
http://www.ephotozine.com/images/Sig70-300apo-300-f8.jpg
The sharpness sucks!

But the pictures on this site rocks! It seems wierd..

I think that the 55-200 and the 70-300 are both great value lenses from Sigma and you would be getting a quality product either way. The members of this forum, however, cannot tell you what your needs are along the lines of focal length - only you know that and you have to choose the best option for you and what you are shooting.

The "which lens is better" discussions (especially surrounding lenses with different focal lengths) generally all revert back to the same answer - which is best for you?

[karlstrand]

Then it most by the 70-300 beacause I don't have plenty of money, I want a tele and a macro. So Sigma 70-300 APO Macro here I come! =)

Unfortunately there is no lens with 55-200 with macro and a little bit better sharpness than the 70-300.

[bauerman]

Then it most by the 70-300 beacause I don't have plenty of money, I want a tele and a macro. So Sigma 70-300 APO Macro here I come! =)

Unfortunately there is no lens with 55-200 with macro and a little bit better sharpness than the 70-300.

I think that you are making a good choice - its a great lens.

[Mike4BekA]

I got this lens and love it for shooting animals and flowers. The macro function works well but people are right, if you really want to shoot those bugs and close shots this lens will only get you upset you can't get closer and have better detail.

Now I am saving for a Macro lens :) But overall for the money I paid and the amount I have already used it, this was a great choice to buy.

[blam]

http://files.onthelam.ca/van/IMG_5449.jpg

http://files.onthelam.ca/van/IMG_5321.jpg

[karlstrand]

Nice pictures blam!

By the way.. what do you think about buying a Sigma 70-300 and tubes to get a better near focus? It's that a good ide? I much closer can I focus with a tube at about 40mm?

[asylumxl]

Nice pictures blam!

By the way.. what do you think about buying a Sigma 70-300 and tubes to get a better near focus? It's that a good ide? I much closer can I focus with a tube at about 40mm?

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=343979

please read this thread.

[Olyst]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/677364949_4c240bb6a0_b.jpg

[Cap0ne]

My last picture taken with Sigma 70-300. It was a great starter lens, but it's time to move on to 70-200 IS :D

@190mm, 1/200, f5.6
http://www.fototarget.ro/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=30238

[olly_k]

Nice pictures blam!

By the way.. what do you think about buying a Sigma 70-300 and tubes to get a better near focus? It's that a good ide? I much closer can I focus with a tube at about 40mm?

there is someone (regular insect shooter) here that takes jaw-dropping shots with a 70-300 & tubes. I will try to find one of his posts...

[olly_k]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=337769

some examples if you look at Attics other posts and check Exif to see if he used the Sig 70-300 or 24-70 EX Macro.

[DeluxeMan]

got mine this morning! rainy day...

A way better than my other 70-300.

all at 300mm (ish)
http://www.deluxeman.com/PhotoPorteFolio/London/MPC_01/images/Sigma_70-300_5334.jpg

http://www.deluxeman.com/PhotoPorteFolio/London/MPC_01/images/Sigma_70-300_5317.jpg

http://www.deluxeman.com/PhotoPorteFolio/London/MPC_01/images/Sigma_70-300_5362.jpg

[sirfitz]

My first attempt at using this lens, and my first photo posted here.

http://sirfitz.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p959800730-3.jpg

[El Duderino]

I love this lens.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/soybomb/layers.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v108/113/99/15909691/n15909691_35621779_4855.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/soybomb/RoadTrip2007165.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v108/113/99/15909691/n15909691_35621816_2985.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v108/113/99/15909691/n15909691_35621809_1426.jpg

[Newfoundland_RCMP]

This is one of my favourite images with this lens.

[nostalg1a]

Just got it few days ago!

[blam]

I love this lens

http://files.onthelam.ca/kneedrop.jpg

[Reaperman]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/677364949_4c240bb6a0_b.jpg

Olyst... I love that shot. Its almost a painting and I mean that in the best sense.
Excellent.

:D Reaperman

[Reaperman]

DeluxeMan love those rain shots....

Here's a couple more shots using the Macro. One is a Grasshopper that lives in my Banana plant and the other was a Bee going frantic on the Lavendar bush. Don't ask me why a Grasshopper lives in a Banana plant coz I don't know.... he/she just loves it there. Perhaps its the moisture?

:D Reaperman

[DeluxeMan]

thx ReaperMan.
Do you use tube extension for those macro shots? I will buy some realy soon.

[PhotoFranz]

I took this in Murfreesbobo Tn. last week. It is cropped some. I like the lens for the price, but as you can see, my copy is pretty soft at the long end. This shot is made on a tripod with mirror lock up and a release cable.

When I got it, it had serious back focus problems and had to be sent back for calibration. It is a lot better now, but not perfect.

Green Heron
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1313/872896428_143455851b_o.jpg

[Reaperman]

thx ReaperMan.
Do you use tube extension for those macro shots? I will buy some realy soon.

Hi DeluxeMan. No extension tubes on these. I cropped them a little in photoshop but that was all. The Bee was handheld as they were flitting around the lavendar but the Grasshopper was tripod mounted shot.

I am looking to buy the Canon 100mm Macro when I can afford it or the 150mm Sigma. In the mean while the 70-300 APO DG works really well.

:D Reaperman

[Reaperman]

I took this in Murfreesbobo Tn. last week. It is cropped some. I like the lens for the price, but as you can see, my copy is pretty soft at the long end. This shot is made on a tripod with mirror lock up and a release cable.

When I got it, it had serious back focus problems and had to be sent back for calibration. It is a lot better now, but not perfect.

Green Heron
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1313/872896428_143455851b_o.jpg

PhotoFranz... the focus appears to be on the log/wood (and looks quite sharp) and the Heron looks like it has just moved its upper body. Although it is difficut to judge by internet quality shots. I don't think your lens is that soft. Can you post some more 'still' images at max for comparrison. I'd be interested to see what you get.

Reaperman

[K_AMJ]

http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/image/66170161
http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/image/56672922
http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/image/56672938
http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/image/71985102

[tech126]

Quick noob question, I have the non-apo version..If I get the apo version, will it make any difference in sharpness/quality ???

The non-apo version seems soft to me and has some back focusing problems..I was using it at my daughter soccer game and it was ok..

Any help would be really appreciated..

[DeluxeMan]

I'm getting kenko tube to do my first try in the macro world

I saw realy nice result with kenko tubes and the 70-300apo!

Hi DeluxeMan. No extension tubes on these. I cropped them a little in photoshop but that was all. The Bee was handheld as they were flitting around the lavendar but the Grasshopper was tripod mounted shot.

I am looking to buy the Canon 100mm Macro when I can afford it or the 150mm Sigma. In the mean while the 70-300 APO DG works really well.

:D Reaperman

[Reaperman]

I'm getting kenko tube to do my first try in the macro world

I saw realy nice result with kenko tubes and the 70-300apo!

Hi DeluxeMan. Could you post some shots with the Kenko Tubes when you can as I would be interested. I would like to see how they work on the 70-300mm. I had extension tubes with my old 35mm kit and I got on fine with them as long as there was very good light available. It would certainly be cheaper than paying £300 for the Canon 100mm.

Look forward to seeing them.

:DReaperman

[_aravena]

Definite use of a tripod though. Main thing I hate about too long of macros is the distance. Sometimes it pays off, but since most macro work requires mucho steadiness, sucks adjusting. Ya know, moving the tripod. I guess after awhile you learn distance though.

[dawnron1]

This lens continues to amaze me with the shots I'm getting out of it!

[Cassie]

Nice crisp clean shots dawnron1!!

[dawnron1]

Nice crisp clean shots dawnron1!!


Thanks Cassie!

[Reaperman]

dawnron1... have to agree... grrrreeeaaattt shots. Its a joy of a lens.


:DReaperman

[DeluxeMan]

here is some picture with the 70-300 with kenko tubes from Attic.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=337769

I ordered the kenko tube because of his work! :)




Hi DeluxeMan. Could you post some shots with the Kenko Tubes when you can as I would be interested. I would like to see how they work on the 70-300mm. I had extension tubes with my old 35mm kit and I got on fine with them as long as there was very good light available. It would certainly be cheaper than paying £300 for the Canon 100mm.

Look forward to seeing them.

:DReaperman

[Reaperman]

here is some picture with the 70-300 with kenko tubes from Attic.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=337769

I ordered the kenko tube because of his work! :)


WOW! Were they dead and Attic suspended them from strings? :lol:
Very cool.... I can see the fasination of the tubes now. Looks like that'll be my next purchase. Oh! why do people keep pointing out things I'd like... oh well I can't take it with me so I might as well spend it.

Post some when you can...photos that is not cash.... although!! :lol:

:DReaperman

[snowyowl13]

I spent some time reading through this thread and looking at the pictures, all 24 pages of it. The picture quality is really variable but the best are excellent so I ordered this lens in the APO version. I have a Canon 75-300 at present and I'm hoping for a significant improvement. I had to make a choice between the lens and a 1.4x teleconverter since the budget wouldn't handle both right now. I'll get it a couple of months, I'm sure.

[Reaperman]

I spent some time reading through this thread and looking at the pictures, all 24 pages of it. The picture quality is really variable but the best are excellent so I ordered this lens in the APO version. I have a Canon 75-300 at present and I'm hoping for a significant improvement. I had to make a choice between the lens and a 1.4x teleconverter since the budget wouldn't handle both right now. I'll get it a couple of months, I'm sure.


Hi snowyowl13.... I know what you mean about posted photos.... but look at any lens posting examples and there are bound to be some great and some not so great. The thing is if I'd spent £300-£400 for a lens I would expect perfection... however the price of the sigma makes it worth while. You won't be sorry you purchased this lens. And after all its the photographer that can make or break a great photo opportunity.

Post some shots when you can. Look forward to seeing them.


:DReaperman

[snowyowl13]

The new lens is supposed to arrive by next Friday. I probably won't sleep well between now and then.:lol:

[Reaperman]

The new lens is supposed to arrive by next Friday. I probably won't sleep well between now and then.:lol:
Snowyowl13... I know that feeling only too well. I've just bought a new external hard drive (250Gb) for my Mac as I'm filling the internal to capacity. Should be here next week then I can go beserk with pics again. Also need a new camera bag and the Kenko tubes..... so see, I have lots of sleepless nights ahead of me. :lol:


Its not a bad feeling though.


:DReaperman

[PhotoFranz]

I took this one at the Chicago Bears training camp yesterday. I got some pretty good results, all hand held.

Sigma 70-300mm APO at 70mm
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/1060828510_ffebb06c60_o.jpg

[Reaperman]

I took this one at the Chicago Bears training camp yesterday. I got some pretty good results, all hand held.

Sigma 70-300mm APO at 70mm
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/1060828510_ffebb06c60_o.jpg

It is a great lens.... try the Macro.... you will be amazed at some of the shots you can get.


:DReaperman

[bauerman]

Please post more shots taken at Bears Training Camp! My favorite NFL Team paired with my favorite lens - I must have more! :)

[Wekkel]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and absolutely love this section. It provided a large pool of sample photo's in order to assess the choice of lenses upon purchasing an EOS 400d. I decided to get a 50mm 1.8 II prime and the cheap zoom lens from Sigma, discussed in this topic. Actually, I don't consider it a cheap lens at all (it's the most expensive lens in my line up), but hé, this is the total addict section of photography, so I understand the emotions regarding this lens.

I could post some pictures that I consider to be very neat. A large number of photo's have already been posted in this topic and that's very helpful for people seeking information on the Sigma lens. Instead, I thought to do it a little different, taking more time, but hopefully giving some extra information besides awesome pictures already present in this thread. An elaborate picture galore, but it's educational for me as well.

Zoom, what is is all about? Getting your subject closer to you. That's the reason I did not want to settle for the 200mm lensen in the field but went for a 300mm. The question is: what do you get with a 300mm?

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7214/ducksfarnearmi6.jpg

I must admit that 300 mm doesn't provide that much extra at first sight. It must be my lack of experience in photography that gave me a little dissappointed feeling at first. The ducks are small dots at 70mm and still aren't full frame when shot in 300mm.

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1940/ducksfarcroptf8.jpg

Little duckies in search of bread (100% crop)

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6979/ducksnearvi2.jpg

The shot in 300mm may illustrate why I was a little disappointed at first. Even while the ducks are not that far away (15-25m tops), a 300mm lens (with 1.6x factor of the EOS400d) is not enough to fill the whole frame.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/9247/ducksnearcropgw5.jpg

Again a 100% crop. Only a crop can get me a full frame of this scene.

Below, I present a likewise scene, but this time some crops of the borders of the pictures. Please note that the 300mm shot was taken with the camera place on the bridge railing to prevent a blurred shot (not completely from hand).

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2012/brugfarmx1.jpg

70mm

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5566/brugfarcropkc7.jpg

crop

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3926/brugnearsm6.jpg

300mm

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6958/brugnearcropko3.jpg

crop

[Wekkel]

I took a zoom shot of some birds the other day from hand. Not 100% sharp, but I'll present it with some crops.

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/997/birdson8.jpg

300mm

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3142/birdcrop1dp6.jpg

crop1 100%

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1816/birdcrop2rn4.jpg

crop2 100%

Just one more zoom topic, and that is a close zoom. The duck was very close and with the 300mm setting I could get it really close.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/6220/ducks2nearcq0.jpg

300mm

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3686/ducks2nearcroppl0.jpg

100% crop

Ok, that's insofar the zooming is concerned (got enough examples prepared, but it must not get too boring with this post). Now for the action.

I took some shots at shutter speeds above 1/1000 in the automatic sport program at 300mm. In broad daylight (sunny) it was no problem at all to shoot a handsome picture. That's basically my idea of this lens now: enough light and be prepared to perform manual focus. If that's no objection, this lens provides for nice capabilities for the price.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8730/actionev6.jpg

fast shutter speed

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1368/actioncropry8.jpg

100% crop

The result pleases me. After all, it was shot from hand in an uncomfortable situation (twisted body on a bicycle standing still). If there is enough light, it should work with this lens.

[Wekkel]

Ordinary pictures are no problem (again, if you have enough light). Inside the house when it gets a little dark, I start to encounter shutter speeds at 70mm which are too long to photograph a small child.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6757/ladyqf9.jpg

lady

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/5509/ladycropmj4.jpg

100% crop

It is possible to get good night shots, as long as the subject is not moving. The following shot was taken with f/22 or something, rendering the corona's from the lights. Obviously, this shot was taken from a tripod.

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6816/nightth4.jpg

night

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/1323/nightcropys9.jpg

100% crop

If you try to get a normal shot from hand, you may get the following result with this lens. It's a bad picture, because the shutter speeds are too slow to prevent a shaken picture (even at 800 ISO). This makes clear that the lens is weak in poor lighting conditions unless shooting from a tripod and still objects. If you are interested in shooting pictures of fast moving objects in low lighting conditions, you may want to rethink this lens.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6474/supermarketkq1.jpg

supermarket

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7978/supermarketcropsd7.jpg

100% crop

[Wekkel]

The last section of my reply deals with Macro. The lens has a macro function that actually is great to play with (especially with a tripod). Small bugs are too small for this lens to make proper use of, but you may reach good results with the bigger bugs. Furthermore, when playing around with Photoshop you may get more bizarre results. I just leave some macro shots, some of which have been altered in PS, below for you to have a look at.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4745/macro02zy2.jpg

Bug (from hand with heavy bag of groceries on the shoulder)

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7959/macro02cropjd6.jpg

100% crop

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/5269/usbcr5.jpg

USB sticks (tripod and PS)

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/8003/usbcropto0.jpg

100% crop

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5739/ovenrv2.jpg

Kitchen (the oven, tripod, PS)

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5302/surrealisticrs4.jpg

Ventilaton front with some bizarre color effects (tripod, PS)

In the end, I think I expect to have great fun with this lens. At the far end it needs a little stopping, in worse lighting conditions it's not always of use for fast objects and the Autofocus can get into strange behaviour (making Manual Focus key). But hé, its only 230 euro :)

I will have to keep on practising to get the results of other people in this thread :oops:

[Wekkel]

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/2086/macro01ts8.jpg

Let's end with nature, shot from the knees today in Macro mode.

[Wekkel]

Idea of zoom quality (300mm, handshot, MF, afternoon)

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6223/20070811zoomvliegtuig64kg7.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/636/20070811zoomvliegtuig64bl9.jpg

[Reaperman]

Wekkel.... you are finding out just what a capable lens this is. At 300mm it can be a bit difficult to control... I tend to use a tripod for that... and your plane shot is very good. I haven't managed a good plane shot like that hand held yet. But I kow it is capable of doing so.

Ducks can be difficult as they have a habit of constantly moving... and sometimes that is only noticeable on a close crop.

For the money I don't think it can be beaten... and yeah if I had the money I would have a greater choice... but until then I will continue to injoy my Sigma.

Nice one Wekkel.



:DReaperman

[HokkaidoStu]

I got the non APO version (by mistake!) when I got my 400D last spring. I've got a few keepers. The attached Peregrine is one of my favorites.

Obviously for wildlife shots there's generally a lot of cropping going on with this lens. But I can't afford a 400 or 500mm L lens alas.

I find that at 150-230mm at F7.1 or F8 with good light it's possible to get some nice shots with this lens.

I'd say it's a great starter lens and the APO would presumably be an improvement over the one I own. 300mm is a good compromise for a portable set-up to photograph birds. Of course now I want to upgrade (I'll probably skip the APO and get a Canon 70-300 IS or the new Tamron 28-300 VC).

For a selection of my amateurish shots with this lens try here http://www.flickr.com/photos/stellaceagle/sets/72157601236146929/

or check out my blog which has more shots taken with the 70-300

http://hakodatebirding.blogspot.com/

Edited to add-I haven't quite worked out how to post images...............I think I compressed a biggish image too much. Oh well.

[KamSingh]

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/4933/img0452dv4.jpg
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/901/img0560iz9.jpg
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/8672/img05450xk8.jpg
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/2763/img05080dl3.jpg
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/2834/img04820vb8.jpg
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2858/img0719mu4.jpg

[Cassie]

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/84018276-M.jpg

with a close up filter

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/84850431-M.jpg

[snowyowl13]

My Sigma 70-300 arrived yesterday and I did play around with it a little. The attached picture obviously isn't sharp but I was still very impressed with the quality for the first time out of the box. I have cropped and tweaked the image as I normally do.

[HokkaidoStu]

Here are some 100% crops with no post processing at all (except compressing the files below 100kb). Both handheld. The Thrush was 190mm at F5.6 and the Nuthatch 214mm at F9. These are taken with the non APO version.

[HokkaidoStu]

And finally. Another 100% crop of a Swallow at 238mm F7.1 (macro). All taken with the Rebel XTi (or the Digital X Kiss as it's known in Japan). Again no PP except for compressing the filesize below 100kb. This is the non APO version BTW. The flash fired so it's somewhat overexposed.

[snowyowl13]

The monster posts that were made to this thread have done a great job of killing the thread. I suggest making shorter and more to the point posts will work better for all of us. My post of the bee had the misfortune to get buried between them so didn't draw any comment. I'm new to macro so would still like to get some hints as to how i could have used the new lens more effectively. My post was #374 and I would still appreciate some feedback.

[Wekkel]

Macro shot

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/79/picture092ap5.jpg

Post #374 is only 23 hours ago, and you are already complaining about a killed thread :p

I love the photo, but I find the depth range of the Macro feature on the lens very narrow. You may easily shoot a picture of such a bee with its head or body sharp, and the other parts (wings) unsharp. That seems to have happened here as well.

The same effect is visible in the attached photo. One eye is sharp and the other is already fading. Very hard to get it right (if it is possible at all).

I haven't found a way to avoid it, other than shooting smaller bugs or use stacking on a PC (but then the subject should not move, because you would need multiple shots).

[Moppie]

The monster posts that were made to this thread have done a great job of killing the thread. I suggest making shorter and more to the point posts will work better for all of us. My post of the bee had the misfortune to get buried between them so didn't draw any comment. I'm new to macro so would still like to get some hints as to how i could have used the new lens more effectively. My post was #374 and I would still appreciate some feedback.


While I agree the monster long posts don't really add much to the thread (they are not all the best examples of what the lens can do) this is also not the best thread to get comments on you work.
For that I would recommend starting a new thread, either in the macro forum, or critiques corner.

[HokkaidoStu]

The monster posts that were made to this thread have done a great job of killing the thread. I suggest making shorter and more to the point posts will work better for all of us. My post of the bee had the misfortune to get buried between them so didn't draw any comment. I'm new to macro so would still like to get some hints as to how i could have used the new lens more effectively. My post was #374 and I would still appreciate some feedback.

Er sorry to 'bury' your post .

But I thought the point of this thread was to show samples of a particular lens. Your bee looked nice by the way ...........isn't there an actual Critiques forum somewhere on this site where others can give feedback and pointers?

Nobody said anything about my photos ether. They had the 'misfortune' to be buried somewhere between the baby and the bee.

[bauerman]

The monster posts that were made to this thread have done a great job of killing the thread. I suggest making shorter and more to the point posts will work better for all of us. My post of the bee had the misfortune to get buried between them so didn't draw any comment. I'm new to macro so would still like to get some hints as to how i could have used the new lens more effectively. My post was #374 and I would still appreciate some feedback.

Hello,

This thread was never intended as a vehicle for photo feedback - it was a samples thread for people to view that were thinking of picking up this lens. If you want specific feedback on a photo - I would suggest one of the photo posting forums that is particular to your subject matter - you will surely get the feedback that you are seeking there. There is also a specific "Critique Corner" forum for just this activity as well.

This thread would get very unmanageable very quickly if everyone that posted a photo expected two or three critiques of their work within the thread. Not what the thread is about....the "samples" threads - which there are many for many lenses - are to show potential buyers or even just those that are curious what the lens can do.

[Reaperman]

My Sigma 70-300 arrived yesterday and I did play around with it a little. The attached picture obviously isn't sharp but I was still very impressed with the quality for the first time out of the box. I have cropped and tweaked the image as I normally do.

Heh snowowl... your bee is good but one pic is just the start. Take a look at post 372 KamSingh above you. That will give you some idea of this lens capabilities.... and of course some of the Macro shots on here are superb.

Perhaps some posts are a little long but all knowledge is good knowledge and everyone has the right to show there work.

Keep your shots coming though.

:DReaperman

[snowyowl13]

My post was asking for comment on the use of the lens under discussion not for critique of the picture. Obviously I didn't make that clear.

[KamSingh]

.....Take a look at post 372 KamSingh above you. That will give you some idea of this lens capabilities....

Thanks! That was my first time using the lens, I bought it an hour before going to the zoo. Great lens, it would be perfect with OS.

[Reaperman]

My post was asking for comment on the use of the lens under discussion not for critique of the picture. Obviously I didn't make that clear.

Hi snowyowl13... the only advice I can give you is to take as many shots as you can with it. Play with the thing and you will be suprised just how much you get from the lens. There is advice all over this Forum about taking great shots.... a lot of which overlaps many different lenses.... I have experimented with the Macro facility with many subjects... some work better than others.

That fly or bee that suddenly takes off is a pain in the .... but I just keep trying til I get the shot. For the distance stuff I always use my tripod (a sturdy Manfrotto)... I know I can't hand hold as steady as my tripod so I don't try to unless its a 'snatched' moment. I also leave the lens hood on all the time... personal preference I guess.

We all know this is not the best lens in the world by a long way but I think you will appreciate just what can be achieved with it.

Good luck and post some when you can.

All the best.

:DReaperman

[Reaperman]

Thanks! That was my first time using the lens, I bought it an hour before going to the zoo. Great lens, it would be perfect with OS.

I think you have achieved amazing results that you can be proud of. You certainly don't look like a newbie 70-300 user thats for sure.

:DReaperman

[KamSingh]

I think you have achieved amazing results that you can be proud of. You certainly don't look like a newbie 70-300 user thats for sure.

:DReaperman

:D Thanks!

[Ballast]

This was at 119mm. Tony was sliding a bit in the Subaru. Too bad the license plate came out so fuzzy!

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z230/svballast/Feb222004100.jpg

[snowyowl13]

I'm getting more and more impressed with the new lens. I did a quick comparison against my 75 -300 Canon EF (basically a kit lens) and I find that the difference is really remarkable.
Both shots are taken using a tripod and remote exposure switch and with everything on auto. The only PP was to crop and save for the web. The one marked #I is the Canon lens and #2 is the Sigma.

[El Duderino]

Here's a couple:

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v116/113/99/15909691/n15909691_35949274_7866.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v116/113/99/15909691/n15909691_35929279_4361.jpg
Macro, slightly cropped.

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v116/113/99/15909691/n15909691_35929281_5090.jpg

[Wekkel]

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2623/spidermacrono1.jpg

[Canon_For_Life]

Would you guys recomend this as a good starter lense?
I will be picking up an XT or XTi within a couple of months and im thinking of getting this lense or the Canon 75-300 (non IS)

[whchan]

It is definitely a good buy for the price (~$200). I used it for about a year before upgrading to the 70-200 f/2.8. I still own the 70-300 and will bring it when light weight/compact is called for (hiking, boating, want to travel light and know it won't be used a lot...etc.).

[Canon_For_Life]

awsome, thanks ;)

i have seen great pics come from it, so im sure it's fine for me since this is my first DSLR...i have a P&S, but it's not good at all...and my dad has an old Canon A-1 film camera with a quantary 70-210...so im just getting into the Advanced digital cameras..my P&S is verry basic and quit old (Powershot G1)

[bauerman]

Would you guys recomend this as a good starter lense?
I will be picking up an XT or XTi within a couple of months and im thinking of getting this lense or the Canon 75-300 (non IS)

It is a GREAT starter lens for your new XT or XTi. It has improved IQ over the standard Canon 75-300 and has the dedicated macro mode as well that the Canon lens does not even offer. Probably the best $200 you can spend on your new camera.

[memorex88]

Would you guys recomend this as a good starter lense?
I will be picking up an XT or XTi within a couple of months and im thinking of getting this lense or the Canon 75-300 (non IS)

Make sure you get the APO version!

[sparksdjs]

Would you guys recomend this as a good starter lense?
I will be picking up an XT or XTi within a couple of months and im thinking of getting this lense or the Canon 75-300 (non IS)

It certainly was for me. I have since bought a Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS, another excellent lens at a reasonable price - one to consider if it fits your budget.

Dave

[dawnron1]

Here are a couple I took last Saturday of my flying buddy's scratch-built C-130 Hercules.

Ronnie

[Reaperman]

Here are a couple I took last Saturday of my flying buddy's scratch-built C-130 Hercules.

Ronnie

Hi Ronnie. Did you pan that on a tripod? Very nice build.

:DReaperman

[dawnron1]

Hi Ronnie. Did you pan that on a tripod? Very nice build.

:DReaperman

Reaperman,

Actually these were handheld. I do model airplane reviews for RC Groups.com and I've had to teach myself to shoot this way, since some planes are fairly fast :lol:

Ronnie

[MDG56]

Here's a shot of one of the Scrub-Jays that come to my yard. This was at 300mm and hand held and I thought it still came out pretty sharp.

Mark

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z202/MDG_56/IMG_0477-Mama.jpg

[Canon_For_Life]

Great shot man

[PhotoFranz]

I sent my Sigma 70-300mm back to Sigma today for recalibration. I have not been totally happy since I got it in April. The lens has a back-focus tendency. Here are 3 photos, the first a focus test at 70mm, the second at 300mm nd the third is a shot from my Canon 50mm 1.8. The lens will get to Sigma on This coming Thursday. I will post results when I get it back in a week or two.

70mm
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/1324158041_44b62ff70b_o.jpg

300mm
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1128/1324157711_2d7a667794_o.jpg

Canon 50mm
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1088/1325052854_f591b5b22e_o.jpg

[bauerman]

The samples thread is probably not the place for focus concerns with the lens - but I do hope that it turns out ok for you.

[PhotoFranz]

The samples thread is probably not the place for focus concerns with the lens - but I do hope that it turns out ok for you.

You may be right, but it did not say only GOOD samples. I posted this to show that there can be concerns with this lens too. I thought that is what samples are for.

[memorex88]

You may be right, but it did not say only GOOD samples. I posted this to show that there can be concerns with this lens too. I thought that is what samples are for.

I agree you should show samples of problem lenses.
Can you specify which version you have?
APO or non APO?
In April, did you buy it new?

Also in you samples, it show 17mm?! instead of 70mm and 70mm instead of 300mm.
It will confuse people.

How was the Macro focus?

[PhotoFranz]

memorex88 - it is the APO version and I did purchase it new. Thanks, I corrected that error. That was due to having made the same post about my 17-70mm Sigma that was sent back at the same time. Macro focus is bad too.

[dawnron1]

Here are a few from today. This is a 1/12 scale nitro powered boat a friend is doing an online review of. The lake was just a little too choppy :lol:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1036/1342769253_9e6d883851_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/1343520022_41c10c3e30_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1361/1342679949_b066e632e8_o.jpg

[Canon_For_Life]

I know this is a stupid question for me to ask, but hey, im new to the new DSLR's..

I was wondering, what is the "DG" and the "APO" supposed to be? is one of those like the Sigma version of "IS"? or is "EX" another version of "IS"?

Im getting ready to buy the 70-300 APO DG Macro, so I would like to know what it all means before I spend extra on it...whats the difference between the APO and NON APO?

Again, sorry for the nooblet question, but I gotta learn some how.. I havnt had much luck finding this out on my own in the forums or on Sigma's site.. So help on this question is much appriciated ;)

[tagvestibule]

I know this is a stupid question for me to ask, but hey, im new to the new DSLR's..

I was wondering, what is the "DG" and the "APO" supposed to be? is one of those like the Sigma version of "IS"? or is "EX" another version of "IS"?

Im getting ready to buy the 70-300 APO DG Macro, so I would like to know what it all means before I spend extra on it...whats the difference between the APO and NON APO?

Again, sorry for the nooblet question, but I gotta learn some how.. I havnt had much luck finding this out on my own in the forums or on Sigma's site.. So help on this question is much appriciated ;)

I had some of the same questions. I found this page helpful for starters:
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/support/faq_lens.htm
It explains APO, but it does not get specific with respect to DG, which I understand is basically a coating on the lens which is "designed to reduce reflections from shiny sensors bouncing around inside the lens."

[Canon_For_Life]

Awsome dude, thanks a lot ;)

[Moppie]

Im getting ready to buy the 70-300 APO DG Macro, so I would like to know what it all means before I spend extra on it...whats the difference between the APO and NON APO?



As mentioned the APO and DG refer to different coatings on the lens elements, however in the case of the 70-300 the APO version also got an updated drive.
Don't know if its an faster, but I do know the non-APO version was prone to stripping one of the internal gears.

[Canon_For_Life]

Well I wouldnt want that now would I? :lol:

[Mediation]

Hey all. Good images. I have seen every single page!

Umm i want to buy this lens. But i am wondering if this is a good lens for my first ever Zoom lens??

[Moppie]

Umm i want to buy this lens. But i am wondering if this is a good lens for my first ever Zoom lens??


Its a great first lens, go and have a play with on somewhere.
If your Auckland based your welcome to have a play with mine for an afternoon.
If your looking for something to get you interested in what can be done with a telezoom, and you don' want to spend thousands, then its a great way to start.

Just remember that in the world of lenses you get what you pay for, so don't expect to be able to take fast paced sports photos in low light, or for images to very sharp past the 200mm mark.

[Mediation]

Its a great first lens, go and have a play with on somewhere.
If your Auckland based your welcome to have a play with mine for an afternoon.
If your looking for something to get you interested in what can be done with a telezoom, and you don' want to spend thousands, then its a great way to start.

Just remember that in the world of lenses you get what you pay for, so don't expect to be able to take fast paced sports photos in low light, or for images to very sharp past the 200mm mark.

ah ha i see. Now that youve mentioned it the Sigma has a 55-200mm lens. Would you recommend 200mm as an ideal length or 70-300 as my best choice. Glad to see a NZ'r here as well!

[Moppie]

ah ha i see. Now that youve mentioned it the Sigma has a 55-200mm lens. Would you recommend 200mm as an ideal length or 70-300 as my best choice. Glad to see a NZ'r here as well!


Theres a whole group of Kiwi's here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=131484

:)

Most of us located in Auckland, but we seem to have the whole country pretty well covered.


I've never used the 55-200, but there are several good reviews of it around.

[Wekkel]

more 70-300mm (with 100% crop)

bee not sharp but it didn't escape my shot :)

[Reaperman]

Reaperman,

Actually these were handheld. I do model airplane reviews for RC Groups.com and I've had to teach myself to shoot this way, since some planes are fairly fast :lol:

Ronnie

Pheeeewwww.Your technique is excellent. Don't know that I could keep that still.
Great work.

:DReaperman

[Canon_For_Life]

Thats actually a pretty cool shot if you look at it from an "artistic" view..:lol: nice capture man

[Wekkel]

random shots with the APO :D

[P1et]

I am getting mine today, cannot wait! I couldn't pass up the $177 deal on Amazon.com!

[Wekkel]

Keep 'em coming!

[*Sonic*]

Got mine today, but not had chance to take any shots yet

[Wekkel]

Flood alert :)

[Wekkel]

And another

[P1et]

First pic with the Sigma...

http://www.southernsoot.com/Sigma1.jpg

[memorex88]

Got mine today, but not had chance to take any shots yet

Congrats on thr new glass :D

[willy b]

Wekkel, you did well to get an inflight one, i was trying today, and eventually after folowing this dam thing i gave up.

[DeluxeMan]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=205192&stc=1&d=1189694580

[Wekkel]

Wekkel, you did well to get an inflight one, i was trying today, and eventually after folowing this dam thing i gave up.

I switched to Macro mode, picked a focus and tried to shoot the picture when the bug was in focus. It took a lot of shots to get one right. In the end, this one isn't crisp either, but it will do. Thank god the bug flew its rounds steady and for a long time so I had enough chances to get something useful.

[Wekkel]

Another shot

[Wekkel]

Got out again yesterday

[Canon_For_Life]

ill be getting mine soon!
just put my order in tonight at B&H along with an XTi :D:D:D

[Wekkel]

Keeping the thread moving :oops:

[chevellechick]

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199537258-L.jpg


http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199477494-M.jpg

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199436864-M.jpg

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199479941-M.jpg

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199440570-M.jpg

[Canon_For_Life]

Fantastic shots chevellchick!
whats the exif on those? do you know?
and is that with your XT or 30D?
just wondering, i just oredered this lense along with an XTi so im just curious as to how to get great shots like this :)

[chevellechick]

Fantastic shots chevellchick!
whats the exif on those? do you know?
and is that with your XT or 30D?
just wondering, i just oredered this lense along with an XTi so im just curious as to how to get great shots like this :)
Thanks! They were all with the 30D.

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199537258-Th.jpg
Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure Time: 0.0031s (1/320)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 133mm (212.8mm in 35mm)

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199477494-Th.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure Time: 0.005s (1/200)
Aperture: f/5.0
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 214mm (342.4mm in 35mm)

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199436864-Th.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure Time: 0.025s (1/40)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 149mm (238.4mm in 35mm)

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199479941-Th.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure Time: 0.0025s (1/400)
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 108mm (172.8mm in 35mm)

http://chevellegirl.smugmug.com/photos/199440570-Th.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure Time: 0.005s (1/200)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 214mm (342.4mm in 35mm)

[P1et]

Beautiful pictures everyone! I'm still very much learning. I tried taking some pictures of my dog, but they didn't turn out very well. However, this one did.

http://www.southernsoot.com/Leaf.jpg

[Canon_For_Life]

Thanks chevellechick! really appriciate the info

[blurryguy]

There are some excellent shots with the Sigma 70-300mm lens here. I've just returned a Sigma 55-200mm lens that was severely front focusing, and am weary of getting another Sigma lens in case I have similar AF issues. Has anyone experienced AF problems with the 70-300mm lens? My other choices are Canon 55-250mm IS, Canon 75-300mm, or 70-300mm IS. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Wekkel]

AF is not the quickest, but it doesn't bother me.

More shots

[*Sonic*]

Taken this evening, with a Kenco 1.4x TC

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/Beanchimp/moontest02.jpg

[Canon_For_Life]

^^ Great shots guys!

Wekkel, that second one looks a bit over sharpend, but that might just be me ;), still a nice pic though

[sparksdjs]

There are some excellent shots with the Sigma 70-300mm lens here. I've just returned a Sigma 55-200mm lens that was severely front focusing, and am weary of getting another Sigma lens in case I have similar AF issues. Has anyone experienced AF problems with the 70-300mm lens? My other choices are Canon 55-250mm IS, Canon 75-300mm, or 70-300mm IS. Any advice would be much appreciated.

I posted my own Sigma shot earlier, one I consider one of the best pics I've ever taken. However, I have moved on to the Canon 70-300IS. It was primarily to get the IS (I don't have steady hands) but the image quality all the way up to 300mm has amazed me. It's correctly said that the Sigma is a great lens for the price but I will also say the same is also true for the more expensive Canon.

Dave

[blurryguy]

sparksdjs, do you find the Canon better in all ways than the Sigma? My concern with the Sigma is possible AF issues, mainly out of focus shots. Is the Canon AF also quicker than the Sigma and does the IQ on the Canon get soft beyond 200? Also, do you think the Canon 55-250 IS will be as good as the 70-300 IS?

[sparksdjs]

sparksdjs, do you find the Canon better in all ways than the Sigma? My concern with the Sigma is possible AF issues, mainly out of focus shots. Is the Canon AF also quicker than the Sigma and does the IQ on the Canon get soft beyond 200? Also, do you think the Canon 55-250 IS will be as good as the 70-300 IS?

The Sigma is superior for macro but in all other respects I have found the Canon to be better. I was a bit worried before I pulled the trigger on purchasing it - am I really getting something better? I have been really happy that I did, no regrets. Check this for IQ at 300mm with the Canon:

http://www.pbase.com/sparksdjs/image/73850222/original.jpg

Other examples:

http://www.pbase.com/sparksdjs/700_300is&page=all

I can't speak to the quality of the 55-250.

Dave

[Wekkel]

Wekkel, that second one looks a bit over sharpend, but that might just be me ;), still a nice pic though

Well, actually I didn't sharpen it more than other pictures, but is was already a cristal clear shot anyway (lot's of light, slow moving subject and F11 I believe, not fully zoomed in (238mm), ideal for this lens).

Mo' shots :)

[P1et]

Taken this evening, with a Kenco 1.4x TC

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/Beanchimp/moontest02.jpg


Can you please share with us how you achieved this lovely shot? I tried to take pictures of the harvest moon a few days ago and it was worthless.

Settings? Tips/hints? Thanks!

[El Duderino]

Can you please share with us how you achieved this lovely shot? I tried to take pictures of the harvest moon a few days ago and it was worthless.

Settings? Tips/hints? Thanks!

I usually underexpose the hell out of the picture, when shooting the moon. Below -2 usually, shooting in manual mode. Otherwise it will just look like a white dot with no detail whatsoever.

[fundabug]

Little one inch slug from my backyard one evening. I posted this shot before trying to figure out what caused the blur/double image anomoly near the slugs head....I think. It was almost sunset very cloudy and just stopped raining and I didn't have my speedlight yet, but the lens picked up the color and available light well. I was very pleased with this lens and the fact that it was very inexpensive.http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t276/fundabug/slug2.jpg

[*Sonic*]

Can you please share with us how you achieved this lovely shot? I tried to take pictures of the harvest moon a few days ago and it was worthless.

Settings? Tips/hints? Thanks!

Thank you

I have taken quite a few poor shots of the moon too :)

Full moon is never the best time to take shots, as you dont get some of the shadows over the craters

I set the camera on a tripod, with cable release & mirror lockup

Aperture and exposure where pretty much guess work to be honest, I rattled a couple of shots off, checked the exposure levels and adjusted accordingly

I tried a few different apertures from f8-f32 and kept I think at ISO 100/200

One thing I did noticed was that using Autofocus the camera would shake slightly, so once I got AF lock, I waited a few seconds for the AF motor vibration to stop then pressed the shutter

I noticed that a lot of the shots came out quite soft looking due to the camera shake from the AF motors

Not sure on the Aperture values too as using a Teleconverter I'm not sure if it compensates with the f-stops as I know you do lose 1 stop of light with the 1.4x TC

Hope this helps