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

[blam]

hello,

I am looking for a budget zoom I can possibly lug around for a year to see how useful the range is to me before jumping on a Canon 70-200 F4 IS or 2.8IS (depending how useful I find it & cash constraints!)

I read in a couple threads that this is a great budget telephoto,

for anyone that has this, could you please post some shots you took with this lens? both good and bad.

Thanks

[angryhampster]

The Sigma 70-300 is quite a step down from Canon IS 70-200 zooms. I don't own any of these, but I can tell you that they're a world apart.

[Borderfox]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/IMG_3480.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/Zoo413.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/Borderfox/IMG_3132.jpg

All shot with the Sigma 70-300 APO. Great lens and was very handy for what I wanted...

[shaneotool]

I shot the following with the sigma 70-300mm APO DG MACRO:

http://picasaweb.google.com/prothert/LRAFB2006AirPower/photo#s4994015130095779858

I like it. I think it is the best of the budget zooms. To get better, you would need to get the 70-300mm IS or the 70-200L. They are more than double the price.

[odvdveer]

I like it, it is sharp and light and good for semi macro. Images are lot sharper at full size, but downsampled for the web.

Olga

http://odvdveer.nl/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1604&g2_serialNumber=3

http://odvdveer.nl/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=3046&g2_serialNumber=3

[superdiver]

The motion ones seem a little soft....whereas the still animals are much more sharp...

I have seen other GREAT results with this lens so it may be handshake or maybe a bad copy...

[blam]

The Sigma 70-300 is quite a step down from Canon IS 70-200 zooms. I don't own any of these, but I can tell you that they're a world apart.

I am well aware the difference is leaps and bounds. but If I am not going to find the use out of the 70-300 I don't need to drop the additional 1000$-1800 on the canon white lenses.

thanks for the samples everyone

keep them coming!

[PhotoFranz]

Iagree that the Sigma is a world apart from the Canon IS 70-200, but with a choice between $1700 and sub $300 for the Sigma APO 70-300, the "budget" part of the question sure comes into play. I am also looking at the Sigma lens, also a Sigma 17-70. LOL, I wish I could ignore price, but I am retired and also must buy budget.

[condyk]

That is good logic and I followed it myself. If you do upgrade then you will lose little on a resale. Unless you buy SH then you will lose more buying an L if you find you don't use it much. A good lens. I had one.

[Mr. Clean]

I'm too lazy to bring up the other sample pics threads but I'll tell ya, I wa always impressed by my 70-300 APO's performance. Works great for still life or bright sunny says. It needs to be stopped down about 1 1/3 stops and it's good. Just slow...

[blam]

at this range, it will be used outside pretty much all the time.

the cost of this lens is about $320CDN

finding it SH in Canada would be a tough find.

some of the pics posted above I cant see (blocked at work) I will check em out when I get home.

how is the sharpness of this lens? i have a 50 1.4, I know the sigma will come nowhere near it, but will I be fairly dissappointed in the sharpness of this lens?

how does it compare to the canon 75-300 (for those with experience or knowledge of the 2)

[kcp1377]

I was very nervous getting the Siggy 70-300mm bu like you wanted to try a tele without dropping $1k+ on a lens that I wouldn't use. I love it. I wish it had IS, but I love it. I was surprised at the sharpness of it much better than I had expected - even at 300mm. It was one of those things that I researched thoroughly and kept coming up as the best option of the sub$500 category. And I got mine used so it didn't cost much at all! Very nice choice and will suit me well until I can get my 70-200mm f2.8 IS (not for a long time as I just don't use teles that often and can't justify that cost)...

Oh - and the 50mm 1.4 is rarely off my camera. So that's the sharpness I'm used to. Maybe I just got a great copy? Everything I read rated it much higher than the Canon 75-300... (as long as I'm thinking of the right lens...) :)

[slug]

at this range, it will be used outside pretty much all the time.


Hey Blam. Fellow Edmontonian here! I just went through deciding between this lens and the Canon 70-200 f4/L non IS. I picked up the Canon for $765CAD so the lens is a bit more than 2x the cost of the Sigma.

As you said, you will be using this range for outside use... if it is daylight then I think you would do well in getting yourself the f4/L non IS as you would be able to get more than fast enough shutterspeeds, even handheld.
I ultimately went with the f4/L because if I got the Sigma I would have always had it in the back of my mind that my shots could have been just *that* much sharper with the Canon. Plus you say that you would eventually get the F2.8/L IS or F4/L IS so why not save yourself the trouble of reselling the Sigma at a loss and get a lens that is comparable in IQ to the IS lenses when used in proper lighting conditions?

All imho of course. Good luck!

[blam]

slug: cash flow is another argument....I want something long at the moment, but don't know if I can ever justify the F4 IS.

also wanting to buy a wide angle lens for travelling...as well as a walkaround (24-70)

maybe more time will help me decide. or finding a used sig 70-300.

[Picklett]

Got a slip through the door today to say mine is at the post office, and will be picking it up first thing tomorrow. Hopefully get some pics up soon. :)

[blam]

what about the tamron 70-300???

so many 70-300s!

[ron chappel]

at this range, it will be used outside pretty much all the time.

the cost of this lens is about $320CDN

finding it SH in Canada would be a tough find.

some of the pics posted above I cant see (blocked at work) I will check em out when I get home.

how is the sharpness of this lens? i have a 50 1.4, I know the sigma will come nowhere near it, but will I be fairly dissappointed in the sharpness of this lens?

how does it compare to the canon 75-300 (for those with experience or knowledge of the 2)

If you mean the canon EF50/1.4 then you'll find the sigma to be softer at any comparable settings (same magnification and aperture). But that's no real put down of the sigma.All the consumer tele lenses will be softer than the 50/1.4! ;)
Even the L series 70-200's aren't quite as sharp as the prime.

As for the sigma verses EF75-300 question -
The sigma is a better lens in every respect except for focus speed.The usm version of the canon 75-300 focuses abit faster which is usefull for sports but not important for most subjects.
If you need very fast focus AND decent sharpness then get the canon EF100-300usm -it is equal in sharpness to the sigma and has easily the fastest focus speed in it's class.It is however more expensive.Go with the sigma unless you do lots of sports

One final comment- All of the consumer telezooms can get good images,even the ultra cheapies.
The main image quality differences between the cheapest and something like the sigma APO or canon 100-300 usm (or even the pro lenses) is that the more expensive lenses make it easier to get great shots first time- that is ,less duds and a better keeper rate.
This is something i've noticed after using a great many different telezooms.

[ron chappel]

The tamron 70-300 has good sharpness at the long end but is just 'OK' in all other respects.Slow focus speed is it's bad point
Go with the sigma Apo -it's better overall

[Jettin]

hello,

I am looking for a budget zoom I can possibly lug around for a year to see how useful the range is to me before jumping on a Canon 70-200 F4 IS or 2.8IS (depending how useful I find it & cash constraints!)

I read in a couple threads that this is a great budget telephoto,

for anyone that has this, could you please post some shots you took with this lens? both good and bad.

Thanks

Blam,

Im in the exact same situation, I will in the near future get the Canon 70-200, but for the time being wanted something cheap to suffice while i save.

I picked up the Sigma 70-300 last night, its a decent lens, i think its the best of the budget 70-300 range.

IQ is good, but if your pixel peeping its not the best.

Ive only taken 10 shots with it, ill post a pic when i can.

Jeff

[blam]

thanks Jeff.

looks like the APO is winning. there is a tamron 70-300 in the b/s here for under 100$ is why I asked.

the less I have to spend the better.

[Jayson Prentice]

My Sigma APO was shipped today, I'll have a chance to try it out this weekend when I take it to a HS Wrestling meet. So I'll really put it to a nice test of indoor sports...

Personally, if you want a budget zoom then this is the one. If you're not sure that you will use a zoom that much and thus can't find the necessity for one of the Canons' then I think this would be a nice budget lens to use when you want.

[shaneotool]

My Sigma APO was shipped today, I'll have a chance to try it out this weekend when I take it to a HS Wrestling meet. So I'll really put it to a nice test of indoor sports...

Personally, if you want a budget zoom then this is the one. If you're not sure that you will use a zoom that much and thus can't find the necessity for one of the Canons' then I think this would be a nice budget lens to use when you want.

This is not the lens you want to use for indoor sports. Way too slow. You never know though, you may get some keepers.

[gdl357]

I have owned both lens and the Sigma for the price is a great value, but lets not even compare it to the 70-200 f4, because it looses in ALL aspects except price.

The build, the IQ, the fact that it becomes longer as you zoom, the softness at the longer end, the F5.6, the mat finish that is easily scratched, the slow noisy AF, the really bad IQ at the edges and so on.

I just had to sell it over the Canon as the extra money was WELL spent and this was a true upgrade. The colors and IQ speaks for themselves. The 70-200 is a better value even though its more expensive. Once you own both lens, you will understand what I am stating here.

When I owned my Sigma, I was very happy, untill I used a "L". MUAHAHAHA. I just can't go back to inferior 3 party lens now.

Thx

[Analogsound]

I'm happy with this lens for the money it cost. Gives me a telephoto that I can practice various things with. No, likely not that good at low light action but thankfully I'm not shooting much of that right now. For the price I am thrilled with this lens.

[gdl357]

I'm happy with this lens for the money it cost. Gives me a telephoto that I can practice various things with. No, likely not that good at low light action but thankfully I'm not shooting much of that right now. For the price I am thrilled with this lens.

I can trade you my70-200 for that Vacuum tube amp!

[Jayson Prentice]

This is not the lens you want to use for indoor sports. Way too slow. You never know though, you may get some keepers.

I understand this, but I won't be using this too often with indoor sports. I used the basic Canon EF 75-300 III and got a few keepers with that lens. Nothing extrodinary, but when I'm taking pictures for parents of the athletes and compared to what they can get it is usually pretty good. You'll be surprised with the 'decent' shots by most of your standards that you can get even with a lens like that.

[farrukh]

Very good lens for the price

[Analogsound]

I can trade you my70-200 for that Vacuum tube amp!

LOL You mean amps right? Well, ya gotta have one for each stereo channel right? Single ended triode aaahhhhhh pure bliss! :D

[woollyback]

Hello,

My daughter (11 years old) uses this lens and it seems great for the money.
No pp on any pics just resize and save for web
Canon 70-200f4L is better in terms of colour, consistency and autofocus speed.

Cheers

Rob

141013

141016

[habu90]

Is there a big difference between the APO and non-APO version? I'm very tight on cash, but would like to get more range for animal photography.

[blam]

I believe the APO version is the one you want to get.

I think I read the non-APO isn't as sharp

[superdiver]

What exactly is "APO"?

[memorex88]

What exactly is "APO"?

Here you go...

APO (APO Lens)
In order to attain the highest quality images, the APO lens has been made using special low-dispersion (SLD) glass and is designed to minimize color aberration.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3303&navigator=3

[Saralonde]

You just beat me to it, Marco;)
This was the first lens I bought for my XT, even before the nifty fifty. I loved it and was fairly impressed by it. I bought it for the same reason you are looking into it, I wanted to try telephoto without spending too much. Did a LOT of research and this was by far the best reviewed for the money. You will not be sorry.

[blam]

thanks for the advice people. I will head over to the store and have a look at it sometime this week

[memorex88]

You just beat me to it, Marco;)
This was the first lens I bought for my XT, even before the nifty fifty. I loved it and was fairly impressed by it. I bought it for the same reason you are looking into it, I wanted to try telephoto without spending too much. Did a LOT of research and this was by far the best reviewed for the money. You will not be sorry.

Wow! Exactly the same everything as me except the nifty fifty which is in the wish list :D

[Saralonde]

Wow! Exactly the same everything as me except the nifty fifty which is in the wish list :D

Great minds (with small budgets) think alike.;)

[Dave_G]

The motion ones seem a little soft....whereas the still animals are much more sharp...



look at the exif - 1/400s wide open at ISO 200

room for manouvre ;) ISO800 and 1/500s to stop things a bit better, f6.3 for a bit more sharpness.

[Mike]

Here are 2 shots with the APO version of the lens. I've had some great shots with it.

[brettjrob]

Here's a shot at 300 mm using the Macro mode, no PP, as well as 100% center crop.

[dave_bass5]

I dont use my Sigma 70-300 APO much as i dont like the long min FL but i do like the IQ from it. I have very recently thought of replacing in with a 70-200 f/4 IS but cant really justify getting another long lens that might not get a lot of use.
But here are a few from my Sigma.
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/64980777-L.jpg

http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/63795589-L.jpg

http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/63795423-L.jpg

http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/63795477-L.jpg

[memorex88]

I noticed you in Alberta. The 70-300 APO has a 10 year warranty in Canada so there's another bonus! If you do get this lens, make sure it's the APO!

[blam]

does that 10 year warranty apply if I buy it from B&H? I save about 50$ if I buy from them

[memorex88]

I never bought from B&H. Are you taking in account the taxes, exchange, shipping and all? I'm pretty sure it has to be bought in Canada for the 10 year warranty and that's worth 50 if you as me.

[blam]

true that...

I included everything including the crappy exchange right now.

[memorex88]

It's 290 at my camera shop right now. + tax that is :(

[blam]

what shop is that? best I can find is 310

[Olyst]

It's 300$ at Lozeau (Montreal). Saw it last week end, almost got it, but decided to put money for the grocery instead :-). After seeing pictures and comments here, I'll definitively get this lens in the near future.

[memorex88]

It's 300$ at Lozeau (Montreal). Saw it last week end, almost got it, but decided to put money for the grocery instead :-). After seeing pictures and comments here, I'll definitively get this lens in the near future.

My bad it was 299 at Lozeau which is my camera shop :)

[Ospi]

wow thats expensive. can get it for $220 aussie from my online store which is about 180 US.

[memorex88]

Here's a few from mine.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102/memorex88_2006/IMG_0543-1.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102/memorex88_2006/IMG_0460-1.jpg

[blam]

camera canada has it for 302 I just found.

going to have to hold off on the new bed frame and get this lens instead :lol:

[purelithium]

wow thats expensive. can get it for $220 aussie from my online store which is about 180 US.


The prices quoted were in Canadian dollars. Are you sure that AUD220 is for the APO version?

[Olyst]

wow thats expensive. can get it for $220 aussie from my online store which is about 180 US.

That is the price of the non APO over here (200 CDN). You lucky!

[Olyst]

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102/memorex88_2006/IMG_0460-1.jpg

Ok, you got me...now I need to find 300$.... Anyone wants to help me :-( You saw the moon tonight???? I NEED ONE....

[Ospi]

oops, well it would be $201 canadian. Yes its the APO: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sigma-70-300mm-70-300-F4-5-6-f-4-5-6-DG-APO-Macro-0112_W0QQitemZ230085213745QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30070 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Heres some of mine taken with it.

http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3166hr9.jpg
http://img261.imageshack.us/my.php?image=geeseeq9.jpg

[memorex88]

Hehe I was in your shoes about 3 months ago and the best deal then was 320, and that's what I paid. Worth every cent!

That moon was taken Christmas eve.

[blam]

is that at 300mm? is that cropped at all?

[memorex88]

Camera make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Date/Time: 2006:12:24 16:49:46
Resolution: 799 x 578
Flash used: No
Focal length: 300.0mm (35mm equivalent: 1428mm)
CCD width: 7.56mm
Exposure time: 0.0080 s (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 200
Whitebalance: Manual

Yes it's cropped and sharpened.

Ospi we are talking camera stores not ebay.

[Ospi]

It is a camera store, they sell through ebay. all is brand new with full warranties. Was just pointing out the price difference, thats all.

[blam]

Ospi, you forget the 67AUD shipping. and possible brokerage?

287AUD.

[Olyst]

Hehe I was in your shoes about 3 months ago and the best deal then was 320, and that's what I paid. Worth every cent!

That moon was taken Christmas eve.

But the thing is I got the XT about 3 weeks ago, decided to get a 50mm 1.8 + Tripod and RC-1 remote, 2 days ago....Wife will kill me if I go and buy another photo thing.. She already think I'm nuts. Ah well... patience.., I guess I need to do some Overtime now...

[memorex88]

But the thing is I got the XT about 3 weeks ago, decided to get a 50mm 1.8 + Tripod and RC-1 remote, 2 days ago....Wife will kill me if I go and buy another photo thing.. She already think I'm nuts. Ah well... patience.., I guess I need to do some Overtime now...

Don't rush it (easier said than done I know) it's freezing out there. If you get that lens now, you'll want to go out and shoot everything in sight! Then you'll catch a cold and get sick, miss work!!! How you gonna pay that lens off if your in bed?:lol:

BTW my wife thinks I'm nuts too!

[blam]

just cheap out on groceries for hte month ;)

[Tubthumper]

I was going to start a thread to see if these "cheap" long zooms were worth the money, as I've been asked by a downhill biking friend to take some shots for his website. I'm now thinking that the Sigma 70-300 is well worth the few quid that I've found 'em at in various magazines. (£160 sterling over here in sunny Scotland).

So between that and the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, I reckon I can cover all the lengths I'm going to need for about £400. And you crazy Americans had me thinking this digital SLR nonsense was an expensive game....

By the way, the website's at http://www.descent-world.co.uk

[odvdveer]

Wait till you discover that the lens is great, but dear at dusk at 300mm can be done but a 2.8 lens would make a real difference :).

http://odvdveer.nl/jalbum/Dieren/slides/IMG_7202.jpg

I have just bought the 70-200mm f2.8 sigma, have a 1.4tc to get back to 300mm (well 280mm), and the bank account is draining fast :D .
Now I have to wait until september to see if this really helps, or was just an excuse to buy new toys.

But I'll keep the sigma, it is lightweight, and fine for daylight and some macro.

Olga

[blam]

olga, yours is the non APO version as well, correct?

was that picture taken with a flash?

I will mostly be using this outdoors in bright situations so I think i will be ok.

and possibly might drop the bomb and get a 1.4tc later in the year for this as well for that extra reach. F2.8 would REALLY help in that case, condiring the 1 stop loss with the TC! but what can you do when you're on a budget?

this lens will come in handy on my next snowboard trip in late feb.

[odvdveer]

olga, yours is the non APO version as well, correct?

was that picture taken with a flash?

I will mostly be using this outdoors in bright situations so I think i will be ok.

and possibly might drop the bomb and get a 1.4tc later in the year for this as well for that extra reach. F2.8 would REALLY help in that case, condiring the 1 stop loss with the TC! but what can you do when you're on a budget?

this lens will come in handy on my next snowboard trip in late feb.
Yes, it is the non-apo version. In April 2006 I still shuddered at paying more then $200 for a lens, how things have changed after finding POTN :)

No flash, no tripod, handheld, iso 1600, shutter speed 1/125. Near dusk, distance some 40-50 meters or more (not very good with distances, but these are wild deer and is was shot from a public viewing place were people were standing exposed out in the open with cars).

Here is one with the 70-300 at daylight, 400iso and a kenko 300pro 1.4 tc attached:
http://odvdveer.nl/jalbum/Dieren/slides/IMG_0368web.jpg



Olga

[blam]

the non-APO version does not look too shabby at all!

I'll still be getting the APO version though :P

[Picklett]

APO version (with 400D):

http://www.richardpickett.net/POTN/Rugby0.jpg

http://www.richardpickett.net/POTN/Rugby2.jpg

http://www.richardpickett.net/POTN/Rugby3.jpg

[Olyst]

just cheap out on groceries for hte month ;)


Ok, decided to go that route... The wife does no even know about the lens, told here I went to get a new bag for the camera (which is true!)... then my weakness for the lens showed up at the store...and voilà, here is a test shot at 300mm in the house.

BTW, I got the LowePro Rover AWII bag.. but this is off topic...will put a review with pics in a few weeks into an appropriate thread.

[blam]

hahaha.

I ordered mine the other night. should be here at the end of the week =)

[4walls]

I really like this lens too. I have the APO version and I am not sorry I spent the extra few
$'s for that. I have used it indoors at sporting events, but had to really crank up the ISO. I
shot 800-1600 ISO. The pics come out a little grainy on the computer, but print up just
fine. BTW, I am shooting with the 20D.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/346838352_8e1e968a5a.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4walls/346838352/)
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 108 mm
ISO Speed: 800


I have been surprised with the macro quality as well. Here is a shot.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/367249301_618c62c1d5.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4walls/367249301/)
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 300 mm
ISO Speed: 400

[Olyst]

hahaha.

I ordered mine the other night. should be here at the end of the week =)

Crongrats!

[blam]

thanks! I am pretty excited about it =)

thanks to everyone and their contributions!

[blam]

Picked mine up from the PO tonight!!!!

first impressions, it feels pretty SOLID!

AF is loud/buzzy and slow, but I wasn't expecting it to be super quiet, as it is not HSM.

haven't had a chance to take many pics as it's dark out. 300mm is damn hard to keep steady though.

the couple I did take looked quite sharp.

[memorex88]

Congrats on the new glass! Enjoy :)

[Borderfox]

But the thing is I got the XT about 3 weeks ago, decided to get a 50mm 1.8 + Tripod and RC-1 remote, 2 days ago....Wife will kill me if I go and buy another photo thing.. She already think I'm nuts. Ah well... patience.., I guess I need to do some Overtime now...


Yeah its a bit hard to hide a 70-300 from the wife, maybe a 17-40L but not a 70-300 :)

[blam]

just a test shot I took at lunch time. unfortunatly all the ducks are hiding.

no PP other than a resize. shot as a low qual jpeg.

the lens could be sharper, but nothing USM can't remedy.

overall, I couldn't ask more of this lens.

300mm is killer. I will enjoy this lens a lot.

http://members.shaw.ca/blamo/MZ3/snow.jpg
edit: updated with my usual PP

[memorex88]

Looks pretty good. I'm sure your going to enjoy that lens. Just one word, bring the TRIPOD along. At 300, camera shake is a killer but with a good tripod AND good light, you'll be very happy with the results.

[blam]

yeah, at 300mm I can barely keep the AF marks in one position. time to beef up these arms. LOL

I will have to invest in a new tripod soon too. I dont think my optex is made to support all this weight (the lens is 1.2lbs + the body + grip + flash at times)

[memorex88]

I ment to ask, did it come with the 10 year warranty?

[blam]

yes, it had a 10 year card in there somewhere.

I didn't look at the papers throughly as I was too excited for my new lens. I am pretty sure it does though.

[memorex88]

http://www.gentec-intl.com/

Go there and register. Put the receipt in a safe!

[AirBrontosaurus]

All taken with the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG and extension tubes. Click for full size:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/159570120_b669d65964.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/159570120_b669d65964_o.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/147782566_e2ca0a4f23.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/147782566_e2ca0a4f23_o.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/143608605_99c776e937.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/143608605_99c776e937_o.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/141523304_bf009807cb.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/141523304_bf009807cb_o.jpg)

[blam]

anyone know if this will work with canon's 1.4x extender?

[delhi]

STUNNING!

All taken with the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG and extension tubes. Click for full size:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/159570120_b669d65964.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/159570120_b669d65964_o.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/147782566_e2ca0a4f23.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/147782566_e2ca0a4f23_o.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/143608605_99c776e937.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/143608605_99c776e937_o.jpg)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/141523304_bf009807cb.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/141523304_bf009807cb_o.jpg)

[blam]

wow dude....AMAZING

[AirBrontosaurus]

Thanks. It is quite an amazing lens for the price. You'll really like it if you give it some time and patience to learn how to use it effectively.

[memorex88]

Thanks. It is quite an amazing lens for the price. You'll really like it if you give it some time and patience to learn how to use it effectively.

Perfect advice!!!

[BillCCHKK]

First post, so we'll see how this goes,

I bought the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro a few weeks ago, but I haven't taken many shots with it. A few nature shots and some macro shots of my daughter's new African Fire-legged frog :)

The main issue I saw with the lens is that the manual is pretty sad. There were a couple of things that were non-obvious, and weren't spelled out in the manual very well. First, it's possible to turn the focus ring even in AF mode, but it doesn't sound good. I find it easy to do accidentally. Second, you often have to switch to manual focus to retract the extended lens before you can swith from macro mode to zoom mode. Took me a while to figure that one out, it feels like the switch is just stuck.

Overall, though, I'm pretty happy with it.


http://lh5.google.com/image/wpwood/Rcs-uAIhX4I/AAAAAAAAAg8/fuveRxaQkzw/IMG_1274.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh4.google.com/image/wpwood/Rcs-ZwIhX3I/AAAAAAAAAg0/bzQC56rpQbw/IMG_1496.JPG?imgmax=1152

[Cassie]

All taken with the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG and extension tubes.

Wow, very nice, I thought about selling it after using it at a pro BB game a couple times:rolleyes: which I won't try again. But I think I'll hang on to it, it did do very well at the zoo!

[delhi]

F

The main issue I saw with the lens is that the manual is pretty sad. http://lh5.google.com/image/wpwood/Rcs-uAIhX4I/AAAAAAAAAg8/fuveRxaQkzw/IMG_1274.JPG?imgmax=800

http://lh4.google.com/image/wpwood/Rcs-ZwIhX3I/AAAAAAAAAg0/bzQC56rpQbw/IMG_1496.JPG?imgmax=1152

Manual?! what manual? You mean that piece of paper folded into 3 parts? LOL!!!
This lens is one I love to hate, but each time it I think about selling it I just can't find a replacement for the same value. So it stays.

[blam]

lol...I didn';t even notice there was a manual.

as for switchingt from macro to normal I didn't find any issues with it

I do find the hood to be kind of annoying to put on and take off and I usually have to put MF on as to not turn the focus ring in AF. but if it has FTM focus i guess it's no longer an issue

[memorex88]

Definitely put it always in manual mode for putting on/taking off the hood. Never force the motor turning the focus in AF mode.

When switching from Macro back to zoom, put it in manual mode then you have to turn the focus to infinity and finally switch it off macro. :)

[blam]

I wish the zoom ring was a little more solid. it is really easy to just push/pull the zoom.

also, I can switch mine to macro and back to normal at any focus position??

not sure why you are having trouble with yours

[4walls]

Here are some more pics from the Sigma 70-300 APO

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=274272

[nyy]

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/8273/usflagsmxx6.jpg

DG Macro @ 70mm

[Olyst]

I wish the zoom ring was a little more solid. it is really easy to just push/pull the zoom.

also, I can switch mine to macro and back to normal at any focus position??

not sure why you are having trouble with yours

No you cannot (BTW, I got one too!), when you are in Macro mode, and get that extra 12mm extended when you focus, you cannot go back to normal, you have to turn the focus back (retrac the lens), then you'll be able to swith to normal mode. It took me awhile to figure it out!!!

[blam]

yeah you're right. I double checked.

[gewolke]

Here are a couple of mine from an SU basketball game:

http://www.pbase.com/gewolke/image/70033078.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/gewolke/image/70033062.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/gewolke/image/70033059.jpg

[blam]

^wow, not bad for indoors performance. did you use a flash at all?

[gewolke]

No, these were just with ambient lighting at the Carrier Dome. I'm going to take some more this Saturday. This time, I'll try purely manual mode, trying to use ISO400 as much as possible.

I like this lens. Haven't had a chance to use it outside yet thought, and in less than great lighting, inside shots are hard to get without pumping the ISO up real high. But for 200 bucks, I couldn't beat it.

[blam]

I'm waiting for weather to waem up to get any use of it right now. it's just sitting in my camera bag....

I used it a few times to play with macro and a couple shots the day I got it outdoors.

going to use it on my upcoming snowboard trip. should be a gooder. heopfeully weather conditionsa re good

[MKaprocki]

I bought this as my first lens for my 350D and I love it. Perfect price for a great intro into the DSLR world.

ISO 800:
http://www.leadingedgesim.com/mkaprocki/gallery/albums/2007-02-10%20-%20ARCA%20Race/normal_IMG_0578.jpg

ISO 1600:
http://www.leadingedgesim.com/mkaprocki/gallery/albums/2007-02-10%20-%20Bud%20Shootout/normal_IMG_0631.jpg

ISO 800:
http://www.leadingedgesim.com/mkaprocki/gallery/albums/2007-02-10%20-%20Bud%20Shootout/normal_IMG_0809.jpg

[blam]

great shots.

I'm hoping to use mine to catch some drifintg action this summer.

[memorex88]

great shots.

I'm hoping to use mine to catch some drifintg action this summer.

Don't forget the mandatory duck shot!

[blam]

lol! there is a small lake (man made) by my house that is always full of them in the summer.

I will surely post a duck in this thread!

[MKaprocki]

I guess it wouldn't be right of me to go my first day of posting without including a few duck shots. I love this forum, but it's gonna put me in the poor house. :)

http://www.leadingedgesim.com/mkaprocki/POTN_Shots/IMG_0355.jpg

http://www.leadingedgesim.com/mkaprocki/POTN_Shots/IMG_0398.jpg

http://www.leadingedgesim.com/mkaprocki/POTN_Shots/IMG_0981.jpg

[Olyst]

just for fun...
@ 300mm
f/7.1
1/200
ISO400
100%Crop

[blam]

Wow...I didn't think you'd need a full crop to get the moon at that size...I guess it's further away than I thought :lol:

[Olyst]

Well, The average distance from us to the Moon is about 384400 kilometres. Is pretty far away you know ;-)

[memorex88]

Good moon shot Olyst. It's not as easy as people who haven't tried shooting the moon think. The exposure and the speed the moon are tricky.

[Olyst]

Hey Memorex88!

Thanks for the comment! I'm glad I got the 70-300 APO. It's cheap, and get the job done. Can't wait for the warmer weather/sunny days so I can give it a good trying with out freezing in 5min outside...

[memorex88]

Hey Memorex88!

Thanks for the comment! I'm glad I got the 70-300 APO. It's cheap, and get the job done. Can't wait for the warmer weather/sunny days so I can give it a good trying with out freezing in 5min outside...

You and me both! I got mine in mid December :(
I too am looking forward to Spring/Summer/Fall wild colors :D

[blam]

full moon is coming up in a little over a week. I will have to have stab that this moon thing.

[nyy]

full moon is coming up in a little over a week. I will have to have stab that this moon thing.

You'll get far more detail from anything BUT a full moon. Crescent moons are by far the best to shoot if you're looking to get some contrast in the craters.

[blam]

oh...well then! haha thanks for the tip!

[Olyst]

Here is the half moon.

ISO 100
1/200
f/8
300mm

[Olyst]

Different subject: (No more moon shot!)
119mm
2.5 sec
ISO100

[Ospi]

Here some more samples. Theres no doubt this lens is a superb buy for the price.

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/127437320-M.jpg

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/127437782-M.jpg

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/126961923-M.jpg

Not to shabby for birds in flight either.

http://ospi.smugmug.com/photos/126961664-M.jpg

[Tony-S]

Photozone says this lens is soft on the edges, especially at 300mm. Any truth to that?

[Ospi]

Well yes it is a bit, but i mean your paying $200 for this thing. At 300 it does degrade a bit but if you can afford to shoot at f/8 with 640+ shutters your in for some surprisingly nice shots.

[Tony-S]

I'm considering this lens as a travel lens. Lugging my 100-300 around isn't too much fun and it doesn't fit in my travel camera bag. Right now, I take the 200L with the 1.4x TC. Not as convenient as a zoom, but provides exceptional images. Seems that a 4" x 3" lens would pack nicely.

[blam]

some shots from my weekend in Jasper. 2nd time shooting out in the snow. much better than my first day, but could use some improvements.

http://members.shaw.ca/b.lam/jasp02.0762.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/b.lam/jasp02.0719.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/b.lam/jasp02.0723.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/b.lam/jasp02.0744.jpg

[krazziecliff]

Its a pretty good lens for the pricetag. I just never ever use the Autofocus though. Manual all the way.

[willy b]

has nobody concidrered the canon Ef 90-300mm lense, that seems to be even cheaper than the sigma, i got mine for £100

[Olyst]

Planes...Hey Blam, I bet you know this carrier ;-)

[blam]

lol westjet.

westjet is great to fly with. WJ > air canada

[blam]

fooling around in macro tonight

[Jamdiver]

Well it might be a 'budget' lens, but i've gotten some great shots from it :D!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/405924026_a6279e2683_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/405924021_a3997f2f62_o.jpg

[grinchy]

here are some I took today:
http://i5.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75185143.G4QoV6Dh.jpg
http://i5.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75185149.tbe64uxN.jpg
http://i5.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75185152.n7JBJWRC.jpg
http://i5.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75185158.OGVcQhzx.jpg
http://i5.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75185164.e5ImWE9V.jpg
http://i5.pbase.com/g6/79/734079/2/75185171.PSRhmDLB.jpg

[memorex88]

A few macro from today.
1
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102/memorex88_2006/DPP_0013umAP.jpg
2
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102/memorex88_2006/DPP_10001.jpg
3
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102/memorex88_2006/DPP_10003usm.jpg

These are taken indoors so-to-speak. It's in a greenhouse with added lighting due to the fact that the glass is frosted over because it's -18C or 0F outdoors. The lighting was tricky.

[Olyst]

Hey Marco,

Looks like you went to the Botanical Garden....

http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/propos/papillon.htm

[memorex88]

Took my son to see the butterflies flying free! It was great :D

[RicCharles]

I'm thinking about getting this lens but am concerned about the speed and accuracy of the AF. Anyone know how it works relative to say .. the kit lens or Sigma 17-70?

[grimreaper]

im also thinking of getting this as what i have read on here it seems about the best one of he bunch in this price range , but would i be worth saving another 100 pounds and get the Canon Lens 100-300 f4.5-5.6 USM but i have read there isnt much difference between the two

[grimreaper]

im also thinking of getting this as what i have read on here it seems about the best one of he bunch in this price range , but would i be worth saving another 100 pounds and get the Canon Lens 100-300 f4.5-5.6 USM but i have read there isnt much difference between the two



anyone?

[grinchy]

I would go for the sigma...:)

[Mike]

I'm thinking about getting this lens but am concerned about the speed and accuracy of the AF. Anyone know how it works relative to say .. the kit lens or Sigma 17-70?

I think that the speed and accuracy are fine. It does hunt a little in low light/contrast situations but this is a tiny grumble when you consider how good the lens is for the price.

[Jayson Prentice]

If you are looking for some shots that show the speed of AF and accuracy, you can check out any of my latest sports picture posts. They have all been taken with the APO, not doing too bad at all with the speed of the AF and the focus is doing great as well!

[alexchern75]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/alexchern75/mooncroppedIMG_5019Large.jpg
Taken w/my 70-300 apo dg

[nMotion96]

how does this lens compare to the canon 70-300is

[nyy]

how does this lens compare to the canon 70-300is
The canon 70-300mm is usm is much better than this lens, but is also about 4-5 times more expensive.

[nMotion96]

The canon 70-300mm is usm is much better than this lens, but is also about 4-5 times more expensive.

oh i was talking about the canon 70-300 IS USM the non DO one.

[Laramie]

Macro Mode...200mm

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f282/tylerpebley/45.jpg

[neonflx]

great reading i just ordered one from the military store i shop online 179.00 free shipping. thx for the gpod info everyone.

[blam]

some I took today.
http://members.shaw.ca/blamo/4-crane.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/blamo/IMG_1563.jpg

[Souwalker]

Is this lens ok for motorsports?
Thanks
Pat

[blam]

depends on the lighting conditions I imagine.

I'm going to get some track time at the bike circuit here this summer so I will let you know then.

I don't see why you couldn't use it for motorsports on a sunny day.