Sigma "DG" 70-300

[rmpcanon]

After reading the responses and discussions on this forum, I have decided to purchase a Sigma 70-300 lens for my DRebel XT (in lieu of a Canon 70-300).

My question is this: I understand from Sigma that the most current version of their lens is "DG APO Macro Super II". I have been able to find on various websites "APO Super II" versions, but no "DG". Sigma advises that the DG is out of stock in US.

The obvious question is -- should I purchase what is available, or wait for a DG. Does anyone know how the DG differs from the regular APO Super II? I have queried Sigma, but have not yet received a response (my guess is they'd prefer me to purchase from existing stock rather than wait).

[condyk]

Are you sure you don't mean the DL, which is an inferior lens to the APO Super II? I haven't seen anything about a DG version of this lens. Doesn't mean there isn't one tho ... but I can't find anything. There is a DG version of the 70-200mm.

[nitsch]

Hi there, as Condyk says there is a DL version of this lens which is best avoided. The APO one is the one to go for, if Sigma are bringing out a DG version of it I wouldn't stress too much about making sure you get one, from what I can tell the DG versions are identical except for supposedly "optimised" lens coatings for Digital and a little DG sticker, I doubt you'll see any difference using them in the real world (this was certainly the case with the 105mm macro lens in Sigmas range).

Hope this helps! :)

[martook]

I've got a brand new, unopened box that says "70-300 F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO" (well, it says Sigma as well of course), so I'm pretty sure it exists :)
Anyone wants to buy it? Stupid technikdirekt.de sent me the thing, although my friend changed his mind and ordered something else from them, so I canceled the order... unfortunatly, they didn't get it. Not even after 3-4 times *sigh*
Guess I'll just send it back to them.

[bolantej]

yeah the dl lens is garbage. you got the aop one, so you should be fine. put it up for sale in the section for sale items on this board.

[tim]

I had the APO version, it was a nice lens optically, average build quality, but I returned it because it was just too slow (F5.6 or so at the long end). If you don't mind high ISO or shoot mainly during the day get it, it's good value.

[TheObiJuan]

I got the APO Macro Super II and it's a great value lens!

[EOSAddict]

nitsch, are you sure you are right? I thought DC was the Sigma digital tag and DG was similar to a Canon 'L' tag? There is also EX annotation as well......

I think both DG and EX lenses have the gold band, I could be wrong!

[nitsch]

nitsch, are you sure you are right? I thought DC was the Sigma digital tag and DG was similar to a Canon 'L' tag? There is also EX annotation as well......

I think both DG and EX lenses have the gold band, I could be wrong!

My understanding of Sigma lenses is this:

DC = designed for digital cameras, ie. will only work on a 1.6x crop sensor.

DG = will work on full frame or 1.6x crop but "lens coatings have been optimized for digital" whatever this means, not much I reckon.

EX = Sigma's top end range like Canon's L.

Hope this helps.:)

[Cadwell]

My understanding of Sigma lenses is this:

DC = designed for digital cameras, ie. will only work on a 1.6x crop sensor.

DG = will work on full frame or 1.6x crop but "lens coatings have been optimized for digital" whatever this means, not much I reckon.

EX = Sigma's top end range like Canon's L.

Hope this helps.:)

Yup, quite right. There are of course, "EX DG" badged lenses out there too, so the three groups aren't mutually exclusive.

In addition Sigma "APO" lenses are generally better than those without the "APO" tag.

[EOSAddict]

Cadwell, Nitsch

Thanks! It is all clear now. So basically EX is the one to look out for...

[nitsch]

No worries, as Cadwell says you can get combo's too like "EX DG" and "EX DC".

The EX range are very well made indeed, I have the 105mm EX DG and its a beautifully built lens.

[EOSAddict]

Thanks. I must admit I like Sigmas - seems to me that you get a great match of quality and price (my old 75-300 APO was great!). I don;t believe many amateurs/hobbyists can justify 'L' prices, particularly in the UK.

[nitsch]

Slightly off topic I know, but I agree with you EOSAddict, I've noticed that Sigma lenses seem to get a bad rap from some people, I don't know whether this is based on real life bad experience or just an attitude that "if it's not Canon then it can't be any good". Admittedly Sigma have produced some poor products but then so have Canon.

Sigma's EX line up has some awesome lenses in it which stand up well to comparisons with Canon's L range and when you compare prices... http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_surprised.gif Well lets just say some of Canon's products are a little, um, overpriced! http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

[EOSAddict]

Nitch,

Sorry for steering off topic!!! Have posted a new thread seeking some views on my ideas for moving on from my current lenses.. happy to hear your thoughts.


Just had a look thru your website. Like condyk just said in another thread, you do some amazing stuff with the 'cheapo' lenses! Just goes to prove price does not equal quality of final image.