Testing Sigma 70-300

[str86diesel]

So I ordered a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Super II (non DG). Reading on this board, I hear there have been several complaints about mixed QC on this lens.

Being new to Photography, is there a way I can test this lens to see whether I got a good or bad lens? I just want to make sure I get this thing tested before I run out of my exchange period with BHPhoto.

Thanks

Kev

[davidfig]

You can do a search here on focus.
also try http://www.photo.net/learn/focustest/

I recommend this as the first test you do.

[str86diesel]

Thanks David, I appreciate the help.

[SHOWSP]

Let us know how you lens turns out. I have one on order and it should be here mon/tues of next week. I'm like you. Need to test before time to return might run out. I have heard reports and seen some good pics. I will check back and share with you next week.

[str86diesel]

Well guys, let's just say that I am not too excited about the picture quality of the lens that I got. Unfortunately, I am having a heckuva time viewing RAW images, as I am being told that I need to go get a card reader (which I will do in the morning). So I took some pictures at the highest quality JPG that I can, placed the camera on a tripod and well, let's say that pictures definately aren't as sharp as what I was hoping for. Yes I still have to play with the settings on my camera to understand them better, but the focus in this lens definately needs to be looked at :-(

[SHOWSP]

That is really not good news as mine should be here monday based on UPS tracking. Post some pics and I will shoot some monday night and try to let you'll know what mine looks like.

[str86diesel]

Let me play with the settings a bit more and I'll get something posted of at least decent quality. The problem that I am having now, is that as soon as you blow it up to 100% in CS2, all of the photo's are very choppy and distorted (even though the camera was on a tripod). So I need to adjust my f/stops and such and make sure I accomodate the correct lighting. Right now we are just practicing and playing indoors and the lighting in our house not the greatest.

Kev

[tim]

Send it back, get the DG. The DG is a good lens, takes nice photos, the only problem is F5.6 at the long end was too slow for me so I sent it back. That was with a 300D, with the better high ISO of the 20D I have now I might have kept it.

[str86diesel]

ok here is a photo of my Guard dog...lol . Don't forget, this is my first SLR and I am a total beginner!!!

The first photo was taken indoors and according to the photo here are the camera settings;

300mm, ISO 1600, 1/60, f/5.6

The second photo is cropped at 100%.

Does this help any?

[nitsch]

300mm wide open is always going to be a little soft even with a good copy of that lens. It's a great lens but you have to accept its limitations. Stop it down a bit and try shooting outside in some better lighting. I have got some awesome results from my 70-300 APO - stick with it and learn where it performs best and you'll be more than happy trust me.

[ron chappel]

Ok-the problem so far is that the shutter speed is nowhere near high enough and so the picture is bluring due to the camera moving slightly during the shot* .To get the best out of long lenses you *really* need to have high shutter speeds or a tripod.The flash helps but it's difficult to prove consistancy with flash shots

Here's how you can do a really good test of that lens-
There are two seperate issues -focus accuracy and dud optics.Do the focus test David linked above.It's not vital to do it before the main test but you'll want to do it sometime.
The main test is easy to do inside or out,just make sure there is lots of light either way.Set you camera on a tripod about 6-9m from a conveniant object.A common houshold container with writing on it set at tripod hight is good.
Now zoom to 300mm wide open and take a bunch of pics .Focus manually to elliminate any possibe focus errors (yes even autofocus is inconsistant enough to ruin a sharpness test).Refocus every couple of pics then go through and keep the sharpest (in case you don't know yet-you can zoom right in on the camera screen to check focus)
Now move the tripod forward to that you get the same framing at about the 100mm zoom length and take a bunch of pics .Do this the same-wide open,manually focussed,keep the best,etc.
Once you done that post the pics here and we'll give our opinion!

Some may be wondering if it's fair to compare wide open at the wide end (about f4.5) with wide open at the long end (f5.6). For the sake of this test...yes.
It'll show us what we want to see:)
Here's a test nick did with the same model lens to give you an idea.He tested his at 200-300mm but the idea is similar
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=72418&highlight=70-300+test



*Not a bad pic tho-just not the type of shot to use to prove sharpness or lack of same.
As an aside it's odd that the flash reflects that colour from it's eyes-both of my dogs reflect green.

[str86diesel]

Cool Thanks. The feedback is awesome. I was shooting from a tripod and I know the lighting wasn't sufficient enought to do a "Great" test. I will definately be shooting with this lense all weekend and testing it to see how it works out. Definately stay tuned.

Again, Thanks for the great feedback.

Kev

[condyk]

I had this lens and for the money it does the job. I would never use it indoors myself. Good advice above re testing: if you're going to test the try your best to do it properly or there are too many variables. Ron's spot on re. use of tripod and high shutter speeds for long lenses.

Good luck ...

[xuxu1]

So I ordered a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Super II (non DG). Reading on this board, I hear there have been several complaints about mixed QC on this lens.

Being new to Photography, is there a way I can test this lens to see whether I got a good or bad lens? I just want to make sure I get this thing tested before I run out of my exchange period with BHPhoto.

Thanks

Kev
Just curious...

Why did you order the lens first place since you´ve heard/read of possible QC problems. If uncertain you might have considered an alternativ?

ED

[nitsch]

Just curious...

Why did you order the lens first place since you´ve heard/read of possible QC problems. If uncertain you might have considered an alternativ?

ED

Why on earth would you let the fact a few people have had problems put you off? It's an absolutely cracking lens for the price and if you buy from a reputable dealer you will have no problems returning a lens if it turns out to have problems.

[condyk]

The only person I ever remember having a problem with this lens was Ron ;) and he's always objective enough to flag it up whenever he mentions his tests. Current Sigma's seem to be generally at least as reliable as any other brand and this is a popular buy for many people. Most problems people post about here are to do with Canon lenses or bodies (anyone can check that), so we need to keep things in perspective.

I think the 300mm end is softer on all the cheaper zooms and just a compromise people need to accept given the price they're paying. Nevertheless, as Nick has shown on several occasions, use this lens correctly within its capabilities and you can expect some stellar images.

The 100-300mm USM Canon is the only other lens worth buying at this kind of broad budget, but that is signifacantly more expensive in the UK.

[Nezmo]

This is an incredibly versatile lens. See my gallery (in sig). Apart from the Ind. Day and The Zoo gallery, most of my shots have been with this lens (all noted in the EXIF data). As others have said though, it's not an indoor lens.

[Simon Spiers]

Given good light and kept away from 300 mm it looks like this...........




http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yagum6&outx=760&quality=70

[SHOWSP]

Neil your gallery is very nice. Looks like you have a good copy of this lens. Hope mine is as good.

[str86diesel]

Just curious...

Why did you order the lens first place since you´ve heard/read of possible QC problems. If uncertain you might have considered an alternativ?

ED

To answer your question, Actually I purchased the Canon 75-300 first and was totally disappointed in how soft it was, as stated by several members on this board. Personally I like the 70-300 range and the Sigma was the next in line.

Well, I took some time out of my day today and continued to shoot more with this lense. You guys weren't joking, this lense really shines when outdoors. Here is a shot that I took today of one of the Wife's flowers in her garden. It is cropped at 100% and I am definately getting happier with this lense. Hmmm...I think its a keeper.

(I know my images in time/practice will get a whole lot sharper, but I am definately trying my best)

BTW, Simon...awesome Pic..

[Nezmo]

Thanks Phillip. And thanks for leaving a comment in my gallery - you're the first!

I haven't personally heard of many quality control issues with this lens. It's a very popular lens on another forum I frequent and I've not seen a bad report yet.

[xuxu1]

Why on earth would you let the fact a few people have had problems put you off?

Maybe i did´nt say it the right way. :oops: (english is´nt my native language).

I meant that if i was unsure of the QC of a lens then i would make a research and find out if it´s really true before making any decision.

For example there are a few out there complaining about the quality of the 24-70L. After checking that out i still have that lens on my shopping list.

Kind Regards
ED

[SHOWSP]

I see your point xuxu1. I for one have read pro and con on this lens. Yes I would have have gotten a more expensive lens if I could have afforded it. But I did not have a Canon L lens in my budget. Maybe later. A lot of folks are like myself and based on the mixed reviews, I ordered one to check out for myself. If it's not a good lens, then back it gones.

[BrianM65]

Mine will be here today. Also bought based on mixed reviews, and a lot of looking at pics on PBase.
Since most of my photos are vacation pics and such, I think it will be fine, if I was doing pro work, I would have waited to buy some L glass.

[Naveed]

I picked one of these up yesterday and so far the lens seems acceptable. I ran some tests on it last night and it passed my standards (but I am noob).

As others have mentioned, I think this lens is better suited for outdoors shooting, indoor and low light conditions will be very challenging. Keeping that in mind, it would appear that each lens has its advatages and disadvatages especially at this price point.

Know the limitiations and know what subjects you are shooting with the lens and barring some failure out of the box the lens should be fine.

[Simon Spiers]

Give it loads of light and the sharpness is quite amazing!
If you must use 300mm stop down to f11.