Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO?

Picklett · 11th of January 2007 (Thu)

Hey,

I've been trying to search round here, and on some other review sites, but just wanted to directly ask for some opinions!

I've decided to get the Sigma 70-300mm, probably as a temporary measure, eventually moving on to a 70-200 F4L or f2.8L. However, I really can't afford the extra for one of those right now, and I need some longer reach, so the Sigma is my best bet, as far as I know?

Basically, as I'm pretty set on getting the Sigma, I just wanted some opinions on how important the APO is?

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 Macro DG - £97.99
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO Macro DG - £157.99

The price increase is (comparatively) quite steep, so is this fully justified in the IQ?

Thanks for any help!

tumblew33d · 11th of January 2007 (Thu)

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO Macro DG - £119.99 Delivered

Here

I've used them a couple of times now. Good service, no problems.

Picklett · 11th of January 2007 (Thu)

Oh great! Thanks for that!

That has pretty much made the decision for me, awesome price!

Cheers for the recommendation!

That reminds me, are you pleased with the lens itself? Is a tripod needed for most shots, or is it possible to hand hold in good luck?

steved110 · 11th of January 2007 (Thu)

APO is markedly better image quality according to all the reviews I have read. this lens leaves the Canon equivalents a long way behind.

the one-stop digital price is pretty good, be sure to read their terms and conditions. You might get charged customs / VAT but they do refund you if that happens.

tumblew33d · 11th of January 2007 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Picklett

That reminds me, are you pleased with the lens itself? Is a tripod needed for most shots, or is it possible to hand hold in good luck?

I'm very pleased with the lens. I've mostly used it with a tripod, but have also handheld in low light with good results at high ISO. I've not really got any amazing shots to show as my skills leave a lot to be desired, but it did capture some nice light one night I was out making long exposures:

Bigger version here

The exif info is on this page if you're interested.

As for one stop digital, I never had an issue with customs/VAT but as Steve mentioned in his post, they will reimburse you if you're charged so you're not out of pocket at all.

Picklett · 12th of January 2007 (Fri)

Thanks for the advice! I just ordered the APO version from OneStop-Digital, along with the remote shutter switch which seemed like a bit of a bargain for only £14.99!

Lets hope they arrive fairly quickly (and without import charges!) so I can get some samples up.

Thanks again!
Rich

Tee Why · 12th of January 2007 (Fri)

get the APO, it should be visibly better than the non APO

Picklett · 12th of January 2007 (Fri)

It's on the way, can't wait to test it out!

tumblew33d · 12th of January 2007 (Fri)

get some shots posted when you get it!

11th of January 2007 (Thu)	#1
Picklett Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 45 IMAGE EDITING OK	Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? Hey, I've been trying to search round here, and on some other review sites, but just wanted to directly ask for some opinions! I've decided to get the Sigma 70-300mm, probably as a temporary measure, eventually moving on to a 70-200 F4L or f2.8L. However, I really can't afford the extra for one of those right now, and I need some longer reach, so the Sigma is my best bet, as far as I know? Basically, as I'm pretty set on getting the Sigma, I just wanted some opinions on how important the APO is? Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 Macro DG - £97.99 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO Macro DG - £157.99 The price increase is (comparatively) quite steep, so is this fully justified in the IQ? Thanks for any help! __________________ Canon 50D \| 430 EX EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS \| EF 50mm f/1.8 \| Sigma 70-300 APO DG

11th of January 2007 (Thu)	#2
tumblew33d Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland Posts: 501	Re: Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO Macro DG - £119.99 Delivered Here I've used them a couple of times now. Good service, no problems. __________________ Jon flickr Click Here and Join the POTN flickr Group Today!

11th of January 2007 (Thu)	#3
Picklett Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 45 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? Oh great! Thanks for that! That has pretty much made the decision for me, awesome price! Cheers for the recommendation! That reminds me, are you pleased with the lens itself? Is a tripod needed for most shots, or is it possible to hand hold in good luck? __________________ Canon 50D \| 430 EX EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS \| EF 50mm f/1.8 \| Sigma 70-300 APO DG

11th of January 2007 (Thu)	#4
steved110 Cream of the Crop Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Sussex UK Posts: 5,744 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? APO is markedly better image quality according to all the reviews I have read. this lens leaves the Canon equivalents a long way behind. the one-stop digital price is pretty good, be sure to read their terms and conditions. You might get charged customs / VAT but they do refund you if that happens. __________________ 20D, Eos 100 Canon EF-S 18-55 IS, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 , Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro CanonEF 17-40 f/4 L and 70-200 f/4 L Speedlite 580EX and some bags'n pods'n stuff

12th of January 2007 (Fri)	#6
Picklett Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 45 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? Thanks for the advice! I just ordered the APO version from OneStop-Digital, along with the remote shutter switch which seemed like a bit of a bargain for only £14.99! Lets hope they arrive fairly quickly (and without import charges!) so I can get some samples up. Thanks again! Rich __________________ Canon 50D \| 430 EX EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS \| EF 50mm f/1.8 \| Sigma 70-300 APO DG

12th of January 2007 (Fri)	#7
Tee Why "Monkey's uncle" Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,239	Re: Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? get the APO, it should be visibly better than the non APO __________________ Gallery: http://tomyi.smugmug.com/

12th of January 2007 (Fri)	#8
Picklett Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK Posts: 45 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Sigma 70-300, APO or non-APO? It's on the way, can't wait to test it out! __________________ Canon 50D \| 430 EX EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS \| EF 50mm f/1.8 \| Sigma 70-300 APO DG

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