My Impression: Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro

I bought this lens because I needed the 300mm range. Wasn't satisfied with the EF 75-300 USM. My initial impression for this lens to be honest was lukewarm. This is my first non-Canon lens. And what a noisy AF this thing exhibits! Even my kit lens' AF motor wasn't this noisy. It rivals my AFD 50 1.8's AF for the Decibel crown! But the last few days, I had some opportunity to stretch this Sigma's legs and it is beginning to charm me.
I love how the crinkled finish of this lens. Reminds me of some of the EX series Sigma finishings. It felt heftier than the Canon equivalent. Even the 7-3IS didn't feel as solid. Well enough of words. Here are some pix that I got. I am not sure whether this lens is good at telephoto or macro. But I like the versatility and performance per dollar ratio. One would have to pay double the price to get marked improvements over this lens. If it has a slicker AF motor, this would be an outright winner.

Heron shot from ~150m away.

Your images look good to me, if you can bare the AF motor sound, this could be a versatile lens for travel. What you wanna try out is the Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX HSM in that range.

Lemme know if interested, I know a lady in N.C. who's selling hers. She just got a Bigma, so not using the 100-300 any longer.

I guess you must really get used to the USM silent focus.
I have this lens along with the sigma 17-70 and canon 50 1.8. I have never noticed the sound as being loud at all. I don't have any canon USM's though.

shaneotool wrote in post #2054254
I guess you must really get used to the USM silent focus.
I have this lens along with the sigma 17-70 and canon 50 1.8. I have never noticed the sound as being loud at all. I don't have any canon USM's though.

Yup. I'm afraid I've been spoiled by USM lenses. But apart from the AF noise, the lens is fantastic. And it came with a hood too unlike some Canons!

This is supposed to be the best of the 7x-300 lenses, barring the 70-300 IS lens.
It certainly is weird using a non-Canon lens when you are used to USM focusing though.

I have this lens and have always felt it was a "good bang for the buck" lens. I would recommend it to anyone on a budget. Some people feel it's a little soft at 300. Did you find that to be true? Your pics came out great!

Nice shots.

I think you have a keeper. The images look good. Love the wet web.

Saralonde wrote in post #2055140
I have this lens and have always felt it was a "good bang for the buck" lens. I would recommend it to anyone on a budget. Some people feel it's a little soft at 300. Did you find that to be true? Your pics came out great!

I was expecting softness a 300. But only notice that on the far 10% corners/sides whereas the centre is sharp. Then again, at the telephoto end, the subject is normally on the centre.... unless one is shooting landscape?
I think it's a great bang for the buck considering it also doubles as a macro lens in a pinch.
Is it me or what that the focus rings goes opposite from Canon lens?!

Excellent work, I just may get one of these in the future.

Lookin' good Delhi, it's an awesome bang for the buck lens that's for sure. Very well built for a consumer telephoto.

I also enjoy this lens. I love the web picture.

steved110 wrote in post #2054781
It certainly is weird using a non-Canon lens when you are used to USM focusing though.

True. I was also contemplating the EF 100-300 USM which has the FTM and Ring USM. But folks from FredMiranda.com recommended that the Sigma may have a slight advantage in overall IQ due to the newer digital coatings... and it was cheaper.

Nice shots.

I hope to add this lens to my kit shortly, got my 350D last week with the 18-55 kit lens. I am used to the 70-300 on my old Nikon F60, which sounded like a typical artillery weapon being aimed in a James Bond movie. So I guess I'll live with noise!

Thanks for the info.

I also have this lens and I think it is a great telephoto lens for the price! It goes a little soft when you hit 250mm+ in my opinion but still, great quality from it.
Great pics there too!