Sigma 70-300 DG. Worth upgrading to APO version?

Hi all. I'm new to this forum. Apologies if this question is going over old ground.......

I have the Canon EOS 400D with a Sigma 70-300 DG (non APO) lens. The camera was an impulse buy and I didn't even know there were 2 lenses with such similar specs. Serves me right for not doing enough research I guess.

After using the lens for 2 or 3 months I got some nice shots (birds/animals mainly) but am wondering if the APO version would be better (or rather how much better it would be). I do of course realise these are both budget lenses and don't expect anything wonderful from either.

Has anyone used both the non APO and APO versions? Is it worth me getting the APO? Or is the difference in picture quality between the two basically negligible for small prints/web sized pics on my blog?

Of course I'd like faster more expensive gear but for the moment $200 is all I have to spare.

I'll be splashing out big time on an expensive lens for my 40th birthday next year (something over 300mm and hopefully something white in colour) but that's over 12 months away alas.

Any opinions gratefully received..........

I had the same lens and was happy with it, I would wait until you can upgrade to something better than the APO version. I just sold mine and bought a 70-200mm f/4L.

I had the APO version some time ago and loved it. It was sharp when stopped down and a great lens to learn with. It's macro ability was a nice feature too. I don't think I'd upgrade to it though, just save the 200 clams to put towards something else.

Thanks for your opinions.

You seem to confirm what I'd already been thinking ie although I should have got the APO version initially it may not really be worth upgrading?

Anyone else have direct experience with these 2 lenses?

I have APO, It is surely better then the non-APO becuase it uses special glass (SLD) it served me more then I was hoping for, I got many keepers with it, its
great lens optically and very usefull macro lens aswell (1:2). I recently upgraded to the 70-200 F4L IS + 1.4x tc and IQ is better and keepers rate is high because of IS and USM motor. So I'd suggest you to saveup and get something better with USM or HSM motor.

Few shots from the Sigma APO version:

I haven't used your version, but the APO version is a great lens for the price. BUT....I would save your $200 and save up for the 70-200 f/4 L. You can get a used one for under $500. It is worth the wait and worth the money.

Ya know, when I wanted a new lens and someone would suggest 'saving my money until....' I always hated it. Now here I am doing it!! My bad....but I would do the same thing if I were in your shoes...

Thanks for your replies again.

Farrukh- wow those pics are absolutely fantastic. Were they handheld or did you use a tripod?

People are suggesting I should hang on and get a better lens, which is good advice of course but I hope to get the Canon 100-400L IS next year as a treat for my 40th birthday. I'm just wondering if it's worth getting the Sigma APO in the meantime.........I'm a bit of a novice with 'real' cameras and came to DSLRs very recently after digiscoping for a couple of years. I got a cheap 70-300 zoom to play around with whilst I learned the basics. I'm just thinking maybe I got the wrong one.

In Japan the APO is only about $170 so it ain't going to impact on my current finances or future purchases much.

Here's 2 of my better pics with the non APO. Cropped and resized but otherwise no editing.

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Thanks those were all handheld
In your scenario, getting the APO for time being is not a bad idea. The APO advantage will be noticeable at 300mm and when shooting against the sun.

Like others have said, YES, it's an upgrade - but you're probably better off going for the 70-200/4 L or the 70-300 IS. Save up a little, and make do with your 70-300 DG in the mean time.