Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Macro vs. non macro?

Hi everyone. I hope this isn't a stupid question, but what is the difference between the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Macro (sku #548101) and the Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 EX DG (sku #549101)? I see a $100 difference, but thats about it... plus the filter size is smaller in the 28-70 than the 24-70. Which one should I get? Also, would this be "too much lens" for my 300d? I met another photographer at the local race track last weekend, and he let me play with his Sigma 24-70 on my 300d and I loved it!

Thanks!
- Tom

I have heard the 24-70 is a MUCH superior lens to the 28-70. I have never used the 28-70 but I do have the 24-70 and it's a very very nice lens, very sharp with great contrast.

I have the 24-70 EX DG non-macro. I saw the macro one and the bodies looked identical except the word Macro stamped on it. The 24-70 is built very good and heavy.

i'd go for the 24-70 because it has 4mm more on the wide end

i have this lens and i love it

my only complaint is it's non HSM and extremely loud and slow compared to the 70-200 f/4l

here is a sample taken from the lens if you are interested

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I have a question for you 24-70 users. There are cases when I want to do landscape photography where there is a flower in the foreground (15" away) and beautiful mountains in the background (infinity). Can this lens do such a shot. I think the sigma web page says it can focus down to 15". Plus it has 9 blades which should help focus, although I am a believer in even number of blades. Can someone verify this?

Although I think the Canon is a better lens, I don't know if I can justify it. Thought with internal focus and reverse zoom movement, it makes for an awesome all around lens. Don't think it will get much dust in it.

are you referring to bokeh? as in the mountains being slightly blurred out?

just drop the f stop to 2.8 and shoot away if you want bokeh

At 24mm You'd have to stop down to about f/44 to get a shot like that with this lens on your XT. So... no. But You could back up a little bit, have the flower at about 3 1/2 feet, stop down to f/16 and you'd get the shot at 24mm.

Andrew,

State College, huh? I'm in the Harrisburg area. I had a friend that used to live there so I used to frequent the area. Definately a lot of photo opps out there!

Also, thanks for the sample photo. That really is sharp! I think I've made up my mind now.... definately going with the 24-70 macro.

Thanks everyone!

- Tom

Tom, see my site below. I've got some experience with this lens. It's an excellent lens and optically a gem. Plenty test shots at my site though for you to view. Best wishes.

The 28-70/2.8 is much older than the 24-70/2.8. I'd definitely get the 24-70, the 4mm on the wide end is much more used.

I'd also consider the 24-60/2.8 if you wish to save money. Smaller filter size too! And it's newer, so most likely better tech (if any)

yup, i go to school at penn state university

yeah, the lens is exellent.

i also suggest getting the sigma CPL, which is expensive, but you can buy step up rings to allievate costs of other filters

i also use the 82mm from the 24-70 on my canon 70-200 with a step up ring

DxHatchback wrote:

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is that the two you are referring to?

theres a huge gap in price difference and f stops

Nope. I was talking about the same lens 24-70 F2.8 DG DF and 24-70 F2.8 EX DG Macro (82mm filter). I have the same lens (non-marco) as the top picture. The lower pic is the f3.5-4.5 (I think) version which is a different lens and much cheaper.

ahhh, i had no idea they made a non macro verison.

how much was yours?

when i got mine, i only saw the $365 macro canon mount

These are the two lenses I was referring to:

Macro:
http://www.sigma4less.​com …%2B%3D28SG2470F​28MCA%3D29

Non-Macro:
http://www.sigma4less.​com …F%2B%3D28SG2870​F28CA%3D29

If there is no difference in image quality, then i'll go with the non-macro and save the extra money for a BG-E1 grip as I wouldn't use the bottom 4mm of the focal length as much as I would the 45 - 70mm range.

Thanks!
- Tom