Sigma 24-70 - Advice Please?

Hello, I have been offered a Sigma 24-70 F/2.8 DG EX lens (pictured). I'm struggling to find more information about this lens - the seller says that it is an HSM lens, but I can't find anything that matches that description.

I am presuming it's not a current lens in the Sigma catalogue, and the seller says that it pre-dates the 24-70 DG EX Macro lens that everyone raves about.

Does anyone know if this lens does indeed have an HSM motor, and more importantly is it any good?

Thanks for your help.

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There is mention at http://www.fredmiranda​.com …t=97&sort=7&cat​=37&page=1 but you have to filter through the various entries: some are for this lens, some for the new DG Macro and some for other similar variations from Sigma. It seems like it could be a sound buy at the right bargain price. Personally, it would need to be a bargain, ie below £150 and boxed, mint condition, to be of interest.

My HSM lenses in the past have had it written on the lens BTW. HSM is very fast AF, smooth and quiet. The current DG Macro is fast AF and noisy-ish, but no problem for me. Lack of a HSM isn't a deal breaker at all, but a nice to have.

Thanks Condy...I thought you'd owned EVERY lens made for a Canon camera LOL...I'll have a look through FM's - I'm guessing the seller is getting confused with the HSM bit as I can't see it printed on the shots he sent me.

Thanks again. Anyone else know anything?

some info here:

http://www.sigmaphoto.​com …s.asp?id=3261&n​avigator=2

There is no Sigma 24-70 f2.8 that has HSM. The copy you are looking at above is the older "EX DG DF" model, Sigma# 546101 (for Canon mount). AF is fast but noisy. IMO you should look to the new "EX DG Macro" unit, unless the one above is a REALLY good deal.

Thanks JoJo...I guess that would depend on what you called a really good deal. What's the image quality like? I have seen people comparing the newer one with Canon L glass - does this come close?

i have the new DG marco and i like it

as for the older one, i'm not sure, but keep in mind the new one is $365 brand new and around $300 used

I used the DF model for about 1 year, then got the DG Macro unit. I'd say the DF model was 80% the newer unit in terms of optics. I found the DF model was more prone to flare and had slightly more lateral CA. In terms of wide open center sharpness, the newer unit is also better across the focal range. There is absolutely no doubt the DG Macro optically compares well to the 24-70L, just as a good copy of the Tamron 28-75Di does.

My "like new" and "somewhat used" 24-70 DG Macro sold for $470 Who says Sigmas don't hold their value

fStopJojo wrote:
My "like new" and "somewhat used" 24-70 DG Macro sold for $470 Who says Sigmas don't hold their value

Not me ... I'm currently £167 up on my various buy and sells for Sigma and £19 up on Canon, including 2 L's Yet another forum myth as far as I'm concerned. Good Ex's and L's do hold value if you buy wisely and second hand.

Big time MYTH. I've sold some EX glass at the price I bought them for. I agree with you 100%. BTW, why did you sell your 300 f4 IS L?

I bought the 300mm and the 100-400 together because I just couldn't decide in theory. I needed to handle them. I took them both out for a day to a local Safari Park, which is slightly similar to conditions I'd use them in in Africa (don't shoot that much in the UK) i.e. largely car based and shooting mid to large sized animals ... a bit closer than in Africa, but hey ... was a good enough test.

Anyway, the 300mm was a great performer in every single way: faultless really! But the 100-400 was close enough image wise and also had the flexibility ... it hit my quality standards and I just preferred it (push-pull is still a pain to use tho'). I don't need even better image quality so the prime advantage of the prime was redundant. Anyway, sold it easily to a very happy buyer and lost nothing on the deal at all.

Daft thing is, after building up my perfect Africa kit, I just accepted a well paid contract for next 18 months, so my big Africa trip, planned for end November for 4 months, is off. Best laid plans, etc ... but was too good an offer to miss and will also allow me to save even more and head off for a 1 to 2 year travel adventure in 18 months Last did that in 1999! By then, maybe there'll be a 200-500mm IS L

condyk wrote:
Not me ... I'm currently £167 up on my various buy and sells for Sigma and £19 up on Canon, including 2 L's Yet another forum myth as far as I'm concerned. Good Ex's and L's do hold value if you buy wisely and second hand.

Hey hope you not taking advantage of us!

Well you know there is always a home for the 24-70 or 12-24 if you ever feel the need!

FWIW ... I just sent back a 24-70 MACRO for replacement, hope to good a coopy copy this time.. front focus issues with the 20D. Will have the new one next week, fingers crossed.