Reviews (1)

Great Lens/Great Price. Don't hesitate to consider this lens
First the technical data
Specifications

Filter Size 77mm
F-Stop Range 2.8 - 32
Minimum Focus Distance 72" (6')
Magnification 1:7.8
Zoom/Focus Control Two-Touch (Twist)
Angle Of View 43.3 (70mm) - 12.3 (200mm)
Groups/Elements 14 / 17
Length 7.1"
Max. Diameter 3.4"
Weight 49 Oz.
Specialties "Hyper Sonic Motor" For Quiet And Smother AF, Instant Manual Focus Override In AF Mode, Low Dispersion Glass, Non-Rotating Front Ring, Tripod Collar

I have owned this lens for about a year now in the Canon EOS mount. When first considering this lens, I debated over buying it or the more expensive Canon version. After reading numerous reviews, it was obvious that many other users felt this to be a great lens, comparable to Canon's, but at a much lower cost. So, I decided to get the Sigma version. I have never been sorry for that decision.

I should note that I have used both this lens and the Canon equivalent, so comparisons can be drawn from this. I have not used any comparable Nikon or other lenses in this focal range.

This lens allows for great versatility. There are numerous scenarios in which this lens performs well. Below are just a few.

Positives
1) The 2.8 aperture allows for great low light photography, or dusk/dawn outdoor photos
2) In the 85-135mm range, the constant 2.8 aperture makes this a very good portrait lens; throwing the background out of focus and making the subject stand out.
3) With the Sigma 2x APO teleconverter, this lens becomes a very nice 140-400mm 5.6. It will still autofocus with all Canon EOS bodies, and produces sharp photos despite the 2X converter.
4) High Speed focusing motor, rivals Canon's USM technology
5) APO, low dispersion glass produces top quality images with clear, contrasty images
6) Full time manual focus
7) Tripod mount is included, something that Canon will make you pay for...
8) Very sturdy lens design, solidly constructed

Negatives
1) Tends to hunt just slightly more than the Canon Version. This is easily overcome with full time manual focus
2) When the hood is attached in the "storage" position (reversed on the end of the lens) the full time manual focus ring is hard to manipulate
3) HSM is just slightly slower than USM (Canon's ultrasonic focusing technology)
4) Lens is heavy, but so are all similar lenses. I suggest a monopod if prolonged use is expected

...

Sigma also has a new 100-300mm F4 lens that is similar in quality and design to this 70-200mm version. If you tend to stay at the longer focal lengths and don't need the extra 2.8 f stop, then I would suggest looking into the 100-300 F4 lens that is new to the market.

Overall, I am very happy with the performance of this lens. In my opinion it is well worth the price tag and with the money you save over the Canon version can be spent it in other areas. I used the extra savings to purchase the 2X teleconverter and a few 77mm filters.

...Thanks for your time... ... Read more

Features

• Telephoto macro lens with Canon AF mount
• Special low-dispersion glass for high image quality
• 150-millimeter focal length
• f2.8 maximum aperture
• Ultra-quiet high-speed autofocus with full-time manual focus override

Reviews (2)

Worst Experience Ever
I wanted to use this lens with my Canon EOS-10D and I was shocked with its performance. The AF only works for objects closer than 4 feet and it does not focus on objects farther than that. First, Sigma told me that the serial number I bought was old and the lens needed updating for it to work with Canon digital SLR Cameras. I have no idea why they distribute outdated lenses to their resellers.. That's not all, I tried manual focus, and the photos came out very soft even at very small apertures (large f-stop number)

After 4 weeks I get the lens back from Sigma in the same condition. I can only call this horrible service and a very bad product.

My recommendation is pay a little extra and either go for the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 fisheye or the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 (which I did).

wahoo!!...
i am a fisheye lens addict. i have had this lens for a few months now, and i use it for almost everything. the lens was worth every bit i payed for it. and the sigma customer service was so fast and easy. the lens takes clear sharp pictures everytime. this lens takes the best skateboarding and band pictures! if you are considering this lens, i would definately reccomend it. i love how the pictures can either be circular or full frame. its a great investment....... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An excellent lens.
I won't repeat what other reviewers have said but I do want to say that this is a wonderfully sharp, bright, and very well built lens.

When I bought the lens and mounted it on my Nikon F100 I found that the AF would lock after a minute or two of use. I phoned Sigma and they said to send it in for a reprogramming. They were very fast with turnaround and the lens now works perfectly. Newer models may be updated by now, but the trouble of sending it off was minimal.

The HSM is very fast and accurate, plus very quiet. I love this lens with my 1.4x and 2.0x Sigma teleconverters. In my opinion, a real bargain when it comes to well made fast zooms.

Great lens with one important flaw
I love this lens. It is very fast and extremely sharp. However, after getting the lens I had to send it to Sigma in NJ for a software adjustment so that it would not freeze on my F100. Seems that after about three minutes of HSM focusing on F100s the Sigma lens freezes. It can be unfrozen by turning the power on the camera off and on, but that's a pain. Sigma repaired it very quickly and I now love it. I use a 1.4x Sigma converter with it and very much like the combination.

This lens is big and heavy, but very sturdy in feel and wonderfully bright. I feel it is a great alternative to the Nikon silent wave version with is almost twice as expensive.

A great lens with great features.
Having used the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM lens for portrature and wildlife work in Costa Rica recently, I can highly recommend this lens. The lens is very strong and well built, extremely fast, silent, and sharp. There are times when the lens will hunt a little bit when focusing, but this is not enough of a problem to cause you to miss a shot or cause a problem. The ability to imediately manualy focus the lens without having to switch to manual focus is not only a great convenience, it is absolutely a necesity when photoghaphing wildlife in the jungle, or even through the brush or in a tree in your own backyard. If your camera should focus on the foreground clutter instead of the desired subject matter, all one has to do is to rotate the focusing ring to focus on the subject, and shoot. I have found this lens to be extremely sharp and acurate over the entire frame area. The F2.8 light gathering ability is excelent, alowing you to add the Sigma APO 2X EX teleconverter to have a fully auto 140-400 F5.6 lens as well for little more money. Using this combination as well I have noticed no decrease in sharpness of image quality, although focusing may be slightly slower. In continuous focus mode this combination still had no trouble keeping up with birds in flight, although a tripod would be highly recomended. A nice feature is the tripod mount which can be used to grip and hold the lens and camera while shooting, or in less than a second can be detatched from the lens if so prefered. The camera can also be rotated a full 360 degrees within the tripod mount instead of the stndard 90 degrees of most other brands of lenses. The lens comes complete with with end caps, a padded soft side storage case, and even a lens hood, specialy designed to eliminate vigneting- at no extra charge. Although normaly dedicated to Nikor lenses, after inspecting and using this lens I found it to be equal in quality and better designed (in my opnion) in some areas than the Nikor 80-200 F2.8 silent wave lens. It is also smaller and lighter than the Nikor lens, a big plus in all day use, in or out of the jungle. On top of everything else I was able to purchase the Sigma lens for...less than the Nikor lens. A great lens at a great price. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sigma's 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM macro lens lets you take life-size, 1:1 images without the use of accessories. When shooting at this magnification, you can be a full 18.1 inches from your subject, ideal when your subject may be easily disturbed. In addition to the life-size images, this lens also uses the silent HSM (hyper-sonic motor) so you can truly capture those hard-to-get images without disturbing your surroundings or subject.

The apochromatic design of the optics, combined with two SLD (special low dispersion) glass elements, plus a floating inner-focus system, help control chromatic and spherical aberrations as well as astigmatism, optical problems that often effect the quality of your images. This effect gives you high-quality performance across the entire focusing range. This model is dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Better choices are available.
Unless you need the extra distance afforded by the 180mm focal length of this lens (i.e. you want to work father away from your subject), your money would be much better spent on Canon's 100mm f2.8 USM macro lens. Canon's 100mm macro is also capable of 1:1 reproduction and offers better optics and build quality. More importantly, Canon's lens costs less than this Sigma lens. Save your pennies and work with a shorter focal length -- you won't regret it. This lens, while capable relative to the rest of Sigma's products, is not in danger of producing really impressive results. ... Read more

Features

• 70-300mm focal length
• Aperture of f22-f32
• Minimum focusing distance of59.1 inches, 37.4 inches in Macro
• 58mm filter size
• Light weight

Reviews (2)

Great quality! Great photos! Great PRICE!!!
I purchased this lens from Amazon about 5 weeks ago! I had also owned the Canon version of this lens! and I recomend the Sigma over the Canon! here is why! 1st the sigma has macro capabilities where the canon does not! I belive the build of the sigma is better! the canon was only a few $$ more, but the Sigma lens gives you more for the money! including quality! The pics are Sharp and the auto focus is fast! I held the canon 70-300 and the Sigma 70-300 APO side by side and thought the Sigma was a much better lens! Hey if you don't like it, send it back!! but I am sure, Very sure that when you try it, your going to keep it!

The next lens you buy...
...Should be this one!
Having recently purchased my Eos Rebel 2000, I needed a good zoom lens. Do you want a quality lens whose results speak for themself? Then this is the lens for you. The autofocus is quick and quiet and the lens is light and small enough to fit into my cramped camera bag. The perfect 2nd lens to go with your stock 28-80. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great lens! Awesome Price!
Picked 5 stars since I couldn't pick 4 1/2 stars. I bought this lens to replace the 35-80mm lens that came with my Canon EOS Rebel 2000. Having used Sigma lenses with my Pentax 35mm I knew I couldn't go wrong. This lens is light weight, quick to focus and quiet. Focus ring (for manual fousing) is smooth and in just the right spot. The zoom ring is not quite as smooth as the focus but it's not a hinderance. The 28-105mm zoom range is ideal for beginning and experienced photographers and provides more flexibility than the 35-80mm lens I replaced. All three rolls of film I've shot with this lens look great! Included lens hood is ideal for preventing lens flare when taking pics outside. ... Read more

Product Description

This set includes Sigma's 28-80 F 3.5-5.6 Autofocus Zoom and the 70-300 F 4-5.6 Autofocus Zoom lenses and rugged and stylish mini-gadget bag for your camera, lenses and other equipment that you'll need to take those award winning photographs destined to be in future. The 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 Macro is a new generation of compact standard zoom lens that retains the same 1:2 (Half Life-size) Tele-macro capabilities of its predecessor. This new lens also incorporates a Helical Focusing system for convenient use of polarizing or graduated filters. This same design also allows for a Perfect Hood to be used. This lens also utilizes a new optical design, and a ''flare-cut'' aperture, providing even better optical performance. A convenient ''Depth Scale'' is displayed on the lens barrel to help calculate Depth-of-Field. This is one of the the most desirable lens in the 28-80mm category, and includes the hood'' Another inexpensive lens with impressive results, a fine all-round zoom with quite good close-up performance.'' Popular Photography, January 2001The Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DL Macro is one of the superior series of high performance tele zoom lenses in Sigma's extensive line-up, and has been designed with the latest optical technology to assure the finest results in your photography. The70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Macro has a compact design to fit your needs while not taking up a large amount of room. ... Read more

Features

• Mount: Canon AF
• Lens Constructions: 7 Groups 7 Elements
• Angle of View (Diagonal): 75.4?-30.3?
• Minimum Aperture: f22
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 19-inches (9.8-inches Macro) / .5m (.25m Macro)

Features

• Ultra-telephoto, telephoto, and macro photography all in one lens
• Minimum focus is 59.1 inches, 37.4 inches in macro
• High magnification of 1:2 (one-half life-size) for macro photography
• Lens constructed of an ecological, lead- and arsenic-free glass
• Dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras

Product Description

This lens covers focal lengths from 24mm ultra wide angle to 70mm medium telephoto and provides a large f2.8 aperture at all focal lengths. Its design employs three (3) aspherical lens elements to minimize spherical aberration, astigmatism and sagittal comma flare. The use of two (2) SLD (The Special Low Dispersion) glass elements results in excellent correction of chromatic aberration and provides a high level of optical performance and 24-70rnm F2.8 EX ASPHERICAL DG DF has high contrast and resolution. The lens also incorporates Dual Focus mechanism. It is easy to hold the lens, since the focusing ring does not rotate during auto focusing, and yet provides a wide focus ring for easy to use manual focus. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, it allows the use of a flower shaped "Perfect Hood" and facilities the use of polarizing filters. The lens materials used in this lens are lead and arsenic free ecological glass. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Soft focus, too many compromises
I have owned this lens for about two years, and found that it was a fine lens at first, when I was just starting to learn with a good camera, but that it quickly outwore it's usefulness and now mainly gathers dust.

Sigma gave up a lot on this lens to add the Macro element, which lets you focus in very close. The focus is pretty soft at longer lengths, producing pictures that are noticably unsharp. There are manual focusing difficulties resulting from saving much of the focal rings for the macro, so that you have a lot of room to turn for focusing from 2 to 3 feet but very little precision in focusing from twenty to thirty feet (and that is a range I use much more).

Also, the lens has difficulties in low light, zooming in and out trying to focus on something, anything. I got this in a kit with the 70-300 lens, which I still use all the time and I think is a good lens for the money. On this lens, I would recommend investing instead on a good 50mm lens and just taking a few steps forward or backward to get your shots -- they will be much better shots than with this zoom.

An amazing lens for the price.
First, let me say this lens is one of my favorites. I own this lens for my Pentax PZ-1 and have read MANY reviews about it. The price is cheap. In fact, it's arguably the cheapest lenses in it's class. But don't mistake a cheap price as the sign of a bad lens. I use this lens for many occassions and at it almost always delivers GREAT pictures. Yes, it's not the single best lens in the world, but it is as good as many of the lenses I've used that are two or three times the price. Plus, if you break this one you can buy another without breaking your piggy bank ... or your credit card limit.

The two complaints most people make about this lens are, "It's a slow lens" and "It's almost impossible to focus manually." Let me put both those complaints to rest right now. First, when photographers refer to how "slow" a lens is, they don't mean how fast it can focus, they mean the F-stop setting. This lens is a F3.5-5.6. Granted, some expensive lenses at this focal length can go as low as F1.x, but most can't. And most experienced (and novice) photographers can use any lens that can go below F8. So, when people call this lens "slow," they should be talking about F-stops, not autofocus. I for one have found this lens to be more than fast enough for hand-held use. It's only been too slow once in about 1,000 shots.

Second, the focusing ring on this puppy is short. That means it's hard to focus manually. Still, that's to be expected on a smaller, cheaper lens such as this. Although it's tough to focus manually, it's not impossible. I've used manual focus on this lens several times and got great results ... just move the ring SLOWLY and you will get great manual focus. Nevertheless, keep in mind this IS an autofocus lens ... most people won't focus the lens manually. And on that note, the autofocus is spectacular.

Add in the macro ability of this lens and you've got one heck of a package! Oh, and don't forget ... It's CHEAP! If you can only afford one lens for your next vacation, make it this lens ... and use the $100+ you saved to buy more goodies.

Great all-purpose lens
I got this lens for everyday use. It has a decent zoom range and a macro mode, making it more versatile than its Canon counterpart. The regular mode takes beautiful pictures at any distance. The macro mode is a little limited, but it does let you get just inches from the subject, good enough for basic close-up work. The close-ups were crystal clear. Although you can get closer with dedicated macro lenses, most people, like me, will find this lens more than sufficient.

looking for clarity and simplicity?
If you are the SLR photographer who enjoys taking quality shots, this lens is for you! What's more, the zoom ring is well-positioned, and as far as i can tell, this is a very reliable lens. I have only had mine for a couple of months, but have already taken some brilliant shots with it! I would recommend it to anyone.

Great product for your Cannon
When I bought my Canon Elan II I opted for the Sigma lens over the Canon lens. What I based my decion on was that the Sigma Lens, although it does not have the second chip in it to make the whisper focus, it does come with the Macro feature, which with a flip of a switch, you can focus on things three inches from the lens, allowing for some great close-ups with flowers and other subjects. I consider it well worth your money, besides the whisper focus is not really worth the extra bucks. ... Read more

Product Description

This set includes Sigma's 28-80 F 3.5-5.6 Autofocus Zoom and the 70-300 F 4-5.6 Autofocus Zoom lenses and rugged and stylish mini-gadget bag for your camera, lenses and other equipment that you'll need to take those award winning photographs destined to be in future. The 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 Macro is a new generation of compact standard zoom lens that retains the same 1:2 (Half Life-size) Tele-macro capabilities of its predecessor. This new lens also incorporates a Helical Focusing system for convenient use of polarizing or graduated filters. This same design also allows for a Perfect Hood to be used. This lens also utilizes a new optical design, and a ''flare-cut'' aperture, providing even better optical performance. A convenient ''Depth Scale'' is displayed on the lens barrel to help calculate Depth-of-Field. This is one of the the most desirable lens in the 28-80mm category, and includes the hood'' Another inexpensive lens with impressive results, a fine all-round zoom with quite good close-up performance.'' Popular Photography, January 2001The Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DL Macro is one of the superior series of high performance tele zoom lenses in Sigma's extensive line-up, and has been designed with the latest optical technology to assure the finest results in your photography. The70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Macro has a compact design to fit your needs while not taking up a large amount of room. ... Read more

Features

• Mount: Nikon AF
• Lens Constructions: 7 Groups 7 Elements
• Angle of View (Diagonal): 75.4 degrees -30.3 degrees
• Minimum Aperture: f22
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 19-inches (9.8-inches Macro) / .5m (.25m Macro)

Product Description

"Mirror" lenses refer to systems comprised of reflecting mirrors with lenses, a combination that allows telephotos to be lighter and more compact than conventional lenses. The effect on the image is ring blur - great for portrait work. The beauty is heightened even more when lighting is effectively used in shooting, resulting in photographs with overwhelming emotive power. Characteristics that make this lens a true classic. This improved model delivers better performance at close range with increased peripheral light. The use of rear-insertion type filters enable rapid secure filter changes. The barrel's rugged ZEN finish helps it withstand hard outdoor use. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sigma's 70-300mm f4-5.6 DL macro super lens can achieve a magnification ratio of 1:2 (one-half life-size) for macro and telephotography images at its 300mm focal length. As an accessory, you can add a 58mm achromatic close-up lens (not included), and get even closer focusing and reproduction ratios of 1:1 (life size) and still maintain excellent optical quality. The optical materials are made from lead-free and arsenic-free ecological glass. This model is dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras. ... Read more

Features

• Ultra-telephoto, telephoto, and macro photography all in one lens
• Minimum focus is 59.1 inches, 37.4 inches in macro
• High magnification of 1:2 (one-half life-size) for macro photography
• Lens constructed of an ecological, lead- and arsenic-free glass
• Dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras

Features

• Nikon "G" mount; telephoto zoom lens
• Aspherical lens elements; The IF (Internal Focus) design allows for a non-rotating front barrel
• 18-125mm focal length
• f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture
• Exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sigma 2.0x APO teleconverter lens features a high-performance optical design with five elements in three groups. It is optimized for use with longer telephoto and telezoom lenses, and is ideally suited for use with the 70-200mm f2.8 APO EX HSM zoom lens. This lens provides both normal exposure and autofocus function, while maintaining its high optical performance. Since it uses 10-pin electrical interfaces, there is no loss of autofocusing speed when these teleconverters are used with compatible HSM type lenses. This model is dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras. ... Read more

Features

• Dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras
• Optimized for use with telephoto and telezoom lenses
• High-performance optical design with 6 elements in 5 groups
• 10-pin electrical interfaces
• Ideally suited for use with the 70-200mm f2.8 APO EX HSM zoom lens

Reviews (2)

Not compatible with all canon lenses
I bought this teleconverter with a 70-300 sigma lenses and it did not mention anywhere (editorial reviews or specifications) that it is compatible with only a specific number of lenses. But the review for the nikon compatible teleconverter it does so. Make sure before you buy it that it will fit your lenses.

Nice tele converter.
I bought this teleconverter to supplement a 1.4x converter that I already owned. I wanted to try it out with my Canon 200mm 2.8 lens and compare the results to my 400mm 5.6 lens.

The converter is nice and compact, has a good quality feel to it, and seems to work very well. I shot one roll of film with it so far and was very happy with the results.

Remember that you lose 2 shutter stops when using this converter so it should only be used with a fast lens such as a 2.8 or 3.5 etc. ... Read more