70-300 Sigma Lens - Thinking about getting it

[theantiquetiger]

Give me your opinion

ebay Sigma Lens (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CANON-EOS-EF-Mnt-70-300mm-Sigma-AF-Lens-Film-Digital-/150655444146?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2313c3a4b2)

[Gremlich]

I have one and it's loud. Heavy, too. Does the job out to about 295, then, vignetting starts in the corners. Can you test fly one? Do that first.

[theantiquetiger]

I have one and it's loud. Heavy, too. Does the job out to about 295, then, vignetting starts in the corners. Can you test fly one? Do that first.

This is on eBay, so I cannot test drive it,that's why I'm asking

[Iguanasan]

I own a similar one. The Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro which you can find a review for here: Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Interchangeable Lens Review (http://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-70-300mm-f-4-5-6-apo-dg-macro-interchangeable-lens-review-4569)

For $300 I found it to be an excellent lens. Mind you, I am comparing it to my kit lens. I still love this lens though. For my budget it gave me a wonderful zoom capability on my XSi and a pretty good quality. All of the shots in my Polar Bear Dip set were shot with this lens from 65 meters away from the action. Here's a link to the set so you can see the results: Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eulothg/sets/72157625598640761/)

[theantiquetiger]

I own a similar one. The Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro which you can find a review for here: Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Interchangeable Lens Review (http://www.ephotozine.com/article/sigma-70-300mm-f-4-5-6-apo-dg-macro-interchangeable-lens-review-4569)

For $300 I found it to be an excellent lens. Mind you, I am comparing it to my kit lens. I still love this lens though. For my budget it gave me a wonderful zoom capability on my XSi and a pretty good quality. All of the shots in my Polar Bear Dip set were shot with this lens from 65 meters away from the action. Here's a link to the set so you can see the results: Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eulothg/sets/72157625598640761/)

So at $120, it is a great price and a good beginner lens?

[Iguanasan]

I'd say you would enjoy the results from your investment until you could afford something better. :)

[theantiquetiger]

I'd say you would enjoy the results from your investment until you could afford something better. :)

I already want a new camera!!!! :)

As for affording something better, I can afford it but I am still in the dog house for dropping $1700 on that photograph and spending $300 more to frame it!!! :laughing:

Luckily, I won $50 tonight on a football board on the LSU game, GEAUX TIGERS!!!!! So that will go toward my lens.

I guess my main question for this thread is, buy this one or is there something alittle better for under $200?

[Gremlich]

I already want a new camera!!!! :)
I guess my main question for this thread is, buy this one or is there something alittle better for under $200?

I'd go with what Iguanasan suggested, that, plus what do you think you'll get "a little better" for under $200? I would submit you'd get a POS lens. Buy cheap (and I don't mean inexpensive), you'll get cheap.

[theantiquetiger]

I did purchase the sigma lens. I know sigma is a cheap lens and would love to get the best of the best as for equipment, but I need baby steps. I am not too impressed with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

[Gremlich]

I did purchase the sigma lens. I know sigma is a cheap lens and would love to get the best of the best as for equipment, but I need baby steps. I am not too impressed with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

The rebel is a great starter camera, enjoy it and learn about dSLR until you can easily upgrade. Buy your lenses sensibly so that you don't have to buy the same glass for a different system. I.E. Decide if you want to stay with Canon and if you do, get lenses that can go on your new camera body as well.

[theantiquetiger]

OK, need some help. I got the lens in and it says "communication error with the lens, clean the contacts". They are clean. Do I have a bad lens?

NM, it is not compatible, so he is exchanging it. I am getting the Canon 75-300.

[thoughton]

I did purchase the sigma lens. I know sigma is a cheap lens and would love to get the best of the best as for equipment, but I need baby steps. I am not too impressed with my Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

Perhaps it is a typo, but you should discard the idea that Sigmas are cheap lenses. The idea that the manufacturer of your camera makes the best lenses is bad for your photography, as well as your wallet :) Just like all manufacturers, Sigma make some killer lenses, and the occasional dud (especially in the old days).

[Marko]

Perhaps it is a typo, but you should discard the idea that Sigmas are cheap lenses. The idea that the manufacturer of your camera makes the best lenses is bad for your photography, as well as your wallet :) Just like all manufacturers, Sigma make some killer lenses, and the occasional dud (especially in the old days).

+1 There are plenty of 3rd party lenses that whip the big players. Even the big players make some junk lenses.

[scorpio_e]

As far as Sigma goes.

I have the
20 1.8
30 1.4
70 to 200 2.8
10 to 20
24 to 70 2.8

I am VERY happy with the line up. I did have the Sigma 70 to 300 but I was not very happy with it.I sold it pretty fast. Just my opinion.

Hope you were able to resolve you communication issue.

[Keith]

I have had a Sigma 70-300 APO macro for about 15 or 16 years. It was originally used on a Minolta 600si but is now on my Sony A350 where it is a massive 450mm telephoto (35mm film equivalent) Sure it wasn't expensive but is an excellent lens for its price, better than the Sony kit lenses which are somewhat soft. You can spend thousands on a lens, not everyone can afford that. I am very satisfied with the Sigma

[nanhi]

I have had a Sigma 70-300 APO macro for about 15 or 16 years. It was originally used on a Minolta 600si but is now on my Sony A350 where it is a massive 450mm telephoto (35mm film equivalent) Sure it wasn't expensive but is an excellent lens for its price, better than the Sony kit lenses which are somewhat soft. You can spend thousands on a lens, not everyone can afford that. I am very satisfied with the Sigma

I recently purchased the older Sigma 70-300 DL Macro from KEH - $ 45 + free shipping in Bargain condition. I was surprised to receive it in Excellent + condition with brilliantly clear glass + covers and hood. I read the review in the Pentax Forum and it scored more points than the DG APO version which a friend has, and which I had tried on my Pentax K20D earlier.
This is brutally sharp between 70-200 mm and sharp till 300 mm. Lacks a little contrast, which I can easily boost in-camera for this lens. But I am comparing contrast with a pro lens which is not justifiable. Sample shots attached. All handheld. The Mall Layout photo is at 300mm. Reduced in size from some 12-15 MB.
Regards. Nanhi.

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