Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3

[rahnin]

Has anyone tried one of these? Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3.
We have the Tamron at work and its has sparked debate over the quality of shots. We shoot mainly marine mammals and people so the 300 makes it much easier to shoot from the waters edge and the 28 allows me to go straight to a portait session without changing lenses (I work in a theme park).
I saw a Sigma for sale recently and I'm wondering if anyone has used the Sigma and can weigh in on the debate...

[Raskill]

Sigma lenses, rightly or wrongly, sometimes have a stigma of being soft. Most third party lenses seem to get this. That being said, the Nikkor 70 - 300 isn't renowned for its sharpness either. The problem is generally the more the focal zoom distance, (the difference between the numbers) means more chance of light going astray, and it bounces through more elements.

If you can afford it, maybe look at the Nikkor 70-300 VR?

Otherwise, if you can get the sigma for a decent price, buy it. If you don't like it, flog it off on ebay and find something else.

[zafra52]

I have the 70 -300 lens (DG APO Canon mount) and I would agree that it produces soft images, but nothing that cannot be fixed with a bit of sharpenning. However, considering it is not a prime lens, its price, it is a macro and has a huge zoom range I believe it is good value. My gripe is that it has not got vibration compensation and therefore I have to use a tripod or a higher ISO, but the new and more expensive 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM has.

[zafra52]

Sorry rahnin,I realised I perhaps did not answer your question. Check these reviews:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=183&sort=7&cat=37&page=2

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=247&sort=7&cat=43&page=2

http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/cameraaccessories/tamron-af28300mm-f3563-xr-di-vc-ld-lens.aspx

[rahnin]

Thanks, that link was really helpful.