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Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM - opinions?

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:40 am
by andy
Hi,

I'm considering at starting an obsession with photography - probably go down the Nikon path. I've seen a Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM and was wondering what general opinions people may have about this lens.

(I don't think it's the newer macro version..)

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:56 am
by devilla101
I've previously owned this lens and was my first $$$ telephoto lens.

I absolutely loved it. Images were great and sharp. The only issue I had (and this is a known characteristic with this lens) is that its a bit soft at 2.8.

Overall I was happy with this lens and was sad when I sold it on Ebay a few months ago. But was happy again when I acquired my Canon 70-200 2.8 IS

Nothing wrong with purchasing Sigma and still own and use my 24-70 when I can

Hope this helps

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:08 pm
by Jeff
Hi
I have one of the Sigmas and it is a very good lens. Prior to acquireing the Nikon 300 it was always on the camera at motor events.

Jeff

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:37 pm
by Underload
I have one of these too...I reckon it's pretty good & does the job fine for me :)

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:17 pm
by andy
Thanks for the feedback.

The alternative for me at this stage is a 55-200 VR at half the price. Or an 18-200 VR at a similar price. I'm thinking the sigma might be the best option.

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:22 pm
by Alpha_7
Good to see you on here Andy, and I hope I won't get into too much trouble for infecting you with this camera bug. :)

I'd say IQ wise the 70-200 would be the winner, it's also provides the added benefit of 2.8 throughout the range.

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:02 pm
by glennles
Spreading the disease Craig :) I'm another victim.

Hi Andy, it's Glenn from Uni

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:14 pm
by Alpha_7
glennles wrote:Spreading the disease Craig :) I'm another victim.

Hi Andy, it's Glenn from Uni


Racking up the infected one by one. Sadly I haven't made it onto Nikon's payroll. :lol:

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:19 am
by andy
ah G'day Glenn.

Craig insists that I was the one who originally infected him. So it's a bit of a paradox really.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:39 am
by gstark
So, are you guys the reason the Spring Photography Carnival has been canceled?

I hear that some vaccine is arriving from France today, and failing that, the new Nikons in a bit over a month. :)

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:59 am
by ozimax
Alpha_7 wrote:
glennles wrote:Spreading the disease Craig :) I'm another victim.

Hi Andy, it's Glenn from Uni


Racking up the infected one by one. Sadly I haven't made it onto Nikon's payroll. :lol:


Wait until you switch to the dark (or light) side and buy an "L" lens, then you will really get infected... :)

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:27 pm
by Alpha_7
ozimax wrote:Wait until you switch to the dark (or light) side and buy an "L" lens, then you will really get infected... :)

Stirrer! I've infected people that have gone Canon too, I'm not just a Nikon zealot!

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:18 pm
by ozimax
Ha...it is a disease no doubt, thanks to G Stark and co I'm always either buying or selling a lens, or considering which is the next one... :lol:

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:29 pm
by Reschsmooth
gstark wrote:I hear that some vaccine is arriving from France today...


That wouldn't be a box of Chateau d'Yquem, would it?

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:34 pm
by gstark
Reschsmooth wrote:
gstark wrote:I hear that some vaccine is arriving from France today...


That wouldn't be a box of Chateau d'Yquem, would it?


You wish!

Me too. :)

Sadly, no. Not even any Veuve.

Re: Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM - opinions?

PostPosted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:36 pm
by Glen
andy wrote:Hi,

I'm considering at starting an obsession with photography - probably go down the Nikon path. I've seen a Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM and was wondering what general opinions people may have about this lens.

(I don't think it's the newer macro version..)


Andy, to answer your original question the Sigma is a great lens, I have the Nikon but really would be happy with the Sigma. Sirhc has one and I was very impressed, especially when considering the price. I think that without 2.8 through the range, for certain styles of photography the others you suggested wouldn't compare. If you don't need this tomorrow there is attractive pricing available on this to full members (in the FAQ but over 50 posts including an image, etc)

PostPosted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 10:35 am
by Raskill
I agree that the Sigma will see you right.
I had one also for motorsports, but it was also a very good lens for portraits and general every day shots. It's not huge, so it's easy to lug around, and produces sharp images through-out it's focal length.

I sold mine and bought a Nikkor 70-200 VR, and noticed very little difference. Both produced sharp contrasty images, with the Nikkor being 2 times the price. Silly really.

I'll be trying to source another 70-200 in the near future for close in motor sport stuff. I wouldn't be trying to buy another if I didn't think they were good.

So, in short, yes, buy the sigma.