Sigma 75-200 F2.8-3.5  reviews

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: clockwork247   review date: January-23-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210 f4
Sigma 70-210 f2.8

price paid:

80

positive:

Price
Large Aperture
Built

negative:

Pushpull zoom
Will not AF on many sony cameras

comment:

I got a mint copy from keh for 80 shipped. Keh doesn't list serial numbers, I was just taking a swing at it. Well, it came as a 1XX serial number. oh no!!!

But as it turned out, this thing will AF on my A37 but will not AF on my A330. So my conclusion is that when sony switch from OVF to EVF they're changing quite a bit of things inside (another example is my Nikon SB24 flash works with the A330 but not the A37). So if you have a 3rd gen SLT (A37, 57, 65 and 77), there's a very good chance that this lens will AF.

I haven't had a chance to test it out too much, but so far it's actually pretty sharp wide open, I don't know about flare since I shot it in the afternoon, but the speed is nice, 2.8 all the way up to 135... then it's 3.2 and finally 3.5, good speed compare to the beercan for about the same price. The built is nice too, it's actually shorter than the beer can but slightly fatter. If you have a 3rd gen SLT i suggest hunting one down, it's well worth the money when it can communicate with the camera.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: dbrummag   review date: January-01-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

120 USD

positive:

F/2.8 at 75-135mm
Price
Solid Metal

negative:

None at this price

comment:

I bought this lens on Ebay, copy number 10062xx taking a chance that it just might AF with my a65. To my delight, I put it on that body and it focused straight to infinity. From what I have put together from others, all copies of this lens seem to be fully functioning on a65 and a77 bodies, not just copies 1016xxxx and later. If you get this lens to AF with your body, you have a lens of easily $500-700+ value. Not the quality of a G lens, a little better than an APO version of Sigma's f/2.8 70-210mm. Image quality is good at f/2.8 but improves at f/4 (like about every lens). I would suggest buying a copy if you have an a65 or a77. I use it most to photograph high school sports.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Blegate   review date: September-11-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

57 (used)

positive:

Fast lens 2.8~3.5
Sturdy
Sharp. Built well

negative:

Lens creep
AF on current Sonys works but no fluid

comment:

Got this off eBay recently and to my surprise it works very well with my Sony alpha 65. Serial number 10160xx

AF can be a little touchy if the subject is moving but perhaps this might be from the camera sensing moving- need more testing.

The lens is sturdy which means it is heavy when compared to a modern day lens. It's actually built with metal!

I'm enjoying this lens and suggest other try them out. I've now got the means to get indoor sports shots and/or football in the evening. Happy camper.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Freyr   review date: March-29-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron - SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di USD

price paid:

50 EUR (used)

positive:

- cheap
- f2.8 ~135mm
- quite sharp

negative:

- some Purple fringing
- only average flare control
- AF Problems

comment:

When I bought this lens 5 months ago I was fully aware of the chance that it might not work properly with my a100, although it was one of the later ones. Unfortunately I was right, as the AF wouldn't work, so I ended up with a 75-200/2.8-3.5 MF lens. Still, in my opinion it was 50 eur well spent, as both the sharpness and the colours are quite good (that is if you nail the focus right where you want it, of course). This forced me to think and helped me improve my focusing skills. The fast aperture makes this lens quite suitable for portraits - I often zoom to 200mm, focus and then push it back (push-pull zoom) to 135mm. I was quite surprised, however, when I tried it on an A77 and the AF worked like a charm, despite all odds. (when I say 'like a charm', I have to note that when it comes to focus it feels as if someone's wrestling inside- it vibrates quite a lot, but on the A77 the AF was very, very fast). Naturally, the lens has its flaws - fringing, for example. Also, you need a lens hood if you are to use it in bright sunlight. Overall, however, I think this is a small price to pay given the fact that it's very cheap and the performance you get for such money is astounding.

[edit:] I tried it on a Maxxum 5000 and it really shines on film :)

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: mattsonylover   review date: February-23-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 18-125mm
Minolta 70-210mm F4
Minolta 50mm f1.7
sony 18-55mm
sigma 400mm f5.6

price paid:

£75.00

positive:

sharpness
colour
build quality
push pull zoom !

negative:

slow AF
some CA

comment:

as mentioned over here, early serials is not going to work on Sony bodies, however, I re-chipped it by using another chip from old lens.
the AF is slow but not that bad, you can still get decent pictures with it.
the lens is sharpest at 135mm with f2.8 but 1 stop would make a difference in the picture quality.
I love the fact that I have constant aperture of f2.8 between 75-135mm, that makes it a nice lens for portrait.
well you can have lots of fun for little money !
I would recommend it but bear in mind its not one of those expensive lenses for action, sport and best optics, its just a budget lens with f2.8 !

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: onnumara   review date: February-10-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

150 USD

positive:

Great colors and sharpness.

negative:

AF slow

comment:

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 4 

user: eddiem45   review date: October-19-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 300mm f4 prime
Minolta 50mm f1.7
Minolta 35-70mm f4

price paid:

125 USD

positive:

2.8-3.5 in a 200mm
Works great on Maxxum 7000

negative:

problem with working on A200 and A580.

comment:

Seems to make really good pictures on my film camera, but cannot get it to work on my DSLR's...serial #2022XXX..was told it would work on either my A200 or my A580 but it will not...I'm hoping the teleconverter I ordered will allow it to work on my DSLR's.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: gussman   review date: October-17-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-135
Sigma 70-200 2.8

price paid:

75 €

positive:

weight
sharpness
AF
aperture of 2.8!

negative:

AF hunts sometimes

comment:

this copy (2000478) works (almost) flawlessly on my A850
AF sometimes hunts (reducing sharpness to 1 point instead of several helps)
but that is something getting used to
main thing: a lens with 2.8 till 150 mm and 3.5 till 200 for just 880 gr and such a quality and such a price: a real bargain

very much a travelzoom with acceptable weight

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: gwbert   review date: October-13-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Big beer can
Many Tamrons
105/135/200mm primes

price paid:

$30

positive:

- Very solidly built
- Excellent colour
- AF plenty fast enough
- Push-pull zoom very fast - suits me as I do action photography
- Sharp

negative:

- Heavy, but that's what u get for solidity & fast aperture
- zoom lock would be nice. I'll make one.

comment:

For info, I've just risked $30 on buying #1002218. Very nice order, no marks. Was told I was wasting my cash as it was too early to work on digital, but now arrived & works fine on my A550. Fast AF, all functions work as expected. Lucky boy.

Will paste review on functionality when I've given it a good work-out.

Update : Now taken several hundred pix in anger. Well pleased. Much
better than expected in operation & image quality. I use a Tamron 28-200 as my walk-around lens, but this one will always be with me on
fast-action sports shoots & anything low-light. Recommended.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: REVENGE   review date: July-01-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

75 USD

positive:

Sharp at 70-135mm
f2.8 until ~135mm
Solid metal build quality

negative:

Giant front focusing element
Push pull zoom creep
Soft at 200mm
Flare
Heavy

comment:

The high probability of finding a non-AF copy of this lens has driven its price way below what it should be worth. Consider its specs on paper: this is a lens in the same weight / size class as the Beercan, is 1 - 1/4th of a stop faster at all focal lengths, and costs on average 1/3 as much. In my opinion, the existence of this lens and the Minolta 70-210mm f3.5-4.5 completely negates the value of the Beercan. While the Minolta 70-210mm f3.5-4.5 is both light and sharp, this Sigma is heavier but provides good low light coverage.

If you're hunting for an AF copy of this lens, consider asking the seller the following questions: what is its serial number, and what camera body was it used with? If the lens has a serial number beginning with a 2 and/or was used with the 3000i/5000i/7000i/9000i series of bodies, then you very likely have a winner.

There are nonetheless, quite a few negatives to consider: the lens is both slowest and softest at 200mm. The giant front focusing element has a lot of mass and extension, so both AF speed and accuracy can be compromised. Hoods are thread on only, and you will NEED a hood if you want to shoot in the sunlight.

Overall, don't get this lens unless you need low-light coverage.

UPDATE:
I briefly tested this lens on an SLT-A65. I can confirm that AF works correctly (and speedily, much better vs my A200), but I cannot say whether or not the aperture mechanism works correctly on the SLTs. I have also tested it on an NEX-5n via the LA-EA1, and in that combo the aperture does work properly.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: JeremyT   review date: October-24-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

SAL 55-200mm F4-5.6
SAL 75-300mm F4.5-5.6
Tokina 80-200mm f/2.8

price paid:

80 USD

positive:

- Fast
- Sharp
- Cheap

negative:

- Heavy
- Zoom creep
- May need to rechip
- Flare
- CA when wide open
- "Bokeh" can be a little "harsh"

comment:

Mine is labeled "Access Tempo," and it was NOT compatible with modern bodies. Therefore, I purchased a chip from James Lao. My 'price paid' includes the chip.

This lens is a gem. It's faster than the beercan and it's quite sharp wide open on my A200. Stopping down to f/4 shows improvement but I seldom feel like it's necessary. This is my poor man's 'sports zoom.'

I shot a little bit with bright light and I saw some flare. I don't have a hood, and any hood would need to screw into the filter ring (yuck).

Stopped down to the same apertures it seems to be sharper than the SAL 55-200mm, but the more modern 55-200mm kills it with respect to flare and CA.

Mechanically this thing feels like a piece of crap. It weighs way more than modern consumer zooms, and when fully extended there's more play than I'd like. It's a push/pull zoom mechanism and my copy shimmies and shakes when it autofocuses.

What the heck though, it's cheaper than dirt and it takes great pictures. If you can find one that you know works for cheap, GET IT, you won't be sorry. If you have one that needs to be rechipped, don't pay as much, and plan on spending 65 USD (and some time) to get it working. It's worth it!

* UPDATE March 2010:

This lens continues to impress me on the A700, where focusing speed is improved. I tend to leave the chip set to a focal length in the middle and SSS seems to work just fine throughout its range. I much prefer this to the beercan and it greatly reduces my temptation to buy an expensive f/2.8 zoom.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: jakubh70   review date: October-09-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210 F4

positive:

Solid build, cheapest fast telezoom available, quite good sharpness, bokeh

negative:

Colors are not that great, rotary filter ring, push-pull zoom goes loose in time

comment:

I compare it to beercan because it seems to be its closest competitor. Apart of some "halo" effect wide open, this is quite sharp lens, arm to arm with beercan and - last but not least - 1 stop faster from 70 to 140 mm. Colors are not that nice as with Minolta lens but still very good, CA control somewhat better. Takes 67mm filters, dedicated hood must be screwed in filter ring. If I had to choose to keep this one or beercan only, I would be confused which is better!

sharpness: 1 

color: 1 

build: 4 

distortion: 1 

flare control: 1 

user: mrsvan   review date: February-12-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony DT 4-5.6/55-200

price paid:

79 USD (ebay)

positive:

All in metal - built to last.

negative:

Is not compatible with a350.

comment:

I was looking for a brighter lens than my kit Sony DT 4-5.6/55-200, but I did not want to pay the price for a 2.8 70-200...

I stumbled upon this lens on e-bay, but at the time I was not aware that certain old Sigma lenses had a chip compatibility problem with the newer Sony bodies.

My lens is serial number 1010736 and it definately does not work with my a350. When I attach it to the camera body, I get a "no lens attached" warning on my display!

So I disassembled it:

Made with Slideshow Embed Tool

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: dxqcanada   review date: January-31-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony SAL 75-300mm
Sigma AF 70-300mm APO

price paid:

0

positive:

Bright lens.
Fast focusing.

negative:

Build (see comments).

comment:

We have had this lens for about 15 years. We have used it on a number of Minola Maxxum bodies and just recently the Sony Alpha a100.

It is a great lens for lower lighting and is very sharp even wide open. The all metal construction is very tough ... I have many dents on it to prove it.
It can be found cheap on eBay in comparison to other f/2.8 lenses.

After some years the internal screws became lose causing the lens assembly to wobble... I had to disassemble the lens and tighten the screws (the hardest part was putting the front element back in the correct position).

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: perslucht   review date: January-14-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210mm f/4

price paid:

105€

positive:

Sharpness
Bokeh

negative:

Push-pull
Heavy
Rare
Bit useless lens hood

comment:

I owned this lens before I bought a beercan. I realy like this lens because of the Bokeh. It may not be the sharpest but the images are a bit creamy, it's very nice.

If you can get one for cheap, get it! If it's near 130 Euro, don't get it, get a 70-210 or something.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: petesidewalk   review date: September-23-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

K/M 75-300 Big Beercan
K/M 35-70 4
Sony 18-70 Kit Lens
K/M 50 1.7
K/M 70-210 4.5-5.6
K/M 70-210 4 Beercan
K/M 28 2.8
K/M 28-80xi
K/M 28-135 4-4.5
K/M 35-70 3.5-4.5
Tamron 200-400 5.6 LD NEW
Sigma 75-200 2.8-3.5
K/M 80-200 2.8 HS G
Sigma 75-200 2.8-3.5

price paid:

140 USD

positive:

sharpness
fast AF
filter size
small
sharp
great color
awesome price

negative:

a little heavy
hard to find

comment:

This lens is a steal. It is sharp throughout the range, it focuses very quickly and is well balanced on the A100. It's front element is gorgeous and it has nice bokeh and great range. The push pull zoom is different but useful and it stays at F2.8 until 135mm. I think this is a great lens and is sturdy as well as compact. The image quality is stellar for the money. A little prone to flare, but a good hood eliminates the problem.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Cliff   review date: June-01-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

beercan, Tokina 35-200mm SD, newer Sigma 70-210mm APO

price paid:

$250 (in 1992)

positive:

fast, sharp, color

negative:

heavy, push pull zoom & creep

comment:

It's been a workhorse, and cheap these days. It's a better balance on the bigger Alpha than on my old 7000i. Color is warm, saturated, very similar to older Minolta lenses but with a little greener balance. It's faster than the Beercan, a full stop at 75mm. Focus speed, flare and CA are similar to the Beercan. They're about the same length, the Sigma is fatter and heavier. I sold the newer Sigma APO, speed and color beat lighter weight and low CA, kept the Beercan. They're buds and the Sigma comes out in lower light.

Woodworker, please read the statement on the front page of the lens database about compatibility, and do something with your rating. Earlier copies of this lens (and some others) have older chips that do not work with newer cameras. Go back to the seller. Older 3rd party lenses must be tested on 5/7Ds and Alphas before anyone can assure compatibility. Please see also mounting comments in earlier reviews. Make sure the mount release button snaps up when the lens mounts.

For me this lens was what tipped the balance when deciding whether to jump ship or hang with A mounts. Canikon IS f2.8 mid range zoom lenses cost more than the camera body. With SSS and high ISO I can shoot hand held in natural light that was beyond my dreams when I got it. If you like that kind of photography get one of these and enjoy it. Like all lenses it's got it's warts, but where it shines it's a great value.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: signal2noise   review date: March-08-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Very sharp, excellent glass, quality build.

negative:

Could use a bracket as the slide zoom may move when remote shooting

comment:

I have had this lens for many years, use it extensively with my Maxxum 9000 film camera. It is one of my favorite and most-used lenses. Digicam users may not like the weight of the lens, but on a 7D, it has a well-connected and balance feel, much like the feel of heavier film cams.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: adriandb   review date: January-24-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100-300 xi 4.5-5.6
Minolta 28-105 xi 3.5-4.5

price paid:

102 US (used)

positive:

Sharp, well-built

negative:

heavy

comment:

Works fine with the A700 I recently purchased (serial #1000xxx). I was concerned that I would have problems with it because of the low serial #; don't think that will be the case. It also will AF with a 2X TC. I will give this lens a workout this weekend (shooting basketball games indoors). AF is quick with this lens, even with the push-pull zoom. I'll see what happens during the bball shoot. I'm giving the build a 4 because of a little wobble at the back of the lens due to the overall weight; it could benefit from a mount of some kind. Overall, I think it's a best buy.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: bcostel   review date: September-24-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron AF 70-300 F4-5.6
Minolta 70-210 F4 (beercan)

price paid:

50 USD(used)

positive:

Sharp.
Well build.

negative:

None

comment:

For his price and his age it's a very good lens. Is fast and the focus it's ok (sometime it will hunt but if you "learn" how to use, it will perform very well). Highly recommend. My serial nember is something like 200xxxx.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: 1hander   review date: September-16-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-210 f4 beercan

price paid:

free

positive:

sharp
great colors
fast focus
collects lost of light

negative:

a bit heavy (no biggy for me)
push pull zoom
no hood

comment:

I got this for free in a tamron lens buy. serial number oddly enouph is 1016xxx, its not supposed to work on the a100 but boy does it. I thought it would be a bust, but i was pleasantly surprised to find that it is in fact a very very good piece of glass. The build is all metal and very sturdy, i love it. Not very fond of the push pull zoom, but i can deal with it.
It is a bit on the heavy side, heavier than the beercan but ive grown used to it. The focus on my copy is fast as hell, it rarely over or undershoots, but recovers quickly when it does. My copy is sharp , sharp, sharp... contrast is good, colors are really good. I didnt notice any CA or flare even without a hood but i was shooting from under covering and i didnt challenge it mucxh with sunlight.
I did notice that this lens lets in lots of light, so shutter speeds are really high if you need them. The photos are very usable a 2.8 but get really good at f4 and smaller.
If you can get your hands on one easily and dont want to spend alot, this lens is good....really good. Even though i am a beginner, i recommend it highly.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: abre   review date: January-07-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Kit Objectives
analog: Minolta 28-100 F3.5-5.6
digital: Minolta 18-70 F3.5-5.6

price paid:

160,00 Euro (used)

positive:

- sharp
- Build quality - Solid
- weight (once you´ve got used to it)

negative:

- filter rotates

comment:

After reading that the lens with serial number lower than 2x will not work on digital camera I already startet looking for an alternativ - because mine has SN 1000068.
But it works also on Sony Alpha 100 - once you put it onto the camera with a bit pressure, so that the contact of camera and lens come together.

It is a great lens on both cameras. The pictures I took are sharp, good color and I am really satisfied.
This is my favorite lens and I am happy that it also worked digital.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Fortuna   review date: December-17-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Konica Minolta 28-75/2.8 D
Minolta 70-210/4 Beercan
Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 APO MacroII

positive:

-Very sharp even wide open
-Compact size, low weight
-Low chromatic aberration
-Build quality
-Nice bokeh

negative:

-Rotating front lens
-Original lenshood is unusable
-Push - pull zoom

comment:

I really like this lens. Works whith my 7D and my Alpha 100. Fast enough focusing even in low light (faster then the Beercan). Sharpness is really exellent!

My serial number is 2002xxx

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: rhy7s   review date: October-30-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

75-300 4.5-5.6

price paid:

50 USD

positive:

Pretty fast for the price. Solid build.

negative:

Filter rotates when focussing, push-pull zoom. AF unusable really, too slow and a bit hit and miss.

comment:

Bought instead of a beercan as I kept forgetting to check the auctions before closing. Treat it as an f/4 lens and it's pretty sharp. Colours aren't really accurate but are nevertheless pleasing, a sort of nostalgic watercolour effect which works well for bokeh, especially for greens, but any flare shatters the bokeh. The weight of the lens really dampens the shutter on the 5D, helps stability in that regard. The push-pull zoom isn't the smoothest control interface. AF is pretty much out of the question on the 5D, the momentum of the lens seems to make it overshoot and then hunt for focus. On a film 7000 though AF is very positive. The mount is a very tight fit on the 5D but perfect on the 7000. My serial number is 2003xxx.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: white-tiger   review date: April-03-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

- sharp
- build quality
- good color and contast
- no/low cr in high zoom

negative:

- heavy
- not so smooth in controll
- hunts in low light conditions
- Sometimes bad focusing when in AF

comment:

I bought this lens for a small price online. At first I needed to get use to the weight of the lens since it is heavy because it is completely made from metal (alltrough the zoom-rin/holder is some sort of rubber). But when used to the weight and able to hold it steady the shots are realy sharp and have great colors.

IN low light cinditions it is best to set the lens in MF modus since it hunts allot and is sometimes unable to focus correctly on the subject you picked when in AF.

The F/2.8 goes upto 140-150mm after that its 3.5 and evenso at F/2.8 the pictures are sharp I did get the sharpest ones when stopped down at f/4 and up.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: bob877   review date: February-25-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS

price paid:

25

positive:

It's bright and cheap! Very usable wide open and quite sharp at f/4. Made of metal.

negative:

Bokeh isn't very good, so-so with flare. Filter rotates when focusing.

comment:

I picked up two of these lenses really cheaply, without knowing for sure if they would work. One does, and its serial number starts with a 2. It appears that the serial#s 2 and up work, while those below need a TC or don't work at all. There are at least three chip versions in these lenses; the original only worked with the 7000 I believe, the rechipped ones work with i series cameras (i.e. 400si), and the most recent ones work with DSLRs. The only other fast zoom in this range that I've used is a canon 70-200 2.8 IS on a 20d, and the only real advantage the canon had was faster AF (though this lens focuses pretty quickly too) and better bokeh - the bokeh on this just isn't too great (though it's not *bad* per say, it just could be better) - certainly not worth the $1600 price difference! It's durably made; I took mine apart and put it back together and there's a lot of metal in this lens. If you can find one with a serial# 2 and up, I highly recommend it!