Sigma  70-200 F2.8 EX DG APO  reviews

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: koprivakopriva   review date: July-04-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 70-210 3.5-4.5
Quantaray (Tammy) 70-300 4-5.6 LD
Zeiss 135 1.8

price paid:

560 USD (used)

positive:

-Good for birds
-Impressive sharpness @ distance
-Good-looking lens
-Fantastic build quality
-Smooth Manual Focus
-Effective hood
-Decisive autofocus

negative:

-Bad for bugs
-Minimum focusing distance of 1.8m makes macro difficult
-Slight focus shift at close distance detracts from close-distance shots (use MF)
-Usable handheld, but weight makes low-light handheld shots or long shutter shots difficult
-Non-hsm means zzzz

comment:

I've been using this guy on an a200, and the results have made me a very happy camper. I worked for a local paper covering the Little League, and the lens was fantastic for sports. Once I began to appreciate how to use a 2.8 lens, I immediately saw fantastic results. On the first day that I took it out, I nabbed what is, to this day, the best picture that I've ever taken.

At a distance, this lens rocks. Focus is quick and decisive (not HSM so it does buzz a bit). Focus is good indoors as well. Colors are dead-on perfect.

Close-up, the lens wavers a bit. Minimum focusing distance is 1.8m, meaning that true macro just ain't gonna happen. Focus shift impacts close-distance shots, making it appear as though the lens has front focused, so manual focus is almost mandatory in close-quarters work. The phenomena is well-explained here >> http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_70-200_2p8_n15/page4.asp<< The focus shift is the only reason why I dropped my sharpness rating to a 4.5.

When you consider the limitations of the lens and appreciate it for what it really is supposed to be, it's a blast to use. My photography received an immediate boost from shooting with it. While I love it, my girlfriend absolutely hates it because she says I talk about it way too much and its creepy that I play with it so much. If she only knew. . .

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pochmahone   review date: March-14-09  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony 70-200G SSM
Sony 70-400G SSM

price paid:

500 GBP (Used)

positive:

Great IQ
Not white
Good weight for lens type

negative:

None yet

comment:

Bought this from Fleabay as, due to expensive car trouble, I couldn't afford to (re)purchase the Sony 70-200G. Apart from the SSM, if the Sony is a better lens than this, then it will take a better man than me to see the difference.

Also, when I had the Sony, the white body attracted attention. The Sigma is black and I prefer it.

Lighter than the Sony and less tiring to handhold over a long period.

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 3 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nm guy1   review date: November-11-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

M 75-300 BBCan
M 100-200
Sigma 70-300 APO DG
M 28-135

price paid:

~775 USD

positive:

Fast

negative:

Colors need PP

comment:

Bought this lens to take photos of the daughter marching at night games in high school band. It's been a good performer and extremely high performance/price ratio.

The f/2.8 is wonderful for low light conditions. Sharpness at f/2.8 isn't exceptional but cleans up nicely by f/4. From samples I've seen it compares well with Sony/Minolta comparables. At f/4 and above I can't find a difference in sharpness.

The build, distortion and flare control are all very well implemented. No complaints on these characteristics.

I'm a fan of Minolta color and this lens doesn't match up well out of the camera in that regard. Post processing is needed to get color that is satisfactory to my eye. It isn't a major issue as an adjustment to white balance (in RAW shots) usually cleans up photo color nicely. Just an extra step from older lens qualities that I like. I haven't noticed significant CA with this lens.

In good light, I'll bring the big beer can for better color, an extra 100mm on the long end and semi macro capability. It is also fast and sharp with the matched Sigma 1.4 TC. This lens is a keeper though for low light situations. By comparison, it is definitely a more attractive alternative than going 2x the cost for a Sony equivalent.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ninrocket   review date: July-29-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sony AF 70-200 F2.8 G SSM SAL-70200G

price paid:

$586 USD

positive:

SHARP
Very Good AF
Colors
Bokeh
PRICE!!!

negative:

Hard to find.
No Focus Limiter

comment:

Tested this lense on A700. Finally found one on Ebay after searching for months.

Very Sharp. Sharper than SAL70200G at f2.8/200mm. Stop down to f4 on both lenses and there really is no difference in sharpness.

Compare the Blur Index for both cameras across their entire ranges using the links below and you'll see what I have witnessed with both lenses.

Sigma 70-200 F2.8 EX DG APO

Sony AF 70-200 F2.8 G SSM SAL-70200G

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mylee   review date: June-23-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

SONY AF 18-70 mm 3.5 - 5.6
Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm F/2,8 XR Di II
Sigma AF 70 - 200 2.8 EX DG APO
Sigma AF 28 - 70 mm 2.8 - 4.0 UC
Minolta AF 100 mm 2.8 D macro
Minolta AF 50 mm 1.4
Tamron AF 70 - 300 LD Macro

price paid:

600

positive:

minolta like colors and bokeh, price, price and price

negative:

focus hunt in low light, not sal70200g

comment:

sal70200g cost in czech republic 3600$... no more comments here
switch flare control from 4 to 5 because:
http://alpha.mylee.cz/test/sigma7020028-2xtc.jpg
shot at 200mm 2.8 with low-cost Rokunar TC 2x (400mm f5.6)
http://alpha.mylee.cz/test/sigma7020028.jpg (200mm f8)
no sharpening !!!

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Marcin   review date: March-18-08  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

MAF 24-85/3.5-4.5
MAF 28-75/2.8
MAF 70-200/2.8 SSM

price paid:

500euro (used)

positive:

-good sharpness performace,
-color,
-contrast,
-very good flare control!!
-very good build quality in this price range,
-quick AF,

negative:

-lack od AF limiter!!!!!!!!!
-not as good as 70-200/2.8 APO SSM G

comment:

This lens isn't as sharp as Minolta 100/2.8 macro D but it is good in this matter even if You compare results with Minolta/sony 70-200/2.8.
I'm positively suprised witch contrast and colors af this lens.
Despite the fact that there's no HSM motor inside, AF of this lens is very fast specially when You are using it with Sony A700 or Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 7/9. Only thorn in the flash is lack of AF limiter. This matter irritate me when I'am using Sigma TCx2 with it - AF limiter would be very helpfull.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ouscazz Photo   review date: December-04-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Beercan
Big Beercan

price paid:

900 USD

positive:

Sharp
Fast & accurate AF
Internal Zoom + Focus
Non rotating front element
Solid build
Much cheaper than 'G' glass
Tripod mount

negative:

Silly front cap
Discontinued

comment:

I stumbled over this jem on Dyxum and didn't think it over for a single second, I just bought the thing. I've heard/read so much good about this lens so I just had to try it out. Now I've had it for a week only and I'm totally hooked already!

I've previously owned the Beercan but got tired of the slow AF and the oldschool feel of it.
This one is sooo fast AF'ing compared to the Beercan. It snaps focus in a split second on my D7D. Focus and zoom rings travel smooth and easy. Image quality is superb (ok, the Beercan colors are a tad better). Bokeh is so wonderfully smooth and can produce some really nice and smooth textures.

It is actually a little soft at the long end wide open, but up to ~180mm it's razor sharp even at f/2.8. @200mm it's razor sharp from f/4.

If you're not prepared to spend all the money people ask for their 'G' lenses, this one is a killer choise. You woun't regret buying it...If you're lucky enough to find one will say...

Now I've got to buy a 1.4x APO TC to go with it, then I'll have a 98-280/4... how cool is that?



Jan 2 2008

One month later and my love to this lens has grown even greater. With my 2'nd 7D body it works even better. No FF or BF issues at all, AF is absolutely spot on at all distances and at all focal lengths. This is indeed a versatile lens that has been permanently mounted to my cam the last month. And I'm willing to carry the extra weight in my neck strap.

And oh, I got the APO 2X TC EX DG too, works better than expected but I have to get back to this once the light is comming back to the northern hemisphere.

If you see an APO 70-200/2.8 EX DG for sale, GET IT!!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bengt54   review date: June-13-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

VERY fast and accurate AF. Excellent sharpness and lovely bokeh. Internal zoom and internal focus.
Fair price.

negative:

long minimum focal distance

comment:

Sharpness is excellent, even at f2.8. AF is fast and accurate. It produces nice colors.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Nebbor   review date: April-25-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 50-500 EX DG
Minolta 100-300
Sony 70-200 2.8 G SSM

price paid:

900 euro (new)

positive:

-build
-bokeh
-price compared to it's Minolta/Sony equivalent
-sharpness
-fast AF

negative:

-lens hood not as nice to attach as the Sigma 50-500
-tripod collar obstructs zooming a bit when attached
-little soft wide open at 200mm

comment:

I walked into a photoshop asking when the macro version of this lens would be available since this one is discontinued and I had been looking for one since months. They couldn't tell me so I wanted to leave but decided to check what A-mount lenses they had. And there was: the lens I had been looking for! All what can be said about this lens has been said below. And I can confirm it's all true. Super lens for the price. It has it's negatives but for me these are very minor. On digital the same focal length as my previous workhorse, this is my most used lens now.
Highly reccomended!

Edit: since this review I found a serious backfocus issue at 15+ meters. Normally I use this lens below this distance so I never noticed. Had a chance to test it side-by-side with the Sony 70-200 G SSM and, apart from the focus issue, I would rate it equal to the Sony. Still highly recommended, as long as you get a good copy.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jeff   review date: April-07-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

18-200 Sony
28-105 Tamron

price paid:

1150

positive:

Amazing bokeh
very sharp
not as long as other 2.8s in same class

negative:

long minimum focal distance

comment:

I just can't believe the $2400 Sony could possibly be any better than this lens, and even if it is, there is NO POSSIBLE WAY its twice as good.

If you can find one of these, buy it!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: paulobro   review date: February-10-07  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

VERY fast and accurate AF. Excellent sharpness and lovely bokeh. Internal zoom and internal focus.
Fair price.

negative:

Lens hood and cap could be better designed and built.

comment:

Superb performer.
If you can find one, get it! (Need I say more?)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Paul07   review date: September-01-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Minolta 100-300 D APO

positive:

sharp
fast & accurate AF
build quality
color
reasonable size & weight
performance with 1.4x EX DG converter
reasonable price

negative:

size & weight, compared to Minolta 100-300 APO D

comment:

This is just a wonderful lens to work with.

There are hardly any circumstances in which its performance in below expectation, whether it be low light, action, portrait, or a combination of any of these.
Sharpness is excellent, even at f2.8. AF is fast and accurate. It produces nice colors.

And above all, it keeps all of its qualities (including its sharpness) when adding the 1.4 EX DG converter to it (except some loss of light of course).
So with a limited additional investment, I have a magnificent 2nd lens: 98-280/f3.9. If I have the chance one day, I will surely test this against the Sigma 100-300/4 EX DG. I would be surprised if the "real" 100-300 would do significantly better.

Now, this does not mean I don't use my 100-300 D Apo anymore. The Minolta 100-300 does not always have the same sharpness when wide open, its AF is not equally fast, it does not zoom internally, etc... BUT it is still delivering a very good image quality at a lot lower price, and due to its limited size and weight, it is a lot easier to carry around for a day.
I would not want to miss any of these two. It would be a very hard choice if I ever would need to let one of them go as each has its qualities.

Bottomline according to me: if you are able to add this 70-200 to your toolbox, I don't think you will ever regret it.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RacingManiac   review date: June-28-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

AF 70-210 f4 "beercan"
AF 300 F4 G

price paid:

Bought new at B&H

positive:

Sharp Pic
Great Color
Fast AF
Sturdy Build
Detachable Tripod Collar
Value Priced

negative:

Hood and Lens cap kinda flimsy
AF/MF switch feels a bit cheap

comment:

Very good lens at very good price. Unless the Minolta 80-200 APO G is utterly mind blowing there is little reason why to spend the extra to buy a used one online when you can get this Sigma new. It is my first non-Minolta lens and I am VERY impressed with it. It had a trial by fire on a Formula 1 Race weekend and I have to say it passed with flying color(literally). Focus is fast and the lens is sharp, the lens generally feels very nicely made, though I have to say not quite as nice as my 300 G. The hood is relatively flimsy and the lenscap is also kinda cheap. The AF-MF sliding lock is a neat touch and simple to use, but the actuation feels a bit cheap. But other than that the lens is optically wonderful and generally very well build.

Highly recommanded as alternative to Minolta's own G Zoom, though I am sure the SSM is nicer faster, but it'll cost 3 times more than the Sigma with Sony around...

sharpness: 4,5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: terrylloydsmith   review date: May-16-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Beercan.
Minolta 100-300 D APO

price paid:

709 USD

positive:

Very Sharp and compact for this focal range. Built very nice.

negative:

Lens cap kinda cheap
No focus limiter
No focus hold button

comment:

I bought this lens new ($709) because I can't see paying twice as much for a used Maxxum 80-200 f2.8 or 70-200 f2.8 (although I'd love to own either). This lens is built very nicely and is sharp. Wide open performance is very good but stop it down to f5.6 and it's really excellent! Should be a killer football lens. Overall I'm very impressed with this Sigma and I'm glad I purchased it. A little sharper than my 100-300 Minolta APO D. Also like the matched APO 1.4x and 2x converters.

I have used this lens for a couple months now and I'm totally impressed. Just a super fine optic. Money well spent but not as nice as either the Minolta 80-200 or SSM.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrylloydsmith/

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: filipcharvey   review date: April-23-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC, Tamron 28-300 XR Di 3.5-6.7

positive:

Very nice lens,Razor Sharp,Fast focusing, Colour is very neutral, removable tripod collar.

negative:

None

comment:

This is my second Sigma serie EX lens, and I love this Trademark, very robust serie for almost third price(I paid it 850 Euros) of the discontinued Minolta 70-200 2.8 APO G(D)SSM (2400 Euros), and I'm not sure that one is so far better than the Sigma, and certainely not three times better. May be the SSM motor would be faster.Ok and so what?
Good investment for me !

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pierce324   review date: February-03-06  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

FAST focusing! Nice color and sharp from corner to corner. Hard to get used to the DOF at f2.8, but love the speed. The build is excellent with a solid heft and the trademark flat black EX finish. The hood is reverse mountable for storage and seems deep enough to control stray light in most situations. While the KM SSM lens may be better, it is in no way twice as good. I feel that my money was well spent.

negative:

Yes, it is heavy. The zoom ring is a bit stiffer than I'm used to, but that may change with use and better stiff than sloppy.

comment:

My first non-Minolta lens since a 400mm APO in the eighties and probably not my last.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: degliro   review date: October-28-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

very sharp pictures

negative:

a bit heavy

comment:

this is a superb lens which makes very sharp pictures. It becomes a nit heavy after a while but compared to its price it is really value for money

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: former member   review date: May-28-05  

    tested on film camera:

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

    tested on full frame:25MP

compared to:

positive:

Very nice and sharp images

negative:

its weight (after a while)

comment:

I use this wonderful lens mainly for sports photography, sometimes with the 2.0 APO tele converter. It is a very good lens for its price, fast enough and no flare or chromatic abberation. If you are looking for a lens in this focusrange, don't hesitate to buy this one.