Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300

G.G. · 09-18-2007, 12:13 PM

Does anyone know about the Sigma Zoom 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro? I ordered this last night and read a few good reviews but was hoping someone in here has tried it out. Feedback would be great!

bc_the_path · 09-18-2007, 01:01 PM

It is NOT the smallest, lightest, sharpest K-mount autofocus tele zoom, for sure!

However, it is quite satisfactory for an (?advanced) amateur. Its middle range is better than the 300mm end. It is best during sunny days and its quasi-macro is a big plus, if you happen to use it.

I can say the price/performance ratio (which, most of the time what really counts) is good.

G.G. · 09-18-2007, 01:07 PM

Originally posted by bc_the_path

It is NOT the smallest, lightest, sharpest K-mount autofocus tele zoom, for sure!

However, it is quite satisfactory for an (?advanced) amateur. Its middle range is better than the 300mm end. It is best during sunny days and its quasi-macro is a big plus, if you happen to use it.

I can say the price/performance ratio (which, most of the time what really counts) is good.

Is there one you would suggest over that , that is close to that price range? Im looking between 200.00-300.00

Thanks!

Bramela · 09-18-2007, 01:44 PM

I have found the Tamron Di LD 70-300 Macro not too bad for the price.
Is fairly crisp and sharp low to mid range. However maybe just a little soft at the long range. I do like its Macro capabilities.
One hitch, it does tend to flare a bit in very bright light, giving purple fringing.
For the price have found to be a rather useful and satisfactory lens.
# Check out slick100D's posting of insect shots in Post your photos. Show macro capability of this lens.
The shots are quite brilliant.

Last edited by Bramela; 09-18-2007 at 01:53 PM.

bc_the_path · 09-18-2007, 01:55 PM

As far as I know, No! (No idea about Tamron).
Tele-lenses, old and new, are in short supply here.
See the market section; someone is selling his all system (K10D + first class lenses) just to buy a fast tele + Nikon.

The closer thing is Pentax DA 50-200mm, I doubt if it performs much better.

Cheers,

Bülent.

kbrabble · 09-18-2007, 04:39 PM

I think the Sigma is a very good performer, and the 1:2 macro makes it a very versatile lens. Bang for the Buck value is very high, you just have to use it within its limitations.

SpecialK · 09-18-2007, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by bc_the_path

As far as I know, No! (No idea about Tamron).
Tele-lenses, old and new, are in short supply here.
See the market section; someone is selling his all system (K10D + first class lenses) just to buy a fast tele + Nikon.

The closer thing is Pentax DA 50-200mm, I doubt if it performs much better.

Cheers,

Bülent.

I have both lenses and the Pentax 50-200 has better IQ, though obviously lacking the range and quasi-macro mode.

Here's an informal test:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/4768-lens-comp...-70-300-a.html

Some people claim the opposite, which I attribute to quality control issues.

09-18-2007, 12:13 PM	#1
G.G. New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 18	Sigma Zoom Telephoto 70-300 Does anyone know about the Sigma Zoom 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro? I ordered this last night and read a few good reviews but was hoping someone in here has tried it out. Feedback would be great!

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09-18-2007, 01:01 PM	#2
bc_the_path Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ankara, Turkey Photos: Gallery Posts: 401	It is NOT the smallest, lightest, sharpest K-mount autofocus tele zoom, for sure! However, it is quite satisfactory for an (?advanced) amateur. Its middle range is better than the 300mm end. It is best during sunny days and its quasi-macro is a big plus, if you happen to use it. I can say the price/performance ratio (which, most of the time what really counts) is good.

09-18-2007, 01:07 PM	#3
G.G. New Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 18 Original Poster	Originally posted by bc_the_path It is NOT the smallest, lightest, sharpest K-mount autofocus tele zoom, for sure! However, it is quite satisfactory for an (?advanced) amateur. Its middle range is better than the 300mm end. It is best during sunny days and its quasi-macro is a big plus, if you happen to use it. I can say the price/performance ratio (which, most of the time what really counts) is good. Is there one you would suggest over that , that is close to that price range? Im looking between 200.00-300.00 Thanks!

09-18-2007, 01:44 PM	#4
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284	I have found the Tamron Di LD 70-300 Macro not too bad for the price. Is fairly crisp and sharp low to mid range. However maybe just a little soft at the long range. I do like its Macro capabilities. One hitch, it does tend to flare a bit in very bright light, giving purple fringing. For the price have found to be a rather useful and satisfactory lens. # Check out slick100D's posting of insect shots in Post your photos. Show macro capability of this lens. The shots are quite brilliant. Last edited by Bramela; 09-18-2007 at 01:53 PM.

09-18-2007, 01:55 PM	#5
bc_the_path Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ankara, Turkey Photos: Gallery Posts: 401	As far as I know, No! (No idea about Tamron). Tele-lenses, old and new, are in short supply here. See the market section; someone is selling his all system (K10D + first class lenses) just to buy a fast tele + Nikon. The closer thing is Pentax DA 50-200mm, I doubt if it performs much better. Cheers, Bülent.

09-18-2007, 04:39 PM	#6
kbrabble Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 181	I think the Sigma is a very good performer, and the 1:2 macro makes it a very versatile lens. Bang for the Buck value is very high, you just have to use it within its limitations.

09-18-2007, 07:32 PM	#7
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	Originally posted by bc_the_path As far as I know, No! (No idea about Tamron). Tele-lenses, old and new, are in short supply here. See the market section; someone is selling his all system (K10D + first class lenses) just to buy a fast tele + Nikon. The closer thing is Pentax DA 50-200mm, I doubt if it performs much better. Cheers, Bülent. I have both lenses and the Pentax 50-200 has better IQ, though obviously lacking the range and quasi-macro mode. Here's an informal test: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/4768-lens-comp...-70-300-a.html Some people claim the opposite, which I attribute to quality control issues.