Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

KFrog · 11-23-2010, 02:42 PM - **1 Like**

Why would a Pentax (or Sony for that matter) user get the new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1700 (B&H) when you could get the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM for $800 (B&H)? Just for the in lens "Optical Stabilization" even though both systems cameras have built in Shake Reduction?

**Lowell Goudge** · 11-23-2010, 02:52 PM

I still use the origonal Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX (non DG non Macro) I have not fealt the urge to upgrade. I am not sure how the two lenses you are discussing match up. I know the optical formula differs between the two.

**NaClH2O** · 11-23-2010, 02:53 PM

Actually, from all I've read the original Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX without the macro and without the HSM is the best of the three. And if you can find it, significantly cheaper too.

NaCl(all that is newest ain't necessarily best)H2O

KFrog · 11-23-2010, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I still use the origonal Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX (non DG non Macro) I have not fealt the urge to upgrade. I am not sure how the two lenses you are discussing match up. I know the optical formula differs between the two.

They are both zoom lenses, both 70-200mm and both offer constant aperture of F/2.8. One has macro and the other OS. One costs more than twice what the other costs. Why is the would make this lens for Pentax and Sony? Did they discontinue the older one? It's still available at B&H.

Rory · 11-23-2010, 03:39 PM

Originally posted by KFrog

They are both zoom lenses, both 70-200mm and both offer constant aperture of F/2.8. One has macro and the other OS. One costs more than twice what the other costs. Why is the would make this lens for Pentax and Sony? Did they discontinue the older one? It's still available at B&H.

First, he owns the original version of this, so I'm fairly sure he knows what the lenses are, he just didn't read into the abbreviations for the difference.

Second, the optical stabilization is going to be more effective in the lens at that focal length.

**jpzk** · 11-23-2010, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by KFrog

Why would a Pentax (or Sony for that matter) user get the new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1700 (B&H) when you could get the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM for $800 (B&H)? Just for the in lens "Optical Stabilization" even though both systems cameras have built in Shake Reduction?

And you can probably find a similar Tamron at a very good price ... in spite of some negative feedback about it but I do like mine and it does a great job.

I've heard that the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM, as you say here, is one great deal too!
For me that would be the choice if I didn't already own the Tamron.

JP

hal_a · 11-23-2010, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by KFrog

Why would a Pentax (or Sony for that matter) user get the new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1700 (B&H) when you could get the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM for $800 (B&H)? Just for the in lens "Optical Stabilization" even though both systems cameras have built in Shake Reduction?

because optical stabilization becomes more effective than sensor based stabilization at longer focal lengths.

Pentaxor · 11-23-2010, 04:41 PM

it doesn't matter. it only got OS. non-OS makes more sense, price-wise. I would get the cheaper and non-OS Sigma 150mm if only it were available for Pentax.

Arpe · 11-23-2010, 04:43 PM

I notice the new OS one has min focus dist of 1.4m, as opposed to the previous "macro" one which has a 1.0m min dist. When they went "macro" with that lens there was some talk that it did reduce the quality of the lens, as these compromises can do. So maybe the new OS one has better IQ? Just a guess.

deadwolfbones · 11-23-2010, 04:51 PM

I'm pretty sure the older version has indeed been discontinued.

Ubuntu_user · 11-23-2010, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

I'm pretty sure the older version has indeed been discontinued.

I called Sigma USA a few weeks ago (it's been more like a month now) and they said that it's not discontinued.

iunknown · 11-23-2010, 08:21 PM - **1 Like**

****This is my cross post from DPR***

I have used the new Sigma 70-200 OS HSM in Canon mount for 2 weeks and returned it. The reason for return is nothing related to the quality of lens. With the rebates, Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II is only $300 higher than Sigma and hence I bought it. Based on my 2 week's testing here is what I summarize on Sigma

1) The new Sigma 70-200 OS HSM is a different lens than the older models. Sigme not only added the optical stabilization, but also changed the entire lens (you can clearly see that the new lens is optically different - elements are different). Image quality is excellent. On my Canon 7D (1.6 crop camera), the entire frame is sharp in wide open. I have not used it in a full frame camera and hence do not know whether it is tack sharp in the entire frame. Stopping down to F4 gets the maximum sharpness.

2) There is no CA. Sigma uses some SLD elements and due to the, there is absolutely no CA

3) Focus is fast (with HSM). On my Canon 7D (a fast camera with 8FPS), Sigma is really fast in continuous action. I assume that in Pentax K-5, it will be equally fast.

4) Sigma has a new type of finish (sort of glossy - not their old style) and I prefer this one

5) Bokeh is smooth and buttery. It seems Sigma is becoming great in this area (their 50mm and 85mm lens are class leading)

6) In my experience, I have seen almost 3 stops of Optical Stabilization with the new Sigma. It may not be a matter in a camera like Pentax K-5

7) One advantage that I am seeing in Sigma against DA* 60-250 is the internal focussing (the barrel does not extened while zooming).

I know that Sigma is not weathersealed. But the build is very good (the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS II and Pentax 60-250 is weather sealed)

I would say if you can get the Sigma for $1200-1300 (I paid $1525), it is absolutely wonderful.

-iunknown

Arpe · 11-24-2010, 12:22 AM

Thanks iunknown, good info.

siva.ss.kumar · 11-24-2010, 03:54 AM

Also, OS in the lens is good for longer focal lengths. I can view stabilised images through such lenses, which may not be possible in the sensor based Pentax bodies.

Entropy · 11-24-2010, 11:03 AM

Yeah, stabilization of how the viewfinder and AF system sees the image can be quite beneficial.

However, unlike the Sigma 18-250 vs Tamron 18-250 (almost no significant price difference, so getting the OS lens was a no-brainer), in this case the OS doubles the price.

I'd be willing to pay some price premium but not that much...

11-23-2010, 02:42 PM - 1 Like	#1
KFrog Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Katy, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 294	Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 Why would a Pentax (or Sony for that matter) user get the new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1700 (B&H) when you could get the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM for $800 (B&H)? Just for the in lens "Optical Stabilization" even though both systems cameras have built in Shake Reduction?

11-23-2010, 04:43 PM	#9
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	I notice the new OS one has min focus dist of 1.4m, as opposed to the previous "macro" one which has a 1.0m min dist. When they went "macro" with that lens there was some talk that it did reduce the quality of the lens, as these compromises can do. So maybe the new OS one has better IQ? Just a guess. Last edited by Arpe; 11-23-2010 at 06:44 PM.

11-23-2010, 08:21 PM - 1 Like	#12
iunknown Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 94	I have used Sigma 70-200 HSM OS in Canon Mount **This is my cross post from DPR* I have used the new Sigma 70-200 OS HSM in Canon mount for 2 weeks and returned it. The reason for return is nothing related to the quality of lens. With the rebates, Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II is only $300 higher than Sigma and hence I bought it. Based on my 2 week's testing here is what I summarize on Sigma 1) The new Sigma 70-200 OS HSM is a different lens than the older models. Sigme not only added the optical stabilization, but also changed the entire lens (you can clearly see that the new lens is optically different - elements are different). Image quality is excellent. On my Canon 7D (1.6 crop camera), the entire frame is sharp in wide open. I have not used it in a full frame camera and hence do not know whether it is tack sharp in the entire frame. Stopping down to F4 gets the maximum sharpness. 2) There is no CA. Sigma uses some SLD elements and due to the, there is absolutely no CA 3) Focus is fast (with HSM). On my Canon 7D (a fast camera with 8FPS), Sigma is really fast in continuous action. I assume that in Pentax K-5, it will be equally fast. 4) Sigma has a new type of finish (sort of glossy - not their old style) and I prefer this one 5) Bokeh is smooth and buttery. It seems Sigma is becoming great in this area (their 50mm and 85mm lens are class leading) 6) In my experience, I have seen almost 3 stops of Optical Stabilization with the new Sigma. It may not be a matter in a camera like Pentax K-5 7) One advantage that I am seeing in Sigma against DA* 60-250 is the internal focussing (the barrel does not extened while zooming). I know that Sigma is not weathersealed. But the build is very good (the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS II and Pentax 60-250 is weather sealed) I would say if you can get the Sigma for $1200-1300 (I paid $1525), it is absolutely wonderful. -iunknown

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11-23-2010, 02:52 PM	#2
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	I still use the origonal Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX (non DG non Macro) I have not fealt the urge to upgrade. I am not sure how the two lenses you are discussing match up. I know the optical formula differs between the two.

11-23-2010, 02:53 PM	#3
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Actually, from all I've read the original Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX without the macro and without the HSM is the best of the three. And if you can find it, significantly cheaper too. NaCl(all that is newest ain't necessarily best)H2O

11-23-2010, 03:09 PM	#4
KFrog Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Katy, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 294 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I still use the origonal Sigma APO 70-200F2.8 EX (non DG non Macro) I have not fealt the urge to upgrade. I am not sure how the two lenses you are discussing match up. I know the optical formula differs between the two. They are both zoom lenses, both 70-200mm and both offer constant aperture of F/2.8. One has macro and the other OS. One costs more than twice what the other costs. Why is the would make this lens for Pentax and Sony? Did they discontinue the older one? It's still available at B&H.

11-23-2010, 03:39 PM	#5
Rory Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Chicago Photos: Gallery Posts: 672	Originally posted by KFrog They are both zoom lenses, both 70-200mm and both offer constant aperture of F/2.8. One has macro and the other OS. One costs more than twice what the other costs. Why is the would make this lens for Pentax and Sony? Did they discontinue the older one? It's still available at B&H. First, he owns the original version of this, so I'm fairly sure he knows what the lenses are, he just didn't read into the abbreviations for the difference. Second, the optical stabilization is going to be more effective in the lens at that focal length.

11-23-2010, 03:55 PM	#6
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by KFrog Why would a Pentax (or Sony for that matter) user get the new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1700 (B&H) when you could get the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM for $800 (B&H)? Just for the in lens "Optical Stabilization" even though both systems cameras have built in Shake Reduction? And you can probably find a similar Tamron at a very good price ... in spite of some negative feedback about it but I do like mine and it does a great job. I've heard that the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM, as you say here, is one great deal too! For me that would be the choice if I didn't already own the Tamron. JP

11-23-2010, 04:09 PM	#7
hal_a Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 60	Originally posted by KFrog Why would a Pentax (or Sony for that matter) user get the new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for $1700 (B&H) when you could get the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM for $800 (B&H)? Just for the in lens "Optical Stabilization" even though both systems cameras have built in Shake Reduction? because optical stabilization becomes more effective than sensor based stabilization at longer focal lengths.

11-23-2010, 04:41 PM	#8
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	it doesn't matter. it only got OS. non-OS makes more sense, price-wise. I would get the cheaper and non-OS Sigma 150mm if only it were available for Pentax.

11-23-2010, 04:51 PM	#10
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	I'm pretty sure the older version has indeed been discontinued.

11-23-2010, 04:57 PM	#11
Ubuntu_user Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,545	Originally posted by deadwolfbones I'm pretty sure the older version has indeed been discontinued. I called Sigma USA a few weeks ago (it's been more like a month now) and they said that it's not discontinued.

11-24-2010, 12:22 AM	#13
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	Thanks iunknown, good info.

11-24-2010, 03:54 AM	#14
siva.ss.kumar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chennai, India Photos: Albums Posts: 534	Also, OS in the lens is good for longer focal lengths. I can view stabilised images through such lenses, which may not be possible in the sensor based Pentax bodies.

11-24-2010, 11:03 AM	#15
Entropy Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 976	Yeah, stabilization of how the viewfinder and AF system sees the image can be quite beneficial. However, unlike the Sigma 18-250 vs Tamron 18-250 (almost no significant price difference, so getting the OS lens was a no-brainer), in this case the OS doubles the price. I'd be willing to pay some price premium but not that much...