[zoomzoomfan]

I currently have a Pentax SMC-FA 100-300mm F4 zoom that I've been "okay" with. I've read on this forum that its not Pentax's best effort by any means. I concur.

To replace it, I'm thinking about getting a Sigma 70-300mm DG lens. This lens has the added benefit of 1:2 macro.

I've read the reviews on the Sigma and am pleased with what I've read so far.

Just wondering if anyone here has this lens and can guide me on whether my decision is a sensible one.

Naturally, the old lens will be available for sale. Is this a lens that I'll be able to sell easily or would I have to pay someone to take it off my hands?

TIA

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Last edited by zoomzoomfan; 11-05-2007 at 09:03 PM. Reason: Dyslexia attack

[little laker]

Although the DG is an alright lens most people like the APO better.
The image quality is by far better.

London Drugs probably has them in stock for somewhere around the $300.00 mark.

[zoomzoomfan]

Hmmm... ok. Let me ask this then:

How would the DG lens compare to the lens I currently have?

An upgrade?
A significant upgrade?
A downgrade?
No difference?

Thanks... appreciate any advice I can get on this.

[SCGushue]

Hmmm... ok. Let me ask this then:

How would the DG lens compare to the lens I currently have?

An upgrade?
A significant upgrade?
A downgrade?
No difference?

Thanks... appreciate any advice I can get on this.

Zoom,

If you are talking about the Sigma EX DG IF APO 100-300 f4. The lens is a quantum upgrade and it is an outstanding len s with professionally capable output. The color, contrast and resolution of this lens is about as good as is available on the market in any make. Not cheap, but the output from the lens is pretty much worth the cash input.

Further, the dedicated APO 1.4 produces results, when coupled, has absolute minimal degradation on the image. The 2X APO converter isn't bad either.

If you are looking to move into serious lenses, this one is worth considering. It is BIG (but that is okay) but exceptionally well built.

Not too easy to locate one though...unless the playing field has changed of late.

Stephen

[zoomzoomfan]

Thanks Stephen. Any thoughts about the Sigma 70-300mm DG lens?

Not worth it?

[BrianK]

Zoom:

LittleLaker is right, London drugs have the Sigma 70-300APO version for about $350.

I have the non APO version and I am quite happy with it. According to all the comments the APO version has a bit more contrast and better coatings. It seems to be the only one on the LD website now anyway. When I was looking the APO version was a special order so I took the other version.

Is it better than the lens you have? I can't tell you that because have never used that 100-300 Pentax lens. I think the Sigma is a decent lens for the price.

This was shot with the non APO version, snapshot style when I heard them coming.

[SCGushue]

Thanks Stephen. Any thoughts about the Sigma 70-300mm DG lens?

Not worth it?

Zoom,

I have had exposure to a Pentax 100-300 in the past, via a test. Okay, for fun shoots but the lens won't stand up to really serious review but will deliver very acceptable family shots.

The Sigma 70-300 DG APO is a step up in class and from 200mm down the lens is quite good and capable of some serious captures. The lens does start to lose contrast as you move towards the 300mm mark. But overall, the lens is pretty good and really worth considering. The price is just about right too. A lot of bang for the buck.

It is, however, still substantially less capable of rendering pro images like the lens I quoted above. But, it will take really nice images none the less.

Stephen

[713alan]

Stephen

Thank's for the last reply. Not all of us can afford the very best, or in my case don't want a huge lens. It is nice to hear someone say how to get better pictures. Some camera snobs on this forum seem to think it is better to not take any pictures unless you have the best equipment.