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05-28-2011, 08:33 AM   #1
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difference b'twn Sigma's 70-200 2.8 lenses?

Can anyone tell me if there is any optical difference between these 2 lenses? Is it just the OS? I'm looking at the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM ($1400) and the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM ($950) Reviews are confusing on these 2, as the macro seems to have slow focus - not what I need for sports pics. Any help would be great! Thx

05-28-2011, 06:57 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by mokey Quote
Can anyone tell me if there is any optical difference between these 2 lenses? Is it just the OS? I'm looking at the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM ($1400) and the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM ($950) Reviews are confusing on these 2, as the macro seems to have slow focus - not what I need for sports pics. Any help would be great! Thx
The OS version is the newer one, and I think it has a slightly revised optical formula (apparently better) as well as the addition of the OS system.
Sigma has had a number of 70-200s over the years, and to the best of my knowledge, these are the revisions of the lens, in chronological order:

- Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX APO
- Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG
- Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM
- Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro II HSM
- Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

The last two are the ones you're looking at.
05-28-2011, 07:22 PM   #3
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Pop4 has the order of production correct except there was a macro version prior tothe first HSM lens as well. The non DG version is reported to be the sharpest. The macro versions are all reported to be somewhat soft at maximum focal length

The OS version is a new optical formula due to the way the OS is implemented and reviews say it is sharper than the previous HSM versions
06-01-2011, 09:19 AM   #4
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FYI...Sigma actually answered an email (Still waiting for Pentax Canada to reply to about 3 emails regarding my SDM issue) Apparently the OS version has better glass. Here is their reply...

"The OS model is not a macro as the magnification ratio is different as well as minimum focusing distance.

The focusing speed I approximately the same but the OS model also has better glass in it (FLD: FLD glass elements with performance equal to fluorite glass for compensate for color aberration)"

06-01-2011, 04:54 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by mokey Quote
"The OS model is not a macro as the magnification ratio is different as well as minimum focusing distance.
One thing to note about Sigma "Macro" lenses: even if they have the word macro in the full lens name they're not real macro lenses in the sense of being able to provide 1:1 magnification, unless they're the few fixed focal length, 1:1 Macro lenses that Sigma offer, e.g. 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro or 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro.
However, these non-1:1 macros lenses tend to offer closer minimum focusing distances, and relatively higher magnification ratios.

E.g.
70-200/2.8 EX DG "Macro" II HSM has a maximum magnification of 1:3.5; min focus distance: 1m
70-200/2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a maximum magnification of 1:8; min focus distance: 1.4m

QuoteOriginally posted by mokey Quote
(Still waiting for Pentax Canada to reply to about 3 emails regarding my SDM issue)
But officially, there is no SDM issue
06-01-2011, 05:16 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by pop4 Quote
One thing to note about Sigma "Macro" lenses: even if they have the word macro in the full lens name they're not real macro lenses in the sense of being able to provide 1:1 magnification, unless they're the few fixed focal length, 1:1 Macro lenses that Sigma offer, e.g. 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro or 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro.
However, these non-1:1 macros lenses tend to offer closer minimum focusing distances, and relatively higher magnification ratios.

E.g.
70-200/2.8 EX DG "Macro" II HSM has a maximum magnification of 1:3.5; min focus distance: 1m
70-200/2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a maximum magnification of 1:8; min focus distance: 1.4m

But officially, there is no SDM issue
personally, the 1st generation 70-200 would be better for use, especially it's MFD is much closer. although it is still quite long for focusing (1m) for a 70mm which is bad.
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