Sigma 70-300

Bramela · 07-08-2007, 10:41 PM

I am considering a Sigma APO DG 70-300 and have been for a while. I have a Sigma 17-70 and Pentax DA50-200 (both very satisfactory) but I am considering the 70-300 mainly for its Macro capability.
Would anybody recomend this for a low budget lens or do you think I should opt for a Tamron.
The Treasurer keeps pretty tight pursestrings in this house.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

smcclelland · 07-08-2007, 10:54 PM

It's a decent consumer lens for the price, I mainly use mine for sports photography because the 70-200 f2.8 was unavailable. As far as the macro feature goes, I haven't found it very useful personally as the focussing distance is a fair distance (one foot or more I believe, someone might be able to verify or give the exact figure).

I'd probably say save the money and get the Tamron 90mm macro (I paid $290 CDN for my Sigma 70-300 APO DG, the Tamron 90mm in Canada is about $500-ish). How close do you intend on shooting the macro subjects?

-s

nathancombs · 07-08-2007, 10:59 PM

i used a Sigma 70-300 to shoot these when i worked at a newspaper, i was using a D70, and i think it was the same lens as the one you are looking at just a different mount. also i do not shoot a lot of micro so take this with a gram of salt but i was using the micro setting on the lens lol

other photos i took with it

my sister

Bramela · 07-09-2007, 12:29 AM

Thanks for your comments and advice guys.
Actually I was wanting the macro for a little further distant ( up to 12-18").
I like really close insect work and the sigma 17-70 is great for that.
Reading your replies and what have gleaned from elsewhere I think I'll lean to the Tamron.
Some nice shots there Nathan.Particularly like the rose, well focussed.
Thanks again.

Clem Nichols · 07-09-2007, 05:36 AM

I've been satisfied with the Sigma 70-300 APO DG. Here's one of my "macro" shots taken with it.

Clem Nichols

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1197/749543903_861f7547c3.jpg

bc_the_path · 07-09-2007, 06:13 AM

I am also happy with mine.
The only drawback is its looks! With the plastic hood on, it seems like a heavy weapon!
Still, the price/performance ratio "for me" is quite fine...

07-08-2007, 10:41 PM	#1
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284	Sigma 70-300 I am considering a Sigma APO DG 70-300 and have been for a while. I have a Sigma 17-70 and Pentax DA50-200 (both very satisfactory) but I am considering the 70-300 mainly for its Macro capability. Would anybody recomend this for a low budget lens or do you think I should opt for a Tamron. The Treasurer keeps pretty tight pursestrings in this house. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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07-08-2007, 10:54 PM	#2
smcclelland Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 168	It's a decent consumer lens for the price, I mainly use mine for sports photography because the 70-200 f2.8 was unavailable. As far as the macro feature goes, I haven't found it very useful personally as the focussing distance is a fair distance (one foot or more I believe, someone might be able to verify or give the exact figure). I'd probably say save the money and get the Tamron 90mm macro (I paid $290 CDN for my Sigma 70-300 APO DG, the Tamron 90mm in Canada is about $500-ish). How close do you intend on shooting the macro subjects? -s

07-08-2007, 10:59 PM	#3
nathancombs Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Waysboro va Photos: Gallery Posts: 517	i used a Sigma 70-300 to shoot these when i worked at a newspaper, i was using a D70, and i think it was the same lens as the one you are looking at just a different mount. also i do not shoot a lot of micro so take this with a gram of salt but i was using the micro setting on the lens lol other photos i took with it my sister

07-09-2007, 12:29 AM	#4
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284 Original Poster	Thanks for your comments and advice guys. Actually I was wanting the macro for a little further distant ( up to 12-18"). I like really close insect work and the sigma 17-70 is great for that. Reading your replies and what have gleaned from elsewhere I think I'll lean to the Tamron. Some nice shots there Nathan.Particularly like the rose, well focussed. Thanks again.

07-09-2007, 05:36 AM	#5
Clem Nichols Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Munfordville, Ky. Photos: Gallery Posts: 370	I've been satisfied with the Sigma 70-300 APO DG. Here's one of my "macro" shots taken with it. Clem Nichols http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1197/749543903_861f7547c3.jpg

07-09-2007, 06:13 AM	#6
bc_the_path Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ankara, Turkey Photos: Gallery Posts: 401	I am also happy with mine. The only drawback is its looks! With the plastic hood on, it seems like a heavy weapon! Still, the price/performance ratio "for me" is quite fine...