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Sigma APO EX 70-200mm F2.8 Review RSS Feed

Sigma APO EX 70-200mm F2.8

Sharpness 
 9.5
Aberrations 
 9.2
Bokeh 
 9.4
Handling 
 9.0
Value 
 9.7
Autofocus 
 8.5
Reviews Views Date of last review
25 100,568 Fri September 4, 2020
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $739.90 9.50
Sigma APO EX 70-200mm F2.8
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Description:
Focal Length (mm) 70-200mm
Aperture Maximum 2.8
Aperture range 2.8-32, AE
Field of view 34.3-12.3 degrees
Optical construction (elements / groups) 17/14
Minimum focus distance (mm from film plane) 1800
magnification ratio 1:7.8
filter diameter (mm) 77
length (mm at infinity) 183.5
maximum diameter (mm) 86
weight (g) 1270

Discontinued. Succeeded by the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG II HSM.
Mount Type: Pentax KAF2/KAF (screwdrive AF)
Price History:



Add Review of Sigma APO EX 70-200mm F2.8
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Site Supporter

Registered: July, 2020
Posts: 131
Review Date: September 4, 2020 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: solid build; designed well; superb fast optics; good AF; solid, removable tripod collar
Cons: focusing ring slides too easily between AF and MF
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: LX, PZ-1, K10D, K-3 II, K-1 II    Autofocus: 8    New Or Used: New   

This tank of a lens is one of my favorites and most versatile. When I bought it new a couple decades ago (no clue on what I paid then, but presumably the going rate at B&H; a search of B&H ads in photo magazines from that era suggests that I paid $700-$800 then), I wanted a fast lens spanning this range that would be especially good at 200mm, and I couldn't afford new Pentax lenses of this quality then. This lens is tack sharp and even focuses fairly closely for flower pics with nice background bokeh. The tripod collar is very useful and flexible -- the design well thought out; you can remove it when not using a tripod; however, when the tripod collar is on, it somewhat interferes with unfettered access to the zoom ring -- but it's not a big deal. The location of the tripod collar balances really well with my cameras vs. the lens elements of this lens (in terms of front-end vs. back-end weight).

The aperture ring sits tight against the camera (even with its 360-degree ring, it's not overly easy to turn from the side or bottom of the lens barrel because it's recessed/pinched behind the quickly-expanding size of the lens barrel) and isn't as smooth turning as on some other lenses, but it does the job; just set the ring to "A" and use aperture priority. The focusing ring toward the end of the lens is rubberized, wide, and really good for quick, crisp focusing -- splendid design, except that the same focusing ring also slides back (for MF) and forward (for AF), and this sliding can't be locked in place and is often aggravating by moving when I don't want it to (but being careful alleviates any issues, once you're aware of it); this same problem afflicts my Sigma 105-mm f/2.8 Macro lens also (see my review of that lens here on Pentax Forums). The focusing ring only rotates about 80 degrees from infinity clockwise (as viewed from behind the camera) to shortest focus; this small focusing displacement means that it's harder to get precise focus, but this lens autofocuses quite well (though that doesn't help me with my astrophotography). It's nice that the lens focuses internally, so the end of the lens barrel (where you put a filter) does not rotate with focusing, nor does it rotate with zooming. The focal-length zoom ring turns only about 60 degrees from 70mm to 200mm (clockwise as seen from the back of the camera); again, it's poorly placed ergonomically with respect to the tripod collar. This lens is heavy, but balanced on my heavier cameras (PZ-1, K10D, K-3 II), it's very easy to hand-hold. On my LX, it's very front heavy (with the light LX body). The large plastic lens hood is very adequate; I store it reversed on the front end of the lens -- not ideal, but not a huge deal either, and it's not always the easiest action to click on properly. A metal lens hood would have been preferred, as always, but this lens definitely needs a hood, and this hood is quite long for adequate shielding of unwanted light into the lens.

Optical aberrations are minimal. I have only really good things to say about this lens, which I've also used for astrophotography. The autofocus works quickly and well, even in low-light conditions, on my Pentax cameras. For me, personally, the biggest downside to this lens is its size and weight -- meaning that it doesn't go with me on many walks or on many air travels, but I will pack it for car travels. I refuse to call its size and weight "negatives" or "cons", because you understand that's what you get when you get a superb optical zoom lens with minimum aperture f/2.8 throughout. Top-notch recommendation. The "matte" finish to the metal parts of the lens aren't liked by all, but it's Sigma, and my Sigma 105-mm f/2.8 Macro lens has the same basic outside feel to the basic parts (I think I bought both around the same time a couple decades ago). An added bonus to the sharp optics and fast glass is that I have a Pentax Rear Converter-A 2X-S that actually produces really good results at the top end of the focal range, adding to the versatility.

photo of the lens on my camera:

   
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2014
Location: Galway - Ireland
Posts: 213

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: June 2, 2015 Recommended | Price: $550.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp, IQ and colors, focal range, rather cheap now
Cons:
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 9    Value: 10    Camera Used: K3    Autofocus: 9   

WHO IS IT FOR ?
The 70-200mm f/2.8 is probably one of the most common lenses for pro use (with the 24-70mm f/2.8) because it covers a great range for portrait, sports or concert purpose.


HANDLING
This lens is really huge compared to the limited Pentax primes. With the hood on, it is really long and fat.
It weigh also a lot if you are not used to such lenses.
Handling is nice with a relatively smooth focus ring that can be pushed or pull for AF/MF.
The focal ring is a bit harder which mean that you should not use this lens for video.
The tripod collar is easy to put and remove and sometimes very usefull.


AUTOFOCUS
The autofocus is precise. Focusing is rather fast for most uses. I even used it for sports and it was very decent.
The AF system is faster when the focus ring is on AF.

IMAGE QUALITY

>SHARPNESS
This lens is quite sharp from wide open. If you compare it with some excellent prime lenses, the sharpness of this zoom is not as good.
But for a zoom with this aperture, the result is really great ! I noticed that the sharpness was better on the long end than on the short one.
I would say that from f/4 you have top sharp results everywhere and at f/2.8 the best focal length for sharpness is around 150mm

>BOKEH
Bokehs are great and soft, at 200mm f/2.8 it can be really amazing !

>CHROMA ABERRATIONS
Some green fringing can be visible around high contrast edges. Most of the time it is easy to correct it and for most pictures the result is even acceptable.

>FLARE
Can be sensitive to flare, but under extreme conditions. A little ghost can be visible also at night.

>COLOR RENDITION
Neutral/warm ! Great colors

>DISTORSION
There is no visible distorsion for this lens for everyday use which is great !

>VIGNETING
Nothing to care about !


CONCLUSION
Maybe this review sounds like it is not a killer lens. But honnestly it is and you won't regret it if you can find a copy.
With the release of the Pentax 70-200mm f/2.8 there will probably be lots of copies of sigma 70-200mm on the second hand market, and it is definitly an amazing value for money. One last thing about the weight of the lens : it is surely an issue for most peoples because carrying a 1.3kg lens seems horrible. Well, you just need to get used to it, that's all


SAMPLE PICTURES
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124013107@N08/16767191520/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124013107@N08/18025476126/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124013107@N08/18394488885/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124013107@N08/16982052967/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124013107@N08/16866915698/in/dateposted-public/
   
Veteran Member

Registered: October, 2012
Location: Ploiesti, Romania
Posts: 1,632
Review Date: June 13, 2013 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Lack of common optical aberation
Cons: Weight, but you can get used to
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 10   

I have recently bought this lens and I was expecting not very much, but better than my old Tamron 70-300 F4-5.6. But this lens has exceeded my expectations. I submitted a sample of the heaviest, ie the star test at F2.8. Almost no chromatic aberrations, no coma, almost very present in other lenses, and the ability to gather light in short time was excellent.

Of course it's heavy. But I got used to it very quickly in a week. Especially after I put a vertical grip on my K-5 camera.

Altogether,after those test, it is hard for me to think to a lens much slower than this.

I will try to post photos taken with this lens at F2, 8, after i will succed to upload some photo to the gallery. Still, I don't know how.
   
Senior Member

Registered: July, 2012
Location: Far North Qld, Australia
Posts: 184

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 23, 2013 Recommended | Price: $580.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp, fast, solid construction.
Cons: Heavy.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 8    Value: 10   

This is an excellent lens. Its very sharp across the range with a useful f2.8 aperture. Its of solid construction albeit quite heavy.
I have the original EX APO version, before they added the macro feature and HSM motor. Many people feel that this lens is among the better of the versions and i tend to agree. Ive been searching for one for a long time but it seems those who own it are reluctant to give it up.

Ive noticed very minimal chromatic aberrations. It does not like shooting into direct sunlight. Auto focus is fast and accurate. Switching to manual focus involves pulling the lens barrel towards you to release the AF lock. I would have preferred a switch but thats just me. The lens does not creep at all. Bokeh is buttery smooth.

Being part of Sigmas APO series, the quality really shows. This lens is suited to a tripod or monopod due to its heavy nature, and i found that it is fast enough for the weight not to detract from the sharp images (ie cause blur). Often times, being heavy helps keep it stable.

I use it with the K-30. Normally, im a huge fan of the K-30 grip, but after shooting for a while with this lens, my fingers start to hurt due to the deep grip and heavy lens. I think thats more to do with my technique; im used to holding the K-30 almost one handed. I have to get into the habit of using my left hand to support the lens barrel. This also gives me more stable, sharper shots.

I can highly recommend this lens. If you can live without the macro feature and hsm motor, then this is a potentially optically superior version of this excellent lens. If you get the chance to buy one, i would.

Here are some photos taken with this lens and the K-30 in the late afternoon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63892866@N03/sets/72157633311235500/
   
Junior Member

Registered: November, 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 42
Review Date: December 2, 2012 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Well built and designed. Sharp!
Cons: None.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

I have nothing negative to say about this lens. It has performed splendidly. I usually use it wide open or stopped down a stop or two. I don't know why others say it is heavy. I find it to be very lightweight. I have older, smaller lenses that are considerably heavier. There are now four versions of this lens. I have and use the first version. It's VERY good. Quite large, but also quite light in weight.

Kiron Kid
   
New Member

Registered: March, 2009
Location: winnipeg, mb
Posts: 15
Review Date: December 2, 2012 Recommended | Price: $275.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Feels solid, quick focus, good build
Cons: Heavy for hand hold
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

True I only paid $275 for this lens so maybes review is skewed as a result of getting a great deal. Bought this in Indonesia.

I had been waiting and waiting for Pentax to issue a new 70-200 2.8 lens and came upon this lens. I have tried some of the newer sigma 2.8 lens and was impressed, but not pressed enough to buy if Pentax was coming out with their own new version. From my first shot, I knew this lens was fantastic, even when zooming in 10 times, great sharpness for what I will shoot (birds for my wife and my kids indoor swim meets). I like the challenge of shooting birds because they are in-predictable and you need a quick lens and be ready. So for outdoors this lens has been excellent.

Where this lens would earns its money if I was doing it for money is indoors for my kids swim meets. Absolutely fantastic, freeze the water excellent Bkn and no chromatic abb that I have seen, I do not use the hood either. Shot at ISO (400-1600) Shutter (126-250) shake reduction "on" and Ap as close to 2.8 as I can get (I do use my light meter to get an initial reading on the lighting as all indoor pools are not lighted equally).

I would still like to see a new Pentax version, but for the cost am more than happy with this lens, true the shortest distance I can shoot is about 6 ft, but I would really never use this lens for close up work (less than 10 ft) as their is no field of view there.

I also have a Sigma 2times converter/extension tube, so at 400/5.6 this lens a great for long reach, the ext tube on this lens just makes macro stuff funny and let's you try different things



I hope this review helps someone out

Cheers
   
Pentaxian

Registered: June, 2008
Location: Holy Land
Posts: 1,165
Review Date: January 27, 2012 Recommended | Price: $750.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Vibrant color, Solid built, sharp, nice bokeh
Cons: None
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

I just picked up this lens, it's a EX DG pre-Macro version, so the built quality and the finish are just superb.
After 10 months of using this lens on a K10 and k20 cameras I am still amazed by this piece of glass.
The images it produces are tack sharp, rich in detail at all focal lengths and at all apertures. I tried this with the Pentax 1.7 TC with very goood result. It balances well with my K10 and k20 cameras. For the price I paid, I am a happy shooter.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: December, 2009
Posts: 45
Review Date: April 21, 2010 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Sharp and contrasty
Cons: None

Mine is the DG pre-Macro version. I bought one of these previously when shooting with a Minolta Maxxum 9. When comparing it to the Minolta HS-G 80-200/2.8 I found that while it was weaker at the short end it was sharper at 200mm than the excellent Minolta so I bought it instead. Did not regret it as I do more at the telephoto end. When shopping for one for my K20D I looked for and found a pre-Macro model. This is because the 200mm sharpness was compromised by Sigma when they added a longer focusing group for macro. There is no free lunch.
I use thie lens a lot for just about every kind of work. Balances good when using a vertical grip on the camera which I always use.
Kent Gittings
   
Senior Member

Registered: May, 2009
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 110
Review Date: July 31, 2009 Recommended | Price: $779.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Ultra-quiet, quick focus. Great IQ. Good "feel".
Cons: Can't think of any, yet.

Started looking at 70-200 2.8 lenses couple of years ago. Thought I'd wind up with the Tamron, due to lower cost; however, lack of high-speed focusing motor is a big downer for me.

Just got the Sigma lens in today. Some folks have posted complaints that there's no red alignment dot on the lens to match up with the camera body. My lens came with a white dot. Doesn't matter to me whether the dot's white or red.

Just did a few test shots today. Pretty impressed so far.
   
Senior Member

Registered: October, 2008
Location: Great Plain, Hungary
Posts: 204
Review Date: January 21, 2009 Recommended | Price: $1,000.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Inner zoom and focusing, image quality, built quality, tripod collar
Cons: none... (well, after an hour it is a bit heavy to hold)

Excellent lens. I have the first version (APO EX; ser. nr: 3×××××) without DG, macro or HSM features but I do not miss these shiny bits. The lens performs very well anyway, so no need for them. Both on analog and digital medium it simply does the job without compromise. The positive aspect of this old dog, that it still has an aperture ring, so I can even use it on my MX or Super A body without any restriction (less AF). Unfortunately Sigma made a step backward concerning aperture ring, as the latest versions miss this feature.

Update 08/10/2017: I have used this lens through the years on film cameras, then on digital. I found its image quality stunning on my old K100D with CCD sensor.

Now I own a K-1 and this lens just rocks on FF. Worth holding on to it until Pentax came out with the K-1 (not that I ever wanted to sell it though ).
   
Veteran Member

Registered: September, 2006
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 696
Review Date: April 30, 2008 Recommended | Price: $739.95 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: optical quality, mechanical construction
Cons: absolutely none

If on the side of the barrel this lens said "Pentax" instead of "Sigma", it would be a FA* lens. It it THAT good! It is so good that I'm having a hard time convincing myself that I want or need the DA* 200/2.8 lens. This one covers the same exact focal length and maximum aperture.

My copy is the pre-DG version. Even though it is the older screw drive autofocus mechanism, it is focusing very quickly. Only in the dimmest of light conditions does it hunt for focus, but which lens on a Pentax body doesn't.

This is my go-to lens when I shoot sports. It also works flawlessly with the Sigma EX teleconverters. With the EX 1.4x converter, you have a 98-280/4 lens. You may ask yourself that with this combination, why do I need the Sigma EX 100-300/4? Truly, you will really question. You will not be giving up much.

Price paid was in May of 2005 from Sigma4less and reflects availability and market at that time.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2007
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 323
Review Date: April 11, 2008 Recommended | Price: $750.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Most versatile lens in my bag. Does everything well.
Cons: Cant think of any worth mentioning.

This lens rarely comes off my camera. I use it for Family/Senior portraits, weddings, horse shows, birding, you name it.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: January, 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 17,868
Review Date: March 22, 2008 Recommended | Price: $1,200.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Speed, Image Quality, Build quality
Cons: None (proividing you accept an F2.8 200mm zoom weighs 2 pounds)

We really need a 9.5 quality rating, nothing is ever perfect but this lens is much better than a 9.

I have the origonal (pre DG) version, and have used it for 4 + years now, starting with my *istD and now on the K10D.

The lens is exceptional, and also suffers very little loss of performance when used with the 1.4x or 2x sigma TCs.

The only noticible performance change with a 2x TC is a slight tendancy to go from minimum to maximum focus when aquiring a new subject at different focus distance.

One thing I have noticed is that the plastic lens hood had a tendancy to stick, due to plastic on plastic friction that developed when locking it in place. I fixed this with a little soap on the lock in track. This problem is not unique to sigma, tamron lenses also suffer from the hoods binding on the plastic to plastic interface.

One thing that would be a nice aftermarket product for the lens would be a set of tulip hoods that consider the ASP-C crop factor, and also use with 1.4x and 2x TCs. the existing hood is dimensioned for the field of view of a full frame sensor/35mm film camera and not as effective as it could be.

A note for manual focus users. I have tried this with the lens, but the focusing collar only has a 90 degree (1/4 turn) rotation from minimum focus to infinity. WHile it makes aquiring an image to a rough focus easy, precise focus is difficult because of the limited range of motion on the focusing collar. although it can be manually focused, this is really an AF lens and should be used that way. There is a mechanical clutch in the focusing collar that can disengage the focusing collar for AF use.

A note for DSLR Users: Depending upon the focusing screen used in your DSLR (K10D is one specific case), when this lens is used with a telecvonverter such as sigma's APO 1.4x and 2X Teleconverters there is an exposure error due to the inability of the camera to know the true maxiumum apature. As a result you need to compensate by setting exposure compensation to between -.7 and -1.3 stops for correct exposure. Tele converters that modify, with internal circuitry, the apature reporting do not need this coppensation (added with an edit)

Edit note, this should be split into 2 reviews, one for the APO 70-200 F2.8 EX and one for the APO 70-200 F2.8 EX DG Perhaps one of the reviewers with the DG version can enter it as a new lens. The same comment will also apply with the HSM version when it appears.
   
Junior Member

Registered: January, 2011
Location: adelaide
Posts: 30
Review Date: January 10, 2012 Recommended | Price: $699.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: solid lens
Cons: could do with weather resistant
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 9   

This lens was on special in Aust with local warranty. It was a steal. superb lens. Fast focus. Great bokeh, no flare evident. Good for just about everything. Never leave home without it.
I only wish it was weather resistant.
   
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: May, 2011
Location: Richmond, Virginia USA
Posts: 2,900
Review Date: January 10, 2012 Recommended | Price: $475.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Fast focus, excellent picture quality
Cons: noisy autofocus
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 10    Value: 10   

please be nice since i am a newbie to this sight, not to pentax. forgot to mention i am talking about the non dg model.
the gods must have been watching over me because i found this lens at a bargain. i was disappointed when i first received it because it had some dust inside the lens but i soon realized the dust had no impact on the photo quality. i have been using it for bird and nature shots as well as outdoor sports and has pretty much stayed on my K5 camera since i got it. i also purchased prior to this lens a 50-500 sigma which i think is awesome but have to say i prefer this 70-200. less weight, fits perfectly in my hands, have used it with the 2x converter and am extremely pleased with the quality. if i saw another one for sale i would buy it in a second. i have noticed others commenting on how quiet the focus is so maybe that is why i got it so cheap. i still love it!!!
Add Review of Sigma APO EX 70-200mm F2.8



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