Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX II HSM

[nic67]

Hi,

Any forumners using this lens on a Nikon mount?

I am interested in buying this lens, since reviews on the net is still limited as the lens was only introduced a 1/2 year ago.

From what I have gathered so far, the 'Macro' moniker was not exactly correct, the focusing is not accurate for F-stop changes, quite a bit of reports on front-focusing issue. The good thing is the fast HSM, FTM a major plus, beautiful bokeh. Flare is ok except for direct sunlight.

If any users has anything else to offer as usage experience or advice, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance to all who replies to this thread.

[Daedalus Trent]

yea, i'm interested to know too

little literature up on the web

[GavinTing]

Practical Photography magazine says it focuses well in good or studio lighting, very bad in low light. Also, no focus limiter, so when it hunts.. It hunts bad

[La Fontaine]

I tried in at AP[SL] a few weeks ago.

Focusing - fast and no hunting in the shops light. However, I felt the torque-reaction when the HSM motor starts and stops. Probably, it would be less so if you use a heavier camera like a D200/D300 or heavier, as I was using a D40 for the test.

Picture Quality - better than I expected, as according to the reviews I read, especially from photozone. I did a fast comparison with the Tm70-200. The Tamron is just a wee bit better at F2.8, but not significant enough.

Distortion/Vignetting/Flare - for this kind of zoom, no issue with distortion, especially for the APS size sensor. Ditto for vignetting. Flare - dunno leh, din check.

I am pretty confident of Sigma, especially their EX range of lenses. Should nót have any problem in terms of reliability and durability. So far, haven''t heard of any major problem except for the "famous" or rather infamous paint peeling. If that''s the only complaint, no issue for me la.

Pricing - $1600 or thereabout. Just too high. I know that it is much lower in HK.

[Stray Sheep]

I was quoted 1190 for a brand new set of the HSM II, with 1yr int'l warranty.
But I'm required to pay upfront 20% first. Do u think its safe to proceed?

[bhybhy]

hm... is there a OS/VC version sigma/tamron of the 70-200 apart from nikon/canon VR and IS? hope the third party lens maker comes out with them soon. cant wait....

[nic67]

Originally Posted by bhybhy hm... is there a OS/VC version sigma/tamron of the 70-200 apart from nikon/canon VR and IS? hope the third party lens maker comes out with them soon. cant wait....

I have tried checking with Sigma on the intention of adding the OS module to the 70-200 f2.8, reply from them was that no such plan in sight. Guess the wait would be at least another 2 years or so.

[avengerjr]

Originally Posted by nic67 I have tried checking with Sigma on the intention of adding the OS module to the 70-200 f2.8, reply from them was that no such plan in sight. Guess the wait would be at least another 2 years or so.

Omg thats too long a wait for the 3rd party lens maker to come up with a stabilise lens for that range... guess have to wait for nikon replacement for the vr 70-200 to be out (should be soon rite?)... by then the highly acclaimed VR 70-200 will reduced its price to acceptable levels....hopefully....

or we can wait for tamron to incorporate their VC earlier then sigma.


Keeping my fingers crossed.

[nic67]

Originally Posted by Stray Sheep I was quoted 1190 for a brand new set of the HSM II, with 1yr int'l warranty. But I'm required to pay upfront 20% first. Do u think its safe to proceed?

Hi,

Could you give the me the contact for your purchase?

You can PM me.

Thanks a million.