Sigma 70 - 300
 

I was in what passes for a camera shop here and saw a Sigma AF 70 - 300 lens for sale. I don't know the model number but it's the model that has a switch changing it fro zoom to macros in the 200 - 300 mm range. There are several similar lenses on Ebay. The lens was fairly cheap, about $250 Canadian. The question is, is it any good? Has anyone on here used it? Would it be sharper than my Canon 75 - 300 kit lens?
I'm about to buy something to expand my kit but haven't yet decided on what will give me the best bang for my buck. The lens in question is a possibility, so is a 1.4 teleconverter. I'm also thinking about a set of extension tubes. I'd like to be able to do macro but also want a longer reach with sharper pictures.
$ are limited so this may be my last equipment purchase this year so I want to spend wisely.

I just waded through 24 pages of comment on this lens on POTN and it was consistently positive but many of the examples posted failed to impress me, particularly the macros, there were a few good shots though. Still debating with self.

Can't comment on the lens, Dan, but my heart bleeds for you going through the trauma of deciding on a new bit of kit.

sigma 70-300apo dg. i own one of these, the macro seems to work fine for me, ill try link up the results for you..any other questions before u decide?

jamie

I went ahead with the purchase based on examples and comments on the canon forum. I ordered the APO version. I had hoped to find one on Ebay but none of the ones on there were APO and thought that the extra cost would be worth it. I'd still be interested in tips etc on using it.
Thanks for the input. I should receive it by next Friday.

I got the 70-300DG a few days ago to use on the 400D both new to me so a new learning curve but what pics I have taken I am happy with.

Jim

That's reassuring to hear.

Extension tubes are cheap and good on ebay from Hong Kong. I bought an Olympus set. They are manual only but autofocus is no use on macro anyway. I also bought an Sigma OM 75-250 macro this give real close up with the tubes. DOF is too small in most cases unless you are very careful.

I have the Sigma 70-300 APO Tele-marco and it seems to be a fairly good lens for more of a consumer lens

I use it for motorsports and although at full zoom its not the sharpest, for the money I cant complain!

Also gives a nice shallow DOF...for me anyway ;)