Product Description

This large aperture zoom lens has improved optical performance and retains close-up ability with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in and maximum magnification ration of 1:3.5. This lens is suitable for taking all type of subjects such as portraits, landscape, and close-up pictures. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and three ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming systems. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling. A removable tripod collar (TS-21) is included as a standard component. When this lens is used with the optional 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters, it becomes a 98-280mm F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm F5.6 AF telephoto zoom lens respectively.

Product Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model: B001046ES2
• Released on: 2008-01-20
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 3.50" w x 3.50" l, .75 pounds

Features

• Improved optical performance with a minimum focusing distance of 39.4"/100cm, and maximum magnification of 1:3.5
• Two SLD and three ELD glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations
• Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting
• HSM ensures quiet, high speed autofocus with full time manual focusing
• APO Tele Converter is available

Amazon.com Product Description
This large aperture 70-200mm macro zoom lens offers an improved optical performance over earlier versions while retaining the same close-up ability (39.4 inches) and magnification range (1:3.5) as before. The lens--which is suitable for a range of applications, including portraits, landscape photos, and close-ups--offers two special-low-dispersion (SLD) and three extraordinary-low-dispersion (ELD) glass elements. The elements combine to provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations, ensuring high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The lens also incorporates a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), which supports a quiet, high-speed autofocus system as well as full-time manual focusing. Other features include a super multilayer coating that reduces flare and ghosting, inner focusing and inner zooming systems that preserve the overall length of the lens while shooting to ensure convenient handling, and a removable tripod collar. All Sigma lenses carry a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 70 to 200mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Lens construction: 18 elements in 15 groups
• Angle of view: 34.3 to 12.3 degrees
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9
• Minimum focusing distance: 39.4 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1:3.5
• Filter size: 77mm
• Hood: Petal type
• Corresponding AF mounts: Canon
• Dimensions: 3.4 inches in diameter and 7.3 inches long
• Weight: 48.3 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Customer Reviews

Great lens...not a cheap alternative to the Nikon
I was worried when I bouught this lens because I had only tried the Tamron copy, but my only experience with non-Nikon is with Sigma. I LOVE this lens. I got it for shooting sporting events for my university newspaper, and have had no problems in the month that I've had it. It autofocuses faster than the Tamron. A monopod isn't necessary because it's such a fast lens. Even at night with stadium lighting, the AF has little trouble.

The best thing I've heard for people wanting to shoot sports since buying this "cheap copy" lens came from a professional on the sidelines the firtst time I used my new lens. He said to my question about the Nikon 70-200mm, "Honestly, I turn the VR off when I'm not doing still portrait shots because it gets out of whack when I start following a moving person."

Made me feel VERY content with my decision to buy the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8

Cannot tell the difference between Canon and Sigma.
I have both the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 and this lens. The version I received is as clear and sharp as the Canon 70-200mm version and ALOT less expensive! The bokeh is as good. When photographing a local high school senior session recently, I shot the Sigma and my associate shot with the Canon lens. We dumped all our images together and aside from style, you could not tell which images had been taken with which lens. The bodies were both 40Ds. I have to look at the metadata to tell which ones are which.

If you are making the decision about which lens to buy, try this lens out. With Amazon's great customer service, if the lens doesn't work out send it back. But I am pretty sure you will keep it. I would encourage you to try this lens out before dropping almost $1000 more for the Canon counterpart.

Fantastic lens, and an even more fantastic price
I thought about going with a Nikon lens, but after looking at the features and prices, I thought this would be a better option. So far, I'm extremely pleased with it. It's truly sharp, even at 2.8. Focusing is fast and quiet on my D200. I could not be more happy with it. The accessories that came with it -- lens hood and soft case -- are nice touches, too.

And, in this price range, I also appreciate the fact that the focal range starts at 70mm -- and the macro feature works quite well at this range, too.